How to Perform an Abhyanga Massage for Babies

Massaging your baby is not just a way to relax and bond; it’s a time-honored tradition that has been passed down through generations in India. Known as Abhyanga, this Ayurvedic practice involves the gentle application of warm oil all over the body. Abhyanga massages offer several benefits, including promoting healthy skin, improving circulation, and helping babies sleep better.  

For new parents, performing an Abhyanga massage might feel intimidating at first, but with a little practice and patience, it can become a calming routine that both you and your baby look forward to. In this blog, we’ll walk through how to perform an Abhyanga massage for your baby step by step while also explaining the numerous benefits this practice provides.  

What is Abhyanga Massage?  

Abhyanga is a form of Ayurvedic massage that involves applying warm oil to the skin in long, gentle strokes. Traditionally, oils like sesame oil, coconut oil, or almond oil are used, each offering its own unique benefits. In babies, Abhyanga helps improve skin texture, promotes better blood flow, and can even soothe a fussy child, helping them to relax and sleep more soundly.  

In Ayurveda, it is believed that regular oil massages help in balancing the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) in the body, which is important for overall well-being. For babies, it also strengthens the immune system and supports their physical development.  

Benefits of Abhyanga Massage for Babies  

Before we explain how to give an Abhyanga massage, let’s look at why it’s so beneficial for your baby:  

• Improves Circulation:

  The gentle strokes during the massage help boost blood flow, which is essential for healthy growth and development.  

• Promotes Relaxation:

   A good massage helps soothe your baby’s nervous system, calming them down and making them feel secure.  

• Aids Digestion:

  Massaging the stomach area can help with gas, colic, and constipation.  

• Boosts Immune System:

  Regular massages help stimulate the lymphatic system, which in turn strengthens the immune system.  

• Encourages Better Sleep:

  The warmth of the oil and the rhythmic movements promote relaxation, which helps babies sleep more soundly.  

Choosing the Right Oil for Abhyanga Massage  

Selecting the right oil for your baby’s massage is an important step. Some of the most commonly used oils include:  

• Sesame Oil:

  This is a classic Ayurvedic oil known for its warming properties. It’s especially good for babies born in colder months as it helps retain body heat.  

• Coconut Oil:

  Known for its cooling and moisturizing properties, coconut oil is great for babies born during the summer or those with sensitive skin.  

• Almond Oil:

  Almond oil is rich in vitamin E, which nourishes the skin and is suitable for all skin types.  

• Olive Oil:

  Often used in many homes, olive oil is light and easily absorbed, making it ideal for regular use.  

How to Perform an Abhyanga Massage for Your Baby  

Now that you know why Abhyanga is so beneficial, let’s break down the steps of giving your baby a soothing and effective massage.  

Step 1: Set Up a Comfortable Space  

Find a quiet, warm place in your home where you and your baby can relax. Lay down a soft towel or blanket on a firm surface. Make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature, so your baby doesn’t get too cold.  

Step 2: Warm the Oil  

Pour a small amount of your abyanga oil into a bowl and gently warm it. You can do this by placing the bowl in hot water for a few minutes. Make sure the oil is comfortably warm, but not too hot, by testing it on the inside of your wrist.  

Step 3: Start with the Legs  

Begin the massage with your baby’s legs. Using your hands, apply the warm oil and gently stroke downwards from the thigh to the ankle. Use firm but gentle pressure and remember to massage both the front and back of the legs. This helps stimulate circulation and muscle development.  

Step 4: Move to the Arms  

Next, apply oil to your baby’s arms, starting from the shoulders and working your way down to the wrists. You can also massage their tiny hands by gently opening their palms and pressing lightly on each finger. This not only improves circulation but also enhances sensory development.   

Step 5: Massage the Chest and Tummy  

With gentle strokes, massage your baby’s chest. You can make small circular motions around the chest area, which can help open up the lungs and improve breathing. When massaging the tummy, use circular motions in a clockwise direction to aid digestion and reduce gas or colic.  

Step 6: Back and Spine  

Gently turn your baby over onto their tummy and apply oil to the back. Using your hands, move in long strokes from the neck down to the bottom of the spine. This is especially relaxing for your baby and helps with the development of their spinal muscles.  

Step 7: Massage the Head and Face  

Lastly, apply a small amount of oil to your baby’s scalp and massage gently with your fingertips. This promotes hair growth and calms your baby. For the face, use your fingers to gently stroke from the centre of the forehead outward, down the nose, and across the cheeks.  

Step 8: Finish with the Feet  

Babies love having their feet massaged! Use your thumbs to press lightly on the soles of your feet in circular motions. This helps improve circulation and stimulates the nerve endings in the feet, promoting overall well-being.  

Baby Forest’s Shishu Abhyanga Oils  

For parents seeking a natural, safe, and effective oil for their baby’s Abhyanga massage, Baby Forest’s Shishu Abhyanga Oils is a fantastic option. This all-in-one oil combo set is designed to provide the perfect oils for your baby’s body and hair massage needs. The combo includes:  

• Maasoom Malish Baby Body Massage Oil:

  A gentle body massage oil that nourishes and hydrates your baby’s skin, perfect for daily use.  

• Nanhi Champi Baby Hair Massage Oil:

  This oil promotes healthy hair growth and strengthens the scalp, making it ideal for regular head massages.  

• Badami Sneh Organic Almond Cold Pressed Oil:

  Rich in vitamin E, this oil deeply nourishes your baby’s skin, leaving it soft and smooth.  

• Narial Tailam Organic Cold Pressed Coconut Oil:

  Known for its cooling and moisturizing properties, this coconut oil is perfect for keeping your baby’s skin hydrated, especially during warmer months.  

What makes the Shishu Abhyanga Oils even more special is the addition of a complimentary surprise gift—a delightful toy or a handy travel kit, making the set a complete package for your baby’s care routine.  

To use these oils, simply warm a small amount in your hands and apply it gently to your baby’s body or hair, following the steps outlined for an Abhyanga massage. The nourishing blend of natural oils will help relax your baby, improve their skin and hair health, and promote restful sleep, making it an essential part of your baby’s daily care routine.  

When Should You Do Abhyanga?  

Abhyanga can be done daily, preferably before bath time. Some parents like to do it in the morning, while others prefer a gentle massage before bedtime to help their baby sleep. Whatever time you choose, try to be consistent so your baby begins to recognize the routine and feel secure.  

Conclusion 

As you incorporate Abhyanga into your baby’s daily routine, you’re not only helping their body grow and develop but also nurturing their sense of security and love. So, take your time, enjoy the process, and know that with each gentle stroke, you’re supporting your baby’s health and happiness.