Baby Massage - Benefits and How to Do it
Touch is one of the first ways a baby learns about the world—and about you. Baby massage is a gentle, nurturing way to support your baby’s development while strengthening your bond. More than just a calming routine, it’s a practice backed by research that can support sleep, digestion, emotional connection, and even immunity.
If you’re new to the idea, don’t worry—you don’t need special skills or tools to get started. Just your hands, a quiet space, and a little guidance. Let’s walk through what baby massage is, how it helps, and how to do it safely.
Key Takeaways
Baby massage supports better sleep, digestion, and physical development.
It strengthens the bond between parent and baby through intentional touch.
Parents often feel more confident and calm after learning massage techniques.
Starting with your baby’s cues—and approval from your pediatrician—is key.
What is Baby Massage?
Baby massage (also called infant massage or newborn massage) is the practice of using gentle, rhythmic strokes on your baby’s skin. It’s typically done in a calm environment, using light pressure and a relaxed pace to help your baby feel safe and nurtured.
While massage can be as simple as lightly rubbing your baby’s back or feet, structured routines can also support things like circulation, digestion, and emotional regulation. Over time, many families incorporate baby massage into their daily rhythm—especially before naps or bedtime.
What it typically involves:
Light, slow strokes over the body
Gentle handling of limbs and joints
Focused attention on baby’s reactions and cues
Optional use of baby-safe oils or lotions
There’s no “perfect” way to do it—what matters most is your presence and your baby’s comfort.
Massage Benefits for Babies
Infant massage offers many short- and long-term benefits for babies, both physically and emotionally. Here are some of the most well-documented effects.
Encourages Better Sleep
Massage can help babies fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer by lowering stress hormones and promoting relaxation.
Supports Digestion and Relieves Discomfort
Tummy massage can stimulate digestion and help ease common newborn challenges like gas, colic, and constipation. It's especially helpful during those early weeks of adjustment.
Aids in Physical Development
Touch helps stimulate the nervous system and supports motor skills and body awareness. Massage also improves circulation and flexibility, which are essential as your baby grows and begins to move more.
Builds Emotional Security
Baby massage helps your little one feel safe, connected, and calm—key foundations for emotional development. The consistent, loving touch helps your baby learn to self-soothe and trust their environment.
May Support Immunity
Some early research suggests that regular massage may help regulate cortisol levels and promote better immune function in infants, especially in preterm babies.
Infant Massage Benefits for Parents
Just as importantly, baby massage can be incredibly beneficial for you as a caregiver.
Strengthens the Parent-Baby Bond
Massage fosters skin-to-skin contact, eye contact, and communication—all essential parts of early bonding. It helps you become more in tune with your baby’s body language and signals.
Builds Confidence
New parents often feel unsure about how to soothe their baby. Learning a simple, hands-on skill like baby massage can help you feel more empowered and connected.
Reduces Parental Stress
The act of slowing down to massage your baby can lower your own stress levels and create peaceful, shared moments—even on tough days.
Supports Mental Health
Some studies show that massage may support postpartum mental health by increasing oxytocin and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Enhances Daily Routines
Including baby massage in a bedtime or after-bath routine helps signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down—making daily transitions smoother.
How to Get Started with Infant Massage
Before you begin, take a few steps to make sure both you and your baby are comfortable and ready.
Get the OK from the Doctor
Always check with your pediatrician before starting massage, especially if your baby was born prematurely or has any health concerns.
Gather Supplies
You’ll need a soft, warm surface (like a towel or blanket), and optionally, a baby-safe oil or lotion. Look for unscented, hypoallergenic options. You don’t need much—just a calm space and your hands.
Time it When Baby is Calm and Alert
The best time to massage is when your baby is awake, calm, and not too hungry or full. Many parents find that after a bath or before bedtime works well.
Read Your Baby’s Cues
Watch for signs your baby is ready—like eye contact, stillness, or quiet coos. If your baby turns away, cries, or stiffens, pause and try again later.
How to Do Infant Massage
There’s no perfect technique, but here are some general guidelines for different areas of the body.
Back
Lay your baby on their tummy or across your lap. Use gentle circular motions or long strokes from neck to bottom. This area helps relieve tension and support muscle development. Be especially gentle if your baby isn’t used to tummy time yet.
Hands
Massage each finger individually, then use your thumb to stroke the palm. Babies often clench their fists early on—this helps them open up and explore with their hands.
Feet
Using your thumbs, make small circles on the soles of the feet and gently press each toe. Foot massage is calming and often well-loved by even the youngest babies.
Shoulders
Gently roll your baby’s shoulders in a circular motion, supporting the arms. This can help release tension and promote mobility in the upper body.
Chest and Belly
Place both hands flat on your baby’s chest and stroke outward. For the belly, use gentle clockwise circles—this follows the direction of digestion and can help with gas and bloating. Always skip belly massage right after a feeding.
Things to Consider Before Massaging an Infant
Avoid massage if your baby is sick, has a rash, or seems overstimulated.
Never use deep pressure—baby massage should always be soft and slow.
Keep sessions short at first (5–10 minutes), gradually increasing as your baby gets used to it.
If using oil, do a patch test on a small area of skin to check for sensitivity.
Bottom Line
Baby massage is a simple, evidence-supported way to promote your baby’s health and strengthen your bond. With just a few minutes a day, you can help your baby feel more secure, sleep more soundly, and grow with confidence.
At Birthly, we believe that confident parents make a world of difference. That’s why we include baby care basics—including baby massage—in our online classes and community. Whether you're a first-time parent or just looking to add a new tool to your routine, our live educators are here to support you every step of the way.
Infant Massage FAQ
How does infant massage help fussy babies?
Massage can trigger the release of calming hormones and reduce overstimulation, helping babies relax and self-soothe.
Is massage oil safe for babies?
Yes—just be sure to use fragrance-free, baby-specific oils or lotions. Do a patch test to be safe.
When should you start a baby massage?
You can begin once your baby’s umbilical stump has healed and your pediatrician gives the go-ahead—usually within the first few weeks.
What kind of touch do you need to use during a baby massage?
Use soft, gentle strokes. Your touch should be firm enough to feel supportive, but never rough or deep.
Sources
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/the-benefits-of-baby-massage.aspx
https://postpartum.net/mother-infant-bonding-its-not-always-instant/
https://www.chrichmond.org/blog/details/the-many-benefits-of-infant-massage
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9179989/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0163638323000899