General strengthening massage with gymnastics. Massage for children under one year of age: basic rules. The need for massage for adults

Massage has been known to mankind for several millennia. There are many varieties of such effects on the human body - from traditional to exotic (hot, Thai, stone, African, etc.). Children's massage is always considered separately: it is special kind treatment and prevention, which helps parents in a wide variety of situations. In this material we will tell you what a baby massage is and how to give it to a child yourself.

Benefits of procedures

Massage is an indispensable assistant for mothers and fathers who want to raise healthy child. A small child needs it to relieve muscle hypertonicity, which is physiological, because the baby in the mother’s womb is not in the most comfortable position for many months. A child is born with arms and legs that do not fully straighten, and his fists almost never open. A newborn needs parental help in relieving muscle tone so that he can grow and develop physically more harmoniously.

For older children, massage is necessary to support the musculoskeletal system and muscle corset, since they bear enormous loads during the intensive growth of the child. Massage improves local blood circulation, increases blood flow to the skin, improves metabolism, and promotes the development of the nervous system, because when massaged, certain nerve receptors are intensively excited. Due to this, massage has a calming effect for hyperactive children, and a tonic effect for slow and lethargic toddlers.

If a child is capricious, eats poorly, sleeps poorly, or is often sick, a massage will help improve his well-being. A properly conducted session will help with a wide variety of early childhood problems: regurgitation, colic, constipation, dacryocystitis, muscle hypotonicity, and a runny nose.

Wellness massage is recommended for all healthy children, because it strengthens children's immunity, and this, to be honest, is the most important task of any loving parent.

Massage for a baby is not only a therapeutic and prophylactic procedure, but also communication with parents, because during the session he feels tactile contact with his mother, which is so necessary for him in the first year of life. This communication has a beneficial effect on the development of the emotional, mental and intellectual spheres of the baby’s personality.

Kinds

A massage for a child is carried out according to the same scheme as a massage for adults, but all the effects are more delicate, gentle and careful.

Depending on the purpose of the massage, there are several main types.

Medicinal

This type of influence, as the name implies, is used when the baby has certain diseases that require conservative treatment, which includes massage procedures. Often prescribed for diseases of internal organs and the nervous system.

Orthopedic

This massage is very common, it is a professional massage and is indicated if a child has problems with the musculoskeletal system. It is also carried out by professionals or by the parents themselves, previously instructed by professionals, under their supervision. Indicated for flat feet, hip dysplasia, scoliosis, torticollis, kyphosis and lordosis, hallux valgus and varus deformities of the feet.

General (classic)

This type of massage has many other names. It is called general strengthening or strengthening. This is the same type of procedure that can and should be performed on children at almost any age at home. Indicated even for completely healthy children. But infants, easily excitable and lethargic children, and children who are often ill need it especially. In turn, a general massage can be relaxing and tonic.

Spot

This type of massage came to us from the East. Acupuncture points, the stimulation of which is provided by the technique, affect the functioning of certain organs and systems, the brain, and nervous system. It is quite complex for a non-professional, but some types of acupressure can still be performed at home, for example, massage for a child with a headache or runny nose.

Emendic

This type of influence is one of the most difficult - manual procedures. It requires the massage therapist to have excellent knowledge of the biological points on the patient’s body. The peculiarity of emendic massage lies in stimulating the correct flow of lymph, due to which the body is cleansed. Children are massaged exclusively by experienced chiropractors; at home, if performed incorrectly, it can cause harm.

Drainage (percussion)

This type of massage is used to treat respiratory diseases. It is used in situations where it is necessary to facilitate the passage of sputum, relieve a cough, or help a child cope with a wet cough during the recovery stage after suffering from influenza or ARVI. At home, it is carried out quite successfully, it is simple and effective.

Dacryomassage

This is the informal name for tear duct massage. Needed for children with dacryocystitis - inflammation of the lacrimal sac and obstruction of the nasolacrimal ducts. It can be carried out by specialists, but is more often recommended for children of any age to do independently, at home.

In addition, massage is divided into therapeutic, preventive and therapeutic-prophylactic. Thus, dacryomassage belongs to the category of therapeutic and prophylactic, because it can be done both in case of illness and to prevent relapses in the future. But classic general massage is not therapeutic, it is only preventive. Thus, massage for cerebral palsy, dysplasia, umbilical hernia, inguinal hernia, scoliosis, etc. are subtypes of therapeutic massage, the task of which is to help heal and improve the condition of a sick child.

Technique

Since massage can be useful to parents in a wide variety of situations, you should master the techniques of the most common types approved for home use.

General strengthening

Goal: to promote the physical and emotional development of the child, the development of new motor skills and abilities, the removal of hypertonicity, increasing muscle tone during hypotonicity, and the prevention of disorders in physical development.

What you will need: baby cream or massage oil, equipped massage place (table or changing table), paper towel, wet wipes.

The impact scheme is as follows.

Stage one - on your back

The child should be placed in a supine position. After he gets used to the temperature of the air undressed, you should begin to carry out a classic massage, starting with the upper extremities. Lightly massage each hand in turn, first stroking it and then rubbing it from the fingers to the shoulder. The armpit cannot be massaged.

The legs are also massaged with stroking movements - from the toes to the heel and up to the groin. Avoid rubbing and stroking the inner thigh and groin area. The ankle is massaged with two fingers, easily kneading the muscle. It is prohibited to massage the knee joint and popliteal cavity.

The baby's chest is rubbed with an open palm in the direction from the center of the sternum to the ribs, and the tummy is massaged with light circular movements, describing “circles” around the navel.

Stage two - on the stomach

Turn the baby onto his stomach, let him lie down for a while, get used to his new position in space. Start massaging your feet. Gently stroke the back of the legs and thighs, move to the buttocks, and finish rubbing them with light patting or pinching movements. The back is massaged excluding the impact on the spinal column and lumbar region.

The long back muscles are easily rubbed, after which rubbing and kneading are used. The massage ends with a rollover on both sides from a prone position to stimulate the abdominal and lateral muscles.

