BC Living
B.C.’s Best Coffee Shops for Networking and Working
Where to Find Gluten-Free Restaurants in BC
Recipe: Orecchiette With Rapini and Chili
Nature’s Pharmacy: 8 Herbal Boutiques in BC
How Barre Enhances Your Flexibility
Top Tips for Workout Recovery
Inviting the Steller’s Jay to Your Garden
6 Budget-friendly Holiday Decor Pieces
Dream Home: $8 Million for a Modern Surprise
Getaways for busy entrepreneurs
Exploring Vancouver’s Top Wellness Spas
Local Getaway: Hide Away at a Lakefront Cabin in Nakusp
7 Beauty and Wellness Influencers to Follow in BC
B.C. Adventures: Things to Do in January
Making Spirits Bright: Where to See Holiday Lights Around B.C.
9 Essential Winter Beauty and Skincare Products
5 Books You’ll Want to Cozy up to This Winter
The Best Gifts for Homebodies in 2024
Infant massage improves health and nurtures the bond between you.
Lately I have been giving my son massages after his bath. He absolutely loves it.
Massage is a nice way to get him ready for bed, and it is said to help babies sleep better, too. It also stimulates brain development and sensory awareness.
Instead of following a prescribed approach, I use my instincts to guide me through the infant massage. I use a light pressure and let the baby tell me what he likes with his body language.
If you aren’t comfortable trying infant massage alone, there are classes and support available.
Check these websites for group and personal classes and information:
www.vancouverinfantmassage.com
www.neomama.com
www.fit4two.ca
www.myfirstmassage.com
Using organic olive oil, which is a great moisturizer for baby’s sensitive skin, I start with his belly, gently rubbing in a circular motion and massaging his digestive organs. The massage can help relieve discomfort from constipation, gas and colic.
I then move to his legs. I think this is his favourite. I massage his thighs and calves and then his feet and he points his little toes as I run my hands down his legs. This massage helps normalize his muscle tone and improve his blood circulation. I do the same for his arms and hands. I then lay him on his side to do his back.
Whenever I give him his massage, Rhame goes into a kind of trance, gazing up at me with a little smile on his face; he really starts to relax. I really feel that we are connecting and bonding in a loving and nurturing way.
It also gives me some time to look over his body for any little injuries that I may not have noticed and make sure he is in good shape.
It has become a special quiet time for us and I am happy that I can help him feel good and relaxed.
Check out this quick video showing how easy infant massage is to administer and how calm it makes baby (by Jake Krohn via Flickr):
READ MORE: The Organic Baby Guide
Nicole Bridger was born and raised in Vancouver. In 2007 she started her own company, a clothing line of sustainable, contemporary women’s wear (website). In January of 2009, she and her husband became parents to their son, Rhame. They live and work in Vancouver.
Facebook: Nicole Bridger Design
