9 minute readThe science behind baby massage
It’s a widely accepted fact that massages feel fantastic, but why is this? Much like most adults, babies tend to enjoy a good massage before bedtime, but what does the science say?
Research indicates that massage stimulates the production of certain sleep-benefiting hormones, such as oxytocin, which is often referred to as the “love hormone”. This is the same hormone that’s released during breastfeeding and cuddling, and has been proven to help strengthen the bond between parent and baby. Massage has also been proven to lower the levels of cortisol in the body — the hormone responsible for stress.
But that’s not all — a study found that infants who were massaged achieved higher cognitive scores than their non-massaged peers, proving that baby massage can even boost brain power!
At a glance: the benefits of baby massage
We’ve covered the science, now let’s summarise the benefits of giving your tot a massage before bed:
Promotes healthy growth and development
Research has shown that babies who receive regular massages may experience better weight gain and improved overall growth. This is especially beneficial for premature babies, or little ones suffering from certain medical conditions.
Enhances bonding
The skin-to-skin contact involved in massaging releases the all-important feel-good chemical, oxytocin, boosting your baby’s sense of security and strengthening their bond with you.
Improves sleep quality
Massage has been proven to promote relaxation, making it the ideal addition to your pre-bedtime routine. If you’re struggling to get your baby to settle into a consistent sleep schedule, or your little one tends to get overtired and fussy, massage is an excellent way to make bedtime that little bit easier.
Boosts cognitive development
There’s evidence to suggest that regular massage can enhance brain development in infants, with tactile stimulation helping to strengthen the neural pathways.
The step-by-step guide to baby massage
Ready to treat your tot? Our simple guide to baby massage is just what you need. Your little one will be feeling zen in no time at all — but first, a little prep is in order.
Find a comfy, cosy spot. Somewhere warm and distraction-free. You can massage your baby on the floor or on an elevated surface, such as a bed or changing table, but be sure not to leave your tot unattended on a high surface, as this could lead to a nasty accident.
The best time to massage your baby?You can massage your baby any time of day when they’re calm and alert and receptive to it, but after bathtime is often a great time to do it. What’s important is that you’re both feeling relatively calm, comfortable, and ready to relax.
When you’re ready, undress your baby (their nappy can stay on, or come off — it’s up to you), take off any sharp or spiky rings, and if you tend to run cold, do your tot a favour and warm those hands up!
If you’re using any, prepare your oil or cream (cold pressed sunflower oil is the best) by adding a little onto your palms rather than applying directly to your baby’s skin (though it’s best to avoid using any at all during the first month of life).
Always let baby know what you’re doing, too – tell them you’re about to give them a massage, and let them see you rubbing your hands together to warm the oil. This will become a cue so they learn to anticipate what’s coming next.
Then? You’re both good to go!
Step 1: Start with the feet and legs
Gently hold your baby’s leg with one hand, and use the other to make smooth, upward strokes from the ankle to the thigh. You can repeat this a few times on each leg — oh, and feel free to admire how wonderfully plump they are while you’re at it.
For the feet, focus on each individual toe, applying soft pressure and gently spreading the toes out, one by one.
Step 2: Tummy rubs
Use your fingers to trace small circles on their tummy, then use your palms to gently stroke down their chest, as if you’re erasing the circles. Always go in a clockwise motion to mimic the direction of the bowel.
Step 3: Arms and hands
Similar to what you did with the legs, gently hold one arm at a time, and start with soft strokes from the wrist to the shoulder.
For the hands, massage the palm by applying gentle pressure with your thumbs and rotating. Massage each finger individually, holding them with your index finger and thumb, applying gentle pressure, and ‘rolling’ them back and forth.
Step 4: Back
Carefully turn your baby onto their tummy, making sure they’re fully comfortable, and use long, gentle, slow strokes from the neck down to the toes. Lift each leg by the heel, and gently push it towards their bottom.
Step 5: Head and face
Finally, finish off with some gentle strokes on their head and face. Use your fingertips to make tiny circles on their scalp. Lightly massage their forehead and, of course, those adorable cheeks.