Relaxing

Goal: to promote muscle relaxation, relieve hypertension in newborns and infants, the effects of stress, symptoms of hyperactivity, neurasthenia, improve sleep and appetite.

What you will need: hypoallergenic oil for baby massage or baby cream, wet wipes, disposable diaper, equipped massage place (table or changing table), warm flannel diaper.

How to do: This type of massage does not require intense muscle kneading or rubbing. All influences must be careful, gentle, delicate. Place the undressed child on a disposable diaper, moisten your hands with oil or cream. Start softly stroking your arms. Trying to stroke each of your baby's fingers with your fingers, stop on the palms and wrists and massage them in a circular motion. Stroke your forearms from bottom to top.

Foot massage begins with the fingers, feet, heels, massaging them with light circular movements. Next, you should move on to the lower leg, without kneading the ankle and lower leg muscles. Iron in a straight direction from bottom to top. Use circular movements and semi-circles to stroke your belly, chest.

Turn the baby onto his tummy. Lightly massage your buttocks, back, and collar area. Proceed to the head massage - use your fingertips to massage the head in small circular movements, avoiding the fontanelle area if it has not yet healed due to age. Finish with a light massage of your earlobes.

Wrap your baby in a warm diaper and take him for a bath: water procedures are a must for a relaxing massage. After bathing and feeding, babies usually fall asleep well and sleep sounder and longer than in situations where parents prefer to do without massage.

Duration: The massage should be carried out about an hour before evening feeding and going to bed, the duration of the session is on average 10-15 minutes. For a child over a year old you can increase this time to 20-25 minutes.

Drainage

Purpose: during a child’s illness, excess bronchial secretions accumulate in the bronchi. To avoid complications, a vibration massage is performed, which is designed to promote the removal of sputum in case of bronchitis, tracheobronchitis, wet lingering cough, at the stage of rehabilitation after a viral disease.

What you will need: handkerchief.

How to carry out: when performing a cough massage, take into account the age of the child and follow the following recommendations:

• place the baby on your lap face down so that his head is slightly below the level of the buttocks;
• With your fingertips, tap on the ribs and intercostal space, tap on the back and chest, avoiding the heart area;
• lift the child to an upright position. If everything was done correctly, the baby will cough with sputum.

An older child can be seated on the edge of a bed or sofa and asked to lean forward a little. Percussion tapping with your fingertips is performed in this starting position. After the procedure is completed, the child is asked to stand up sharply and cough. This is where a handkerchief prepared in advance comes in handy. The massage therapist’s fingers do not need to be lubricated with anything, since the movements are only tapping, there is no need for sliding.

Duration: You can perform this massage up to 5-6 times a day, the session duration is 5-10 minutes. The general course is until the symptoms of the respiratory disease are alleviated.

Vibrating drainage massage is not performed on children with a dry cough, which is unproductive, that is, no sputum is produced when coughing.

For colic and constipation

Purpose: to normalize intestinal motility, improve digestion processes, remove intestinal gases, prevent their accumulation and the occurrence of pain, promote defecation during constipation.

What you will need: a hard surface as a massage place, oilcloth and a disposable diaper, wet wipes, massage and Vaseline oils, baby cream and a clean thermometer.

How to do it: Place the baby on his back, with light movements in a circle, stroke his tummy ten times clockwise and the same number counterclockwise. Around the navel (without touching it), make more intense but gentle movements in a spiral - from the navel to the expansion to the sides. With one hand, bring the legs to the stomach, with the other finger, from the lower left corner, draw an imaginary letter “P” along the intestinal loops. This technique is performed several times.

Place your baby on his tummy for a few minutes. This will be quite enough to eliminate infant colic. If the problem is constipation, then return the baby to his back and help him empty his bowels. To do this, bring the legs to the stomach, lubricate the anus with Vaseline oil and slightly irritate it with the tip of a clean thermometer. This usually helps to empty your bowels after a massage.

Duration: The massage lasts about 5-7 minutes, usually it is part of a relaxing or restorative session. For constipation, massage for at least 10-15 minutes. On an ongoing basis, abdominal massage is an excellent prevention of constipation and increased gas formation.

Do not perform a massage if the abdomen is severely bloated, if there is pronounced visual asymmetry, if blood or thick mucus appears in the stool, if there is abdominal pain, in which even light touch delivers to the baby severe pain. It is possible that there is a surgical pathology in which massage will only cause harm; such a child should be urgently shown to a doctor.

Massage of the tear duct

Goal: restoration of patency of the nasolacrimal duct, elimination of inflammation of the lacrimal sac in dacryocystitis, removal of swelling and inflammation of the organs of vision, restoration of their function in full.

What you will need:“Miramistin”, cotton pads, furatsilin solution (1:5000) or chamomile decoction, a container for dirty pads, eye drops prescribed by a doctor or eye ointment.

How to do: The child is placed on his back. With clean hands, after thorough washing and treatment with Miramistin, the mother cleanses the baby’s eyes from accumulated and stagnant tears and pus. For each eye, use a separate disk soaked in a solution of furatsilin or chamomile decoction. The direction of movement is from the outer edge of the eye to the bridge of the nose.

After cleaning, the mother feels the lacrimal sac - a small protrusion between the bridge of the nose and the inner corner of the eye. Using light vibrating movements with her finger, she presses the bag several times to provoke the discharge of pus, if there is suppuration. The pus is removed again with fresh cotton pads soaked in antiseptic.

Move on to massage the lacrimal canal. From the corner of the eye, following the nasolacrimal duct, the finger quickly moves to the bridge of the nose. This is done 9 times, the 10th time you should make the opposite movement - from the bridge of the nose to the eye. After this, drops prescribed by the doctor are instilled into the eyes, or ointment is applied.

Session duration: duration about 5 minutes. You can do up to 6-8 sessions per day. The general course of treatment is about two weeks. Special recommendations: dacryomassage is not performed for phlegmon, abscess, which has become a complication of advanced dacryocystitis, for some congenital anatomical features the structure of the child’s eyes, in which the discharge of pus is physically difficult (the presence of a membrane, for example).

