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After bath time, give your baby a massage on her arms and legs while talking in a calm, loving voice and naming parts of her body.
Learning Area(s): Language and Communication; Social and Emotional
MATERIALS
- Baby-safe lotion or baby oil
- Towel or washable blanket
LET'S PLAY
After bath time, lay your baby down on her back on a towel or blanket. Using a small amount of lotion or oil, rub your hands together to make a sound so your baby knows it is time to start the massage. Gently massage your baby’s arms, hands, and fingers. While massaging her, tell her what you are doing in a soft voice. You can do the same with her belly, legs, feet and toes. Use gentle touch and a calm, positive voice.
TIPS
- Make sure to use baby-safe oil or lotion only, nothing with dyes or strong scents.
- Babies will also enjoy hearing you sing to them as you do this activity.
- It is important to watch for baby’s signals and read baby’s cues. Some babies may not like massage at all or may only like massage on certain body parts and not others (e.g., arms and legs but not head or belly). Stop as your baby expresses discomfort, and try again another time.
- For more tips on baby massage, go to International Association of Infant Massage or the Johnson’s Baby websites.