Baby Massage

It might seem strange to take a fragile new baby and start pummeling him about, but baby massage is safe, reassuring for your baby, and a fantastic bonding activity you can start almost from birth. When your baby was born, one of the first things you did was to touch him. Perhaps he was born onto your stomach, or brought straight into your arms. Even if he was whisked off for tests or to Special Care, you probably stole a few precious seconds to stroke his face, or hold his fingers.

Baby massage can be quite different from adult massage , both in terms of strokes and techniques. Baby massage should never be probing, but should also not be so light as to tickle the baby. Of course you need to be most gentle on tiny babies: a standard recommendation is to place your finger on your closed eyelid and press lightly, stopping before it feels uncomfortable. Use this as a gauge for how much strength to use on a new baby. For older babies, be quite firm as babies prefer confident handling. Think about what you would enjoy and then watch your baby for reactions. Though baby massage is not a technique practiced regularly at the Athenaeum Spa in Malta we have trained therapist who can offer this massage.

Your baby knows your touch, your voice, your scent, making you the expert when it comes to calming and comforting them. Others may share the tips and techniques for benefits like gas relief and helping your baby sleep at night, but you are the best person to take, use, and turn the techniques into the love you have for your baby. Although baby massage is not considered as a spa treatment this can be organized at the Athenaeum Spa.

What is baby massage?
Baby massage is gentle rubbing and movement of your baby's arms, legs, feet, tummy and back. Some of the moves help your baby to stretch out. A massage for babies is simply a method that helps to reinforce the natural power of touch. It is an ancient art that has been used in many diverse cultures to help with a variety of physical and emotional needs and to promote relaxation.

Benefits for babies can include:

•  Develops their first language, which is mainly touch

•  Enhances their feeling of being loved, respected and secure

•  Helps to strengthen and regulate their digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems

•  Relieves symptoms of colic , gas and constipation

•  Calmed nervous system leads to more restful sleep

•  Teaches babies how to be aware of their body's tension and how to release it, an invaluable gift as they grow into adulthood.

Benefits that parents identify:

•  Develops confidence when handling their baby

•  Enhances loving communication , helping parents to understand and respond to their baby's non-verbal language

•  Provides 'permission' to relax together with their baby

•  Increases awareness of baby's growth and development

•  The Athenaeum Spa in Malta can also organize mother and baby sessions in the pool.