For runny nose and headache

Purpose: facilitating nasal breathing with rhinitis of any origin, eliminating severe headaches.

What you will need: diagram of the location of acupuncture points, as well as essential oils(can be replaced with the “Sopelka” patch or “Golden Star” balm) if desired and if the child does not have allergies, children’s cream to soften the massage therapist’s hands.

How to do it: A circular and light vibration finger effect on the biological points responsible in our body for the functioning of the nose will help get rid of a runny nose. Each point should be massaged clockwise and counterclockwise 10 times. For rhinitis, choose the following points: the tip of the nose, the wings of the nose, the point between the eyebrows in the very center, the center of the ears, the point above the first cervical vertebra, the space between the thumb and forefinger on both hands, the point on the wrist at the base thumb, center of heels.

Symmetrical bilateral points are massaged with both hands synchronously, single points - with one hand.

For headaches, perform acupressure massage of acupuncture zones that are responsible for reducing pain and normalizing blood pressure: points in the center of the temples, points above the eyebrows on both sides, a point in the parietal part of the head, two points on the chest. The principle of performing the technique is similar.

Session duration: acupressure is usually recommended for 5-15 minutes, depending on the age of the child. It can be carried out as the problem occurs, as well as for prevention.

Acupressure is not given to children with a runny nose and headache during the acute period of illness, when the body temperature is elevated, as well as to children with an increased convulsive susceptibility.

For speech development

Speech therapy massage is based on stimulating certain receptors that promote the activity of speech areas of the brain. Indicated for children with impaired tone of the facial muscles, facial expression disorders, dysarthria, stuttering, dysfunction of the vocal cords, and speech disorders caused by chronically inflamed adenoids.

What you will need: a set of massage speech therapy brushes.

How to do it: start with a light relaxing massage of the shoulder girdle and neck, this will allow you to relax your facial muscles for a more comfortable massage. Facial massage begins with stroking the forehead, with both hands the mother carefully draws horizontal lines from the center of the forehead to the edges of the face, then from the temples to the ears, after which the cheeks and chin are massaged with diverging movements.

The mother needs to carefully take the tip of the child’s tongue and move it left and right and up and down, the tip can be massaged from above and below. Do this only with clean and dry hands without using creams or oils.

If the child becomes nauseous, discontinue exposure.

Proceed to massaging your lips - you can easily rub them with your finger, carry out an asymmetrical massage, pinch the lips themselves and the space around them with your fingertips.

Next you should massage the hands. Try to stroke each finger and each phalanx well with light pressure. Pay attention to the child’s palms: pause in the center of the palm and draw various figures and letters there with your finger.

The ears should be rubbed from top to bottom, holding them between two fingers. Stop at your earlobe and massage it in a circular motion. Rub the space behind your ears lightly 5-6 times.

Use not only your own fingers, but also special massage brushes for speech therapy procedures.

Never make decisions about the need for a massage on your own. Even a general classic massage should only be started if your pediatrician does not object. The fact is that there is a rather impressive list of contraindications for massage procedures, and therefore it is best to ask a doctor about the feasibility and safety of the sessions.

If we're talking about about medical therapeutic massage, there are several options. You can do it in the treatment room of a clinic, invite a specialist to come to your home, ask a specialist to teach you the treatment procedure, especially if a long and expensive course is required.

If the child is healthy and only needs a small “stimulus” for him to start walking, rolling over, crawling, sitting, then after consulting with a doctor you can easily take advantage of our recommendations and numerous video tutorials, which are available today to everyone on the Internet.

Maternal massage is always more pleasant and beneficial, this is a proven fact. The child does not feel separated from his mother, perceives the manipulations as a game, nothing terrible happens to him.

A different situation arises if a stranger with a massage therapist diploma begins to massage the child without urgent need. Here the kids scream and experience extreme stress, their sleep and appetite are disturbed, and sometimes mothers themselves are not happy that they started such prevention.

Always massage only when the child has slept, when he is in good mood. Turn it into a game, remember the rhymes, “the train was late” and “A and B were sitting on the pipe.” Read anything as long as your child finds it fun and interesting. Massage through tears and under duress is not the most beneficial event for a growing person.

Always give a massage in a good mood. Make sure that your hands are clean, without signs of varnish and extended nails, without rings or bracelets. This is important because it greatly reduces the likelihood of injury delicate skin baby. Hands should be warm for any type of massage. Cold touches are not pleasant for anyone, and they can generally drive a baby into hysterics.

Make sure that the air temperature in the room meets pediatric requirements: no higher than 21-22 degrees with a humidity of 50-70%. Do not use dubious massage products that have a strong odor or strange color. Choose only hypoallergenic oils and creams for your child.

Perform the massage on a hard surface. Not on the bed, not in a chair, not on your knees (exception - drainage massage). Only a hard and level surface will ensure the correct position of the spine during exposure to muscles and muscle groups.

Always place everything you may need during a session next to the table where the session is taking place. This will help prevent severe injuries head, spine, which children often get after falling from the table when their mother turned away for just a second to get a tube of baby cream.

Consider the age and individual characteristics of the child. Hyperactive children need a relaxing massage more, while slow kids need a strengthening one. Anxious children especially need maternal massage; they will not tolerate a stranger.

Do not massage on an empty stomach or immediately after eating, so as not to interfere with the digestion process. The perfect time is an hour after a meal or an hour before a meal.

Remember that any massage is a burden on the child’s body. Be prudent and do not put too much pressure on your child, especially if you have just started a course of massage therapy. If a child is capricious and expresses with all his appearance that he is not in the mood for classes today, do not force the session, postpone it until better times.

Age characteristics

There is no clear and specific answer to the question at what age you can start giving massage to children. Most often, pediatricians recommend starting general massage for healthy babies after the umbilical wound has healed. For premature babies, the procedure is usually indicated a little later - they still need to gain weight so that even light touches of their parents’ hands do not cause discomfort.

It is optimal to start massage at 3 weeks of age. To begin with, limit yourself to a relaxing type of procedure, then gradually introduce a restorative massage.

