Massage for Infants and Small Children

Essential oils are of great benefit for babies and young children using massage techniques.  Clearly, their skin is very sensitive and extreme care should be taken to use a carrier oil during a massage.  A 2-5% carrier dilution is appropriate.  

With those precautions in mind, recognize that an essential oils massage for a baby encourages a great fun and bonding time with parents.  Massage for babies is also a proven technique for pain relief of many kinds including digestive discomfort and colic as well as other health concerns.  When using the correct essential oil, a massage is a physical type of ‘lullaby.’ 

A highly effective method with babies and small children is to massage their feet with essential oils.  It is considered a safe area to apply oils that might sometimes be considered too strong or concentrated for sensitive baby skin.  Still, use care with “hot oils, their feet will develop calluses but not until they begin walking.  With stronger oils the use of a carrier is recommended.  

Compresses with a damp, warm towel are comforting and therapeutic to a baby that is suffering from discomfort or pain.  Apply directly to the affected area(s), i.e., to the stomach area for tummy discomfort, etc.

Here are some further tips to keep in mind when massaging babies:

·         Warm hands under warm running water before beginning.

·         Find a relaxing time for both the baby and the administrator.  Prior to nap or bedtime is ideal.

·         Talk to the baby in kind gentle tones while massaging.

·         Warm the oil in the hand first before applying.

·         Use gentle soft rotary strokes.

·         Be gentle when applying to the tummy area.

·         Keep oils away from the eyes, genitals and mucus membranes.

Keep in mind that babies do not know better than to touch their eyes. Therefore, massage only those area(s) that can be clothed or covered after the massage to prevent transfer to the sensitive spots.  For instance, place socks on the infant or child after massaging their feet.