Gentle Touch® Parent-Child Program
TOP FIVE TIPS FOR INFANT MASSAGE
from the
Gentle Touch® Parent-Child Program
Pick a good time and place.
Find a time when you can become relaxed and focused. Strive for when the baby is happy, calm, and alert. Choose a familiar place where it is warm, quiet, the lights are low, and there are few distractions.
Be comfortable.
Position yourself so that your body is comfortable, and place your baby on padding. Encourage eye contact and a feeling of security. Be sure your hands are warm and clean, and use natural food-based oil.
Ask permission.
Infant massage is a wonderful relationship builder and communication tool. Therefore, ask your baby's permission to massage, and wait for your baby to answer through their cues.
Be flexible and sensitive.
Babies respond well to a gentle, firm touch. Take a break when you need one, and watch and listen closely as your baby communicates feelings, needs, and wants. Instruction and experience will help you to adjust your timing and touch so that it is appropriate and pleasurable.
Have fun!
The more you and your baby share massage time, the more benefits you'll both enjoy.
©1993-2004, Gentle Touch Parent-Child
Program, LLC
Emma Miller, D.Div., is the creator of and a trainer for the Gentle Touch® Parent-Child Program for pregnant women, infants, young children, and families. She is also the scriptwriter and co-producer of the Gentle Touch® Infant Massage Video. For more information about the video, parent/caregiver-child services, or training, please e-mail Program@GentleTouchParent-Child.com.
These handy reminders are on an insert in the Gentle Touch® Infant Massage Video.
See this article, printed with permission, in
January, 2002 issue of WNC Parent Magazine
April, 1998 issue of The Mountaineer Newspaper
October, 1997 on the Home Family Show on Cable TV
Tender Loving Care, International Association of Infant Massage, United States Chapter
a past issue of MotherTongue
Please contact the author for permission to reprint.
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©1993-2004, Gentle Touch
Parent-Child Program, LLC