Children from 6 months can add additional techniques to their technique - striking techniques, pinching, more intense muscle kneading.

Children from 9 months are given a lot of active techniques in which they are involved as a full participant in the game process - various gymnastics techniques, exercises, and age-appropriate exercise therapy complexes are introduced.

It is important not to overdo it with massage, not to rush the child to grow and develop. It is stupid and dangerous to sit down a baby at 3-4 months, because this poses a threat to the normal development of his spinal column. Not worth it ahead of schedule put the baby on his feet, perform gymnastic and massage exercises, which the child has not yet grown up to.

Loads should increase with age. At six months, the child is only encouraged to crawl, and not seated, and at 8 months, he is seated, but with great care. It is recommended to stand on your feet no earlier than 10-11 months, earlier only if the child has already stood on his own feet.

For older children, massage must be combined with gymnastics.

Therapeutic massage is performed for children of any age, with the exception of the first three months of life. But even here there are exceptions: there are medical complexes for the little ones with dysplasia, bowed legs, and birth injuries. But such an effect can only be carried out correctly and accurately by a doctor.

Contraindications

Each type of massage has its own indications and contraindications. We have already partially talked about them, describing the technique for performing each of the types approved for home use. There are also general contraindications that are relevant for all types of massage without exception. Here they are:

• fever and febrile conditions (high or elevated temperature, a few days after the decline high temperature);

• the presence of skin rashes, pustules, vesicles, pustules and pimples, as well as allergic rashes, burns and abrasions, prickly heat on the skin in areas of intended massage;
• hydrocephalus;
• severe central nervous system disorders (only medical massage is indicated);
• birth injuries, fractures, congenital diseases (only professional massage is indicated for medical reasons);
• epilepsy and convulsive syndrome;
• congenital heart defects;
• large hernias - spinal, inguinal, umbilical (massage is indicated only by specialized medical ones).

You should not massage your child during teething, during periods of diarrhea and vomiting caused by various reasons. Massage should also be postponed if the child is stressed - the family has moved, he has just started kindergarten, school has started, there has been a divorce in the family, etc.

Massage is refused on days of preventive vaccinations, so as not to provoke an already possible increase in body temperature.

Parents know that at different stages of the baby’s growth and development, one or another type of baby massage is very beneficial for the child’s health. And sometimes it’s absolutely necessary! That is why experienced children's massage therapists have always been and will remain “worth their weight in gold.” But few parents know that in the vast majority of cases they can massage their children themselves. We will tell you what these cases are and which baby massage techniques are suitable for them.

Any caring and patient mother is able to independently give her child a baby massage. And not only humorous. But also restorative and even healing! The main thing is that this procedure brings everyone who participates in it not only benefit, but also pleasure!

Massage for children: when and in what cases is it necessary?

There are countless types of massage - it can be therapeutic, health-improving, strengthening, cosmetic, anti-cellulite, warming, relaxing, erotic, preventive, and dozens of other “faces”. It is clear that only a few of this number have anything to do with children.

Children begin to have a baby massage almost from birth (to be more precise, immediately after). For obvious reasons, we will not touch upon specific types of children’s massage in this article, which are used for children who are seriously ill with neurological diseases, or who have serious defects in the musculoskeletal system, etc.

We will talk about more or less healthy children, who, nevertheless, often also need a certain therapeutic children's massage. Cases where parents not only can massage their child themselves, but should also include:

• General strengthening children's massage and gymnastics for children of the first year of life;
• “Analgesic” baby massage for infants;
• Massage of the lacrimal canaliculus for congenital blockage and signs of conjunctivitis;
• Baby massage, relieving and...

In addition, a light general massage for a child up to one year old before bathing in a large bath helps the baby sleep soundly and peacefully throughout the night.

Finally, baby massage is an excellent way to bond with your baby!

For a child of the first year of life it is extremely important constant communication(especially with mom) not only at the visual level, but also at the level of contact. Simply put, the baby needs the touch of his mother’s hands. Therefore, a loving and caring mother who gives her baby a baby massage every day not only helps the baby get rid of colic or tones his muscles, but also satisfies the baby’s need for communication!

General strengthening baby massage for a child up to one year old

During the first year of life, massage for a child gradually changes - some exercises replace others. At its core, baby massage for infants performs several important functions at once:

• increases the child’s blood circulation;
• strengthens muscles;
• being part of the child's hardening system, children's massage increases the protective properties of the baby's immunity;
• allows the mother to communicate with the baby, satisfying his natural need for tactile contact;

Visiting nurses will probably tell you how to massage a very tiny child - a newborn and a baby up to 3 months old - in the first days after discharge from the hospital. We will give a visual example of a later baby massage - for a child 3-6 months old.

Massage for children 3-6 months: video for training

* children's m The massage is performed by massage nurse of the highest category Tatyana Morozova (GBUZ DGP No. 99 of the Moscow Department of Health)

Rules for performing restorative massage for children

There are several simple ones, but important rules, which you must learn before giving a massage to your child:

1. You can use only 3 techniques during a massage:

   Stroking (in other words - light rubbing);
   - pressure;
   - vibration.

How to correctly determine the force of pressure during a baby massage? To do this, parents will have to partly “visit” the child’s place: with two fingers, carefully press on their eyeball (the eyes, of course, should be closed). As soon as you feel the slightest sensation of pain and discomfort, this is precisely the force of pressure that you should consider to be the maximum when massaging a child.

1. You cannot do a baby massage “dry” - you need to lubricate your hands with a special massage product. And remember: any product used to massage children under 3 years of age must be “edible.” That is, you should be completely calm if your baby puts a fist with traces of massage oil in his mouth, and not worry that a terrible allergy attack or poisoning awaits you ahead. In addition, it is highly desirable that the massage product has no odor.
2. The best time for a general strengthening children's massage is just before an evening swim (if we are talking about babies under 2 years old). That is, the sequence should be as follows: massage, gymnastics, bathing, feeding, night sleep).
3. And finally: as a rule, the time of one session of “home” mass is limited to 5-10 minutes.

