Toddler Massage

A toddler massage after bath time might be another step in your bedtime routine. Massage can sometimes help solve your toddler sleep problems and reduce bedtime anxiety because it can increase how relaxed your child feels. Plus having more one on one attention is something that your toddler will always love and will help them feel secure, safe and loved.

If your have not massaged your toddler before, don't worry, it's never too late to start! Make sure you have enough time as a rushed, frantic massage will not work for either of you! Also, if your toddler does not want a massage, then don't force it - simply move on to putting his pyjamas on.

Here are some of the benefits of toddler massage:

• It's relaxing for you and your toddler
• It's another opportunity for bonding after a busy day, one to one and quiet
• It can reduce wind and constipation
• The one-to-one contact improves general well-being and is a time when your toddler can have a chat with you with nothing else going on
• It can aid the functioning of the gastrointestical tract, circulation, immune system
• It can reduce levels of cortisol, the hormone which causes stress and so help children relax and sleep more deeply

How to give a toddler massage

• If your toddler would like a massage but is moving around, massage the part of his body that is in front of you! Be flexible and do not insist on massaging a particular part of his body if he doesn't want it.
• Massage can be short or long. Massage for only as long as your toddler wants it - there is no hard and fast rules for how long it needs to be. Go with the flow.
• Use oils such as sweet almond, apricot, sesame seed or grapeseed oil so that it is safe if your toddler if he then puts his massaged hands in his mouth.
• Use a fairly firm pressure rather than a stroking action
• Use long, smooth, slow movement and repeat each stroke a few times
• To massage your toddler's legs and arms slide your hand from the top of his leg down towards his ankle and then massage the soles of his feet from his heel to his toes(or wrist to fingers) and then massage each of his toes (or fingers).
• To massage his chest place your hands on his chest and then stroke upwards and outwards in the shape of a heart
• To massage his tummy use clockwise circles (at least 30 minutes after eating!). This can ease pain from gas, constipation and colic (this really worked for us)

Whilst you give your toddler a massage you might want to feel like chatting, singing or just being quiet. Take the lead from your toddler. Toddler massage can be a lovely time to enjoy being with your toddler and giving him or her very special contact. If you love having a massage your toddler might just love it too!

If you do not feel confident in giving your toddler a massage then research your local courses as infant and toddler massage classes are becoming more popular and are often available in short weekly courses. And perhaps try a simply back or foot rub to start with.