A gentle facial massage can also be useful for clearing congestion or easing teething pain — for the former, sweep your fingers down and outwards across the nose, and gently massage the jaw to help with the latter.
Remember: face strokes should always be very gentle — no more than the pressure you’d put on your own eyelids with your finger.
Can baby massage help with colic?
Yes! Gentle strokes can aid digestion and help to alleviate any discomfort from gas or colic. Massaging specifically to relieve colic is performed a little differently from a regular infant massage though, so we’ll take you through the steps needed.
Baby massage for colic
Trying to soothe a gassy, fussy baby can be rough, but you’d be surprised at the wonders a little massage therapy can work on your troubled tot. Here’s a quick guide to infant massage techniques specifically targeting the causes of gassiness.
"I Love You" massage
Trace the letters "I," "L," and "U" on your baby’s tummy using gentle strokes. This helps stimulate digestion and release gas.
Knee-to-tummy pump
Hold your baby’s legs, gently pressing their knees toward their belly, then releasing. Repeat to relieve bloating and encourage gas to pass.
The water wheel
Using both hands, make smooth, downward strokes from the ribs to the lower belly, like a gentle wave. This can help move gas through the digestive system.
Bicycle legs
Move your baby’s legs in a slow, cycling motion to help release trapped gas and soothe their tummy.
Tummy circles
With two fingers, make gentle clockwise circles around the belly button. This mimics the natural flow of digestion and eases discomfort — just be careful not to put too much pressure on the bladder.
A few extra things to keep in mind
Timing is everything. Try to massage your baby when they’re calm but awake — think right after a bath or before bedtime. Avoid massaging right after feeding or when they’re especially fussy.
Gentle oils for a gentle touch. Opt for the most natural oil or lotion you can find — cold pressed sunflower oil is a popular favourite. Just remember to always perform a patch test to make sure there’s no risk of a reaction, and avoid using oils at all until your baby’s at least one month old.
Follow your little one’s cues. Your baby is the ultimate guide here! Pay attention to their body language and sounds. If they seem uncomfortable or upset, it might be time to stop or change your approach. The key is to make it a pleasant experience for both of you.
Make sure the room (and your hands) are warm enough. The room should be at least 16-20°C and your hands should be nice and warm to ensure your baby is comfortable.
How do I know my baby’s enjoying their massage?
To the untrained eye, babies aren’t the best at explaining how they’re feeling, but give things time and you’ll become fluent in their (unspoken) language. If your baby shows any of the signs below, you can be confident that you’re hitting all the right spots:
Relaxed body language. If your baby seems loose and relaxed (as opposed to tense or stiff), they’re likely enjoying the experience.
Giggling or coos. Sweet little sounds and giggles are clear indicators that your baby is having a good time. It’s like their version of saying, “More, please!”
Eye contact and smiles. If they’re looking at you and smiling, it’s a great sign that they’re connecting and feeling loved.
Are there any times I shouldn’t massage my baby?
While baby massage can be beneficial, there are times when it’s probably best to skip it. Here are a few situations to watch out for:
When your baby is unwell. If they have a fever, rash, or any signs of illness, it’s best to hold off until they’re feeling better. If they’re gassy or have colic, a massage can help, but you’ll need to switch things up a little — follow our colic massage guide above!
Straight after feeding. Try to wait at least 30 minutes after feeding before diving into a massage. Nobody wants a baby spewing their last meal mid-massage!
After vaccinations. If your baby has had a vaccination, you should wait at least 48 hours before giving them a massage.
If they’re in pain. If your baby seems unusually fussy or is crying (and you can’t figure out why), massage might not be the answer. Always check with your paediatrician if you’re unsure.
Massage is one of the most powerful tools in a parent’s toolkit — not only does it come to the rescue during bedtime or those dreaded gassy moments, but it’s also an amazing way to strengthen your bond with your little one. Who knew that a few gentle strokes could work such magic?
Still struggling to get your baby to sleep? Try our article on the signs and stages of baby sleep regression, or read up on the benefits of white noise. And above all, remember — you’ve got this!
Reviewed by Rosey Davidson, Sleep Consultant, founder & CEO, in November 2024.