All participants in the massage - both the child and the mother - should enjoy the process. The time of the procedure itself directly depends on this. As soon as one person gets tired, the massage should end.

When should you not give a restorative massage to a small child?

Baby massage cannot be performed in the following cases:

• if the child is sick (is in acute period infectious disease);
• when the baby is hungry;
• if the child clearly does not like what is happening to him (the child screams, cries, purses his lips, waves his arms, tries to roll over, bends, etc.). In this case, you can experiment a little with the timing of the massage, the amount of pressure on the skin, the massage agent, etc. Perhaps there is simply some minor irritant, the elimination of which will radically change your baby’s mood during the massage. But if no changes affect the result, the massage should be stopped once and for all.
• when the child is sleeping (if you massage a sleeping child, this will not bring him either sound, healthy sleep, or the effective impact of the massage).

How can you understand that a baby enjoys a massage and brings not only benefits, but also pleasure? In this case, there are obvious “signs”, such as:

• the baby does not fall asleep and is not nervous;
• the child smiles;
• the baby's mouth is slightly open;
• he actively walks and looks into the face of those who touch him;

“Analgesic” baby massage for colic in infants

We have already mentioned more than once that a light massage of the baby’s tummy effectively helps with colic - the tactile effect reduces pain, soothes and improves digestion. However, a positive effect is possible only with correct and patient influence. How exactly to massage a child with colic? Let's explain:

1. Lay the baby on his back on a soft, pleasant-to-touch surface (fluffy blanket or blanket, etc.);
2. Place the heel of your right palm against your baby's pubic bone (you don't have to remove the diaper to do this);
3. Using the fingers of your palm, make fan-shaped movements along the baby’s tummy strictly clockwise.
4. This baby massage can last as long as desired, but usually after 5-7 minutes the child feels relief - the colic stops.

Children's massage of the lacrimal canaliculus for signs of conjunctivitis

Parents can practice this type of baby massage in cases where the baby has a baby. Often the reason for this is congenital blockage of the nasolacrimal canaliculus, which is why tear fluid cannot flow freely into the nasal cavity, which sometimes causes the “sour eye” effect.

In 90% of cases, congenital blockage of the lacrimal duct disappears on its own by the age of 1 year. However, a simple massage, which any mother and any father can do, can significantly speed up the process of normalizing the outflow of tear fluid.

How exactly to do this baby massage? Gently place your middle finger on the inner corner of the child's eye - under the pad you should feel the presence of a tear sac (as if a soft grain of rice is rolling under the skin). As soon as you feel it, move your finger 3-4 mm higher and make light, slightly pressing movements from top to bottom (and only in that direction!). The frequency of massage movements in this case is about 10-12 times during each feeding of the baby.

The ideal option is when the massage technique for blockage of the lacrimal canaliculus is taught to you personally by an ophthalmologist or pediatrician during a consultation.

Massage for children is very important. Today, scientists and doctors are sounding the alarm: an increasing number of babies are born with pathologies of the musculoskeletal system, an increasing number of children under one year of age acquire various diseases due to parents' neglect of their health.

Is it possible to massage a child?

Many parents wonder, is it possible to massage a child? Need to! In the East, children's massage is performed from the age of three days. It helps improve blood flow in the child's body and stimulates the active development of the brain and motor reflexes. But why this stimulation if the baby was born absolutely healthy? Maybe you can do without a massage? The external environment is very aggressive. Parents do not have the opportunity to provide their baby with crystal clear air, mineral-rich drinking water, and nutritious nutrition.

But what does all of these benefits have to do with the full physical development of a child, and how can massage help? Children's massage allows you to specifically activate all organs and processes in a small body. It is useful for any age with chronic diseases and pathologies of child development. It is very important to remember that a mother can perform basic wellness massage on her own, but other types of massage should first be done by a specialist. The mother can learn basic techniques and practice massage regularly, adhering to the basic rules:

• massage can be performed on a child from three weeks of age;
• massage should be prescribed by a pediatrician, except in cases where the child is absolutely healthy;
• the massage course should last from 7 to 10 days;
• it is necessary to take weekly breaks between courses;
• The duration of massage should not exceed 60 minutes.

These are the basic requirements that should be adhered to, but there may be individual additions and features. The mother can combine professional rehabilitation massage courses with massage performed at home. Many parents associate massage with a series of stroking the baby’s body, tapping and squeezing. More than 20 techniques for performing this wellness procedure, the main ones:

• health-improving general strengthening;
• at home;
• using paraffin;
• using electrophoresis.

Is it possible to carry out the procedure at home?

If we are talking about children over one year old, massage for a child at home can provide:

1. Child up to school age– improved concentration, sleep, decreased nervous tension, improved reflexes.
2. For a child of primary school age - prevention of scoliosis, improvement of memory, concentration, increase in school performance, activity.

Baby massage: video tutorials will help young parents choose the appropriate technique for them and their baby. It is worth separately drawing the attention of parents to the undeniable advantage of home massage as a preventive measure in the fight against scoliosis. Many parents mistakenly think that the development of scoliosis is possible only during the period when the child masters school literacy. This disease has no age restrictions.

Due to children's decreased motor activity and lack of active activities, many of them experience scoliosis at an early age. The worst thing is that the disease is diagnosed only when the second stage has already developed. Its origin can only be traced using x-rays.

But if parents are required to regularly perform restorative procedures with their child at home, then the likelihood of developing the disease is minimal. What is needed for the procedure:

• ventilated, well-lit room;
• Massage Oil;
• several dry diapers for children under one year old;
• hard, smooth surface;
• pleasant music;
• toys to distract the baby;
• good mood.

Procedure for children under one year old

It is worthwhile to dwell separately on this type of procedure, such as massage for children under one year old. Babies develop very actively and completely individually. Every mother wants to improve the living conditions of her child, make him happy and healthy. Massage for a 1 month old baby is a procedure that can lay the foundation for good health and an active lifestyle for the baby. Today, many pediatricians recommend doing this procedure from three weeks of age. First, you should consult an experienced doctor who will show the child the basic movements. Mothers at this age should not massage the baby's neck; it is not yet fully formed and can be damaged.

The whole complex at one month of age is aimed at reducing the active muscle tone of the child. This can be light pats or gentle stroking, since the baby’s skin is still delicate and requires special care. It is very important to carry out the procedure in the form of a game so as not to scare the child and discourage him from performing the sessions. You should not continue the procedure for more than 15 minutes. This is tiring for both the baby and the mother. Relatives can help her. It is worth considering the unique character of babies. For those who are active in the evening, it should be performed in the first half of the day and not on a full stomach; for those who are sluggish after lunch, the massage should be done in the evening.

Massage for a 2-month-old child has its own specifics. At this age, it is quite possible to use a special exercise ball. It is sold both in medical stores and in open places trade. The specificity of this type of exercise is that it is carried out in the form of a game, which brings the child and parents closer together and does not bring discomfort to the child. Doctors recommend exercises on the ball from the moment the baby begins to hold his head up on his own.

Many children at this age begin to have problems with the intestines, so it is worth using stroking the tummy with a warm diaper:

1. Strip naked in a ventilated room, but the temperature should not be below 22°C.
2. Place on the back on a flat, hard surface covered with a diaper.
3. With gentle, lightly pressing movements, a full palm is used to massage the baby's belly in a clockwise direction; the mother can hum a song or lisp.
4. It is worth stretching your arms and legs; at this time you can put a warm diaper on your tummy.
5. You can move on to rocking on your stomach on a ball, this will release accumulated gases from the baby’s intestines.

At this age, special attention should be paid to the prevention of dysplasia. To do this, each time you change a diaper, you need to spread the baby’s legs to the sides, pressing the knees to the surface at least 10 times. If the legs are too tight to separate, you should consult a doctor for diagnosis and advice.

Massage for a 3 month old baby is the best for children under one year old. The baby is already holding his head well and rejoices at the approach of his mother. At this time it is laid fine motor skills, so you should pay special attention to the baby’s palms and feet. At this age, if a child has developmental disabilities, he is prescribed a special complex, which is good to supplement with a home massage. Kids love to roll onto their sides, and you can help them do this by doing appropriate exercises on the ball. In general, the massage procedure is no different from that performed at 2 months. You can include elements of yoga for kids. These are special exercises that are aimed at stretching the child’s muscles. They allow you to stimulate its flexibility and mobility.

Baby massage reviews can also have negative reviews if mothers violate the basic rules of its implementation:

• high room temperature;
• the child is hungry or has recently eaten;
• there is a nervous atmosphere in the house;
• is ill.

Massage for a 4 month old child - at this age many mothers try to sit their children down. This is a big mistake; the baby must sit down on his own. In order to help his back muscles get stronger, you can also add pull-ups from a sitting position to the main complex. They must be performed smoothly and gradually without sudden jerks, this will protect the child from injury. Exercises such as crossing the legs and the wheel are very useful at this age; they will prepare him for crawling. It is very useful to perform various massage movements and outdoor games while swimming in the bath. At this age, the child’s body has already become stronger, and you can play with the baby in the water. For those children who refuse to lie on a massage table, this is the best option.

Massage for an 8 month old baby : The best treatment option for such children is massage in the form of a game. This can be swinging on a ball, twisting legs and arms, walking by handles on an uneven surface, kneading palms, fingers, and feet. At this age, orthopedists recommend various health complexes for children, since many children develop muscle tone or physical inactivity. Depending on this, a set of exercises should be built.

If a child is diagnosed with flat feet or foot valgus, then it is worth paying special attention to foot massage:

1. You need to purchase a special orthopedic mat and walk your baby on it.
2. We need to teach him to grasp and pinch objects with his toes.
3. You need to massage your calf muscles daily.

Any mother wants her baby to grow up beautiful and healthy. But not all children are born like this. The task of parents is to provide a fulfilling childhood for their child. Both classic massage performed at home and special massage performed by a specially trained doctor can help with this. Today, many children are prescribed courses in health-improving physical therapy, the basis of which is massage. But without the care of loved ones and relatives, he will not recover.

For healthy children, massage is the prevention of flat feet, club feet, and scoliosis.

The health of the spine is the key to the healthy formation and development of the entire body. It is useful at any age and always brings positive therapeutic results. The most important thing is a friendly and calm atmosphere in the house. The child should like the procedure, then the recovery will go faster, and the prevention of many diseases will be more effective, because thanks to it the child will grow up strong and healthy.

Baby massage – necessity or pleasure was last modified: April 27th, 2016 by MaximB

Baby massage consists of rubbing, kneading and stroking his arms, legs, neck, back, and abdomen.

If you massage your child correctly, it can correct many health problems. Good massage:

• improves digestion and relieves colic;
• makes sleep longer and more restful;
• normalizes the functioning of the nervous system;
• tones muscles, develops coordination of movements;
• stimulates metabolism;
• increases immunity.

How often should you massage your baby?

Pediatricians recommend giving your child massage in courses of ten procedures at three, six, nine and 12 months. The best time for massage is the first half of the day, an hour after feeding or an hour before it. Massage can be started from two to three weeks of age if the child is healthy and in a good mood. The room should have comfortable temperature- 22–26°С.

If a mother gives a massage to a child, the baby calms down and tunes into a positive mood. How to massage three one month old baby so that he quickly begins to roll over onto his stomach, and then sit down, how to massage the legs of a 12-month-old child so that he can walk faster - we will talk about this in more detail in this article.

How to massage a newborn baby?

Newborn babies are tender and fragile, so many mothers worry about how to massage their infant without harming him. Touching the baby's body should be light and gentle. Before the massage, it is important to warm your hands, trim your nails or at least round them, and remove jewelry so as not to accidentally injure the baby’s thin skin. You can use baby cosmetic oil to glide your hands over the skin.

The rules on how to massage a one-month-old baby, as well as a child weighing up to 5 kg, are universal. Stroke your baby's legs, back, tummy and chest with light movements, returning to each part of the body three to four times. Stroke the tummy clockwise, do the “bicycle” exercise with the baby, pressing his legs to his chest. The total duration of the massage for children of this age is about five minutes.

How to massage a two-month-old baby?

If the baby already weighs 5 kg or more, the massage becomes more serious. While you massage the baby's legs or back, add rubbing to the stroking movements. After preparatory stroking, you can also try gently “sawing” movements with the edges of your palms and pinching. It is better not to touch the knees, elbows, inner thighs and mammary glands during massage. The total duration of the massage is about 10–15 minutes.

How to massage small children weighing more than 8 kg?

Massage for children aged 6–12 months also begins with stroking and pinching, after which new movements are added - patting with palms or fingertips. The total duration of a massage at this age can already reach 25–30 minutes.

You can massage a specific part of your baby's body or a combination different types massage in one session.

How to give a child a relaxing massage?

If the baby is capricious or tense, you can give him a stroking massage: start from the back, walk lightly along the spine, and then massage the tummy in a circular motion.

How to give a child a drainage massage?

Drainage massage helps remove mucus from the bronchi or lungs, so it is indispensable if Small child coughs a lot. The technique of this massage is simple: place the child on his stomach (you can place a cushion under the chest) and pat him on the back in the direction from the middle of the back to the shoulders.

Please note that drainage massage is contraindicated for children under six months of age.

How to massage a child's back?

To carry out a strengthening back massage, you need to place the child with his stomach on a hard surface or fitball and massage his back in the direction from the spine to the sides, using stroking, and then patting and pinching movements. The massage should be completed with stroking.

How to massage a child's hands?

Take the baby's hands and shake them lightly, lift the baby's arms with rhythmic smooth movements and swing them - this will help get rid of hypertonicity. Stroke your baby's hands, bend and straighten them. Stretch each finger on the hand, “draw” with your fingers on the baby’s palms, tickle the fingertips - such a massage will not only relax the muscles, but will also indirectly stimulate the development of speech.

How to massage a child's feet and legs?

Place your baby on his back, wrap your fingers around his ankles, and gently shake his legs. Bend the child’s legs at the knees, press them to the stomach, and then spread them to the side (exercise “frog”). Such exercises are effective in preventing colic.

A stroking massage of the legs is done with light circular movements from top to bottom, while avoiding inner surface legs Pay attention to your feet: massage all your toes, bend and straighten them.

How to massage a child's belly?

To massage the baby’s abdomen, you need to place your baby on his back, place your palms on his stomach, on both sides of the navel, and begin stroking the abdomen with light movements from left to right - this massage also helps get rid of colic.

How to massage a child's head and neck?

This type of massage is not recommended for children in the first months of life, and even when the child grows up, it is better to have a head massage performed by a specialist. If you want to do this massage yourself, massage your baby's head and neck with very gentle movements, as if you were lathering them with shampoo.

There are different methods of studying techniques for giving massage to children: video lessons, observing the work of a massage therapist, viewing diagrams and drawings in brochures on the development of a baby in the first year of life. But if, after studying the issue, you still have doubts about how to massage your child’s feet or how to massage his back, and also if your baby requires a course of professional corrective massage, you need to seek help from specialists.

All mothers know how important massage is for their babies. It strengthens the muscles and growing skeleton of the newborn, improves health, promotes proper development child, triggers protective processes in the child’s body and thereby increases immunity and normalizes digestion. Also, a general massage for infants improves the mood and establishes contact between the baby and the parents.

Massage for a baby should be carried out not only technically correctly, but also in a certain place, at a certain time, with a positive attitude and in a comfortable environment. You will learn about all this and more from our article.

The best place for procedures

First you need to decide on the place where you will constantly massage your baby. You need to choose the warmest room in the house, because babies freeze very quickly, faster than adults. This room must be ventilated before the procedure. Place the changing table or any other convenient table away from drafts (windows and doors). Place an oilcloth, a blanket and the baby’s usual diaper on it to make him more comfortable.

Next to the massage table you need to place an additional cabinet or high chair, on which all the necessary items will lie: another diaper, oil, diaper, powder, cream, timer, and so on.

Desirable time for massage

Pediatricians warn that restorative massage for infants should not be done immediately after feeding. Some time must pass (about 15-20 minutes) for the child to have time to release air (burp), otherwise there is a risk that he will choke during the massage.

It is worth noting that many experts believe that massage on an empty stomach will only cause harm. And if the child has eaten, then the exercises can be done an hour after feeding. Different specialists have different views on massage, so you yourself should listen and take a closer look at your child: exactly when he is comfortable with the exercises, when he is more often in a good mood and how he feels 20 minutes after feeding.

All experts agree that you should not do a tonic massage just before bedtime, otherwise the nervous system will be overexcited and the child will stay awake for a long time.

General principles of massage

There are two types of massage for babies: general massage for infants and therapeutic.

Principles of general massage that can be done at home:

• Newborns must be handled very carefully, all movements must be done smoothly and gently, without pressure. Move the baby’s arms and legs carefully so as not to damage the still fragile bones and weak ligaments;
• before starting the procedure, be sure to wash your hands with soap and remove all jewelry;
• movements must be made along special massage lines. Try to ensure that your hand movements coincide with the rhythm of lymph flow. Hands should always be warm so as not to cause discomfort to the baby. Do everything without strong pressure, avoiding the area of ​​the spine, liver, heart;
• if you want to stroke your belly, do it only clockwise;
• It is advisable not to massage in silence. You can, for example, sing, tell fairy tales or poems, or you can turn on classical music or children's songs.
• A full massage is given to the baby no more than once a day. Everything else can be light stroking of the back or tummy;
• Usually a course of massages is given to an infant in 10 sessions of 5-15 minutes each. You cannot skip the session, especially if you have already taken the course. Moreover, if the doctor said that such procedures are indicated for the child, and the parents did not start doing them on time, then in the future this may negatively affect the baby’s health.

It is a general massage that parents can do themselves at home.

Massage for all muscle groups

The procedure can be divided into several stages: massage of the arms, legs, tummy, back, hips.

Hands. Start your massage with the simplest thing - general stroking of the child's hands. This will set the baby up for further exercise and give him the opportunity to relax. Put yours forefinger into the child's hand and begin stroking with the other hand from the shoulder to the hand. Repeat the movement 5 times. Now you can put the baby on your stomach and repeat the exercise.

Legs. To strengthen your leg muscles, work on your knees and feet. Take the child's foot in your hand and use the finger of your other hand to draw an infinity sign - from the heel to the toes and back. Next, stroke the legs completely, carefully going around the knee joint. Repeat the exercises 5 times.

Stomach. For this exercise, you can lightly lubricate your hands with oil and start by lightly stroking the sides, and then move on to clockwise circular movements. Don't use force, everything should be light and gentle. To help your navel heal better, you can draw a circle around it with a bent finger several times.

Hips. Lay your newborn on his back, take his legs in your hands, bend his knees and gently press him to his tummy. Now you need to carefully spread your legs to the side. This exercise prevents dysplasia.

Back. Exercises are necessary to strengthen the back and achieve correct posture in the future. Place the baby on your stomach. Stroke the back, starting from the neck and smoothly moving to the buttocks. Then you need to stroke in the direction from the spine to the barrels. Lightly massage the shoulders.

The baby can also be placed in the fetal position, which he still remembers and loves. To do this, you need to hold the baby’s feet and arms with one hand, and with the other, supporting the neck, tilt the head towards the chest. Now you can rock the baby slightly. The exercise, by the way, will help calm the child if he cries or is capricious.

During the massage, you should never use force so as not to injure the baby.

If you want to relax your baby before bedtime, set him up in a calm mood, then it is better to do light and measured stroking, do not talk to the baby, do not rub him and do not turn him over often.

It is advisable to have a fitball at home. For example, in the afternoon, when you do a massage, you can complete all the exercises by rolling on a large soft ball. This strengthens the vestibular apparatus, abdominal and back muscles. To do this, you need to place the baby on the fitball with its stomach and, holding it by the legs, roll it back and forth, left and right, and in a circular motion. You can lightly tap the ball so that the child feels a slight vibration.

What kind of massage does a two-month-old baby need?

If your child already weighs 5 kg or more, then you can add rubbing, light pinching, and gentle movements with the ribs of the palms to the general massage.

The baby’s buttocks can be kneaded with fists, the chest can be kneaded using slight vibration, and the back can be lightly tapped with the pads of your fingers. But don’t forget that the child is still very small and there is no need for effort here. All movements should be light and without pressure!

What kind of massage does a baby aged 6-12 months need?

Any massage begins with stroking, then we add rubbing and light tapping. For children at this age, you can include clapping with your palms. During the session, which can last 25-30 minutes, you can work on only one part of the body or do general massage exercises.

Massage for babies with hypertension

Procedures for infants with muscle hypertonicity are somewhat different from the simplest general massage. Hypertonicity in a child is very easy to recognize; there are several signs:

• the baby cries often;
• reacts nervously to familiar sounds;
• the child constantly spits up after feeding;
• a newborn already holds his head well from birth;
• the baby constantly clenches his legs and arms;
• Frequently arches or throws back the head, especially when crying.

To relieve hypertonicity, special exercises are used during a massage session. The “cradle” exercise is very useful. The child needs to be placed with his back on the changing table, put his hands under his head and back, lift him and rock him a little in different directions. Now you need to slightly move your hands to the child’s lower torso and also rock a little. You can also take the child by the armpits and gently rock him towards you and away from you.

For hypertension, rubbing is also used. For example, so-called piston rubbing is necessary for the arms and legs. You need to put your hand or feet between your palms and rub it in one direction or the other. Don't use force, do it lightly, without pressure.

Shaking is necessary. Place your finger in your child's hand, move it slightly to the side, and shake it very lightly while supporting the handle with your other hand.

But what you cannot do with hypertonicity is to use clapping and chopping movements; on the contrary, they will only increase tension.

Please note that if the child is 6 months old or older, and signs of hypertension are still observed, then you must consult a doctor and tell about all the symptoms

Hypertonicity can affect the development of a child and provoke:

• disturbance in movement coordination;
• formation of abnormal gait;
• the appearance of speech problems;
• developmental delays and other health problems.

In addition to therapeutic massage, doctors prescribe other procedures - electrophoresis, heat therapy, physical therapy, swimming and even drug treatment. But all this depends on the age of the child, his condition, and concomitant diseases. Therefore, under no circumstances prescribe any medications or procedures yourself.

The benefits of standard massage for children

A general tonic massage for newborns is not only pleasant, but also useful:

• massage helps improve metabolic processes;
• activates performance;
• helps to concentrate attention;
• relaxes the baby;
• relieves unhealthy drowsiness;
• improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
• stimulates brain function.

In addition, massage promotes the proper development of the child’s musculoskeletal system, helps prevent various diseases and strengthens the baby’s connection with his parents.

When not to massage

Here is a list of some contraindications and cases when it is not recommended to massage a child:

• if the baby is less than 20 days old;
• if you observe a child with indigestion;
• Do not massage if your baby has an infection. The baby’s body will be busy fighting it;
• if a baby has a rash, prickly heat, or redness on the skin, then it is better to refrain from massage;
• when the child has a fever;
• the presence of any exacerbations or allergies;
• heart disease, circulatory disorders;
• if the child has a large hernia;
• liver or kidney dysfunction;
• the presence of a disease that makes bones brittle;
• if you notice that your son or daughter is capricious, then do not insist on a massage;
• if you yourself are irritated, feel tired, and anxious, then it is also better to postpone this event.

General massage for infants is always pleasant, useful, necessary and irreplaceable in the early stages of a child’s life. You can always do a massage at home with your own hands, giving your baby joy and care, affection and protection. The simplest and lightest strokes of mother's hands can work wonders. If you are still afraid to do a general massage yourself, then it is better to entrust the procedure to a professional. He will massage your baby with you, tell you the subtleties and rules, and teach you how to hold the baby correctly during the session.