For a long time, many have been led to believe that
massage is an affair for the adults and teens only.
Various case studies have however proved that
children can benefit from a good message. A foot
massage has explicitly been shown to have
significant benefits that range from the overall
growth to the social well-being of the kid. Some of
the main advantages of a Foot massage to a baby
include.
1. Encourages bonding between the parent and the
child
Foot massage allows the parent to bond with the
child as they spend some time together and develop
the needed connection that a mother should have with
a kid. Establishing this relationship at a tender
age allows the child and the parent to pull along
well in the future even when the kid comes of age.
2. Enhances communication
A parent can use foot massage to communicate with
the child through facial expressions and learning
how the child reacts when touched at multiple areas.
The parent can pick both nonverbal and verbal cues
when she strokes the baby at particular parts.
3. Stimulates blood circulation
Research has shown that foot massage aids in blood
circulation if you stoke the legs well. A good
massage can play a vital role in stimulating the
nervous system which is essential for the overall
growth of the kid. Enhanced circulation also ensures
that all the body parts get the necessary nutrients
that are essential for normal functioning of such
organs. The massage also exercises the child’s
organs which ensure that he/she does not face
everyday challenges such as muscle cramps.
4. Eases parental stress
Parenting can sometimes prove to be stressful and
calls for a resilient parent to pull through. When
giving your baby a foot massage, you can sit down
and have quality time with him/her. Several
scenarios have indicated that relaxed and
comfortable children give their parents quality time
where they can concentrate on other tasks such as
food preparation and other daily chores.
5. Proper handling improves the mother’s confidence
Handling a child maybe a nightmare especially for
first-time parents. A simple act such as a foot
massage can be a great way to learn how to treat
your kid and note how he/she reacts to touch. When
you rub your child frequently, you get an assurance
that baby handling is not as hard as you may have
believed.
6. Massage improves the child’s concentration
When you rub your baby frequently, he/she learns how
to concentrate which is very beneficial in the
future. Combining this exercise with minimal play;
the kid learns how to multitask which is a necessary
tactic for survival.
7. Helps the child to relax and catch some sleep
Most parents complain that they find it difficult to
sooth their kids to sleep. Sometimes, carrying them
proves to be futile, and this becomes to be a
nightmare to most parents. Foot massage if
undertaken well helps your kid relax and catch some
sleep faster than if traditional modes are applied.
How to create the right environment for a baby foot
massage
For the massaging exercise to be useful, you have to
ensure that your kid is both physically and mentally
ready for this beneficial process. Some of the tips
to make sure that this process is efficient to
include.
The right timing
The ideal time to massage your baby is when he is
alert and content. Carrying out the activity when
he/she is hungry may not be beneficial as expected
as they lack the energy needed for normal body
functions. Massaging your baby when tired is also
not desirable because their concentration during
this time is very low.
Select the ideal position
The best position will depend on the available
resources, for example, the bed or sofa. Make your
kid lie on either the sofa or bed as you take
him/her through this great process.
Ensure that the child is comfortable
Ensure that your child does not have distractions or
is not affected by things such as overhead lights.
Select a position where he/she can maintain eye
contact with you and note he enjoys the exercise.
Reduce the kid’s clothing
Excessive clothing like pants and socks may affect
the effectiveness of the massage process. If
possible, you can do away with the socks and gently
stroke your kid’s feet for maximum benefits. You can
also use loose clothing which allows you to explore
various parts of your child easily.
Use recommended oils
Consider applying some oil so as to make the
stroking process easy and enjoyable. It is advisable
to use those oils that have been recommended for
kids and are not likely to have effects on his/her
skin.
Observe the child’s reaction
The essence of this exercise is to benefit the child
in various ways. If however, you note that the
baby’s mood changes and become uneasy when you start
the process, this is a red flag, and you should
stop. The infant should enjoy the process, but it
should not be a source of distress.
How do you massage your baby’s feet?
To get started, you need to oil your hands to make
them smooth and ready to handle your kid. The oiling
makes your hands warm and soft so as to feel the
child’s skin which is delicate and susceptible to
physical injuries.
Place one of your child’s feet in between your palms
and then secure his/her ankle with one hand.
Move the other hand from the thigh downwards to the
ankle repeatedly and then switch hands. The strokes
should be slow and flowing.
Next, you need to cradle your kid’s foot and stroke
it from the heels to the toes. Repeat this at the
top of the child’s feet severally.
You should then squeeze his/her toe and rub it
gently in between your index finger and thumb.
To wrap up the exercise, stroke your kid’s legs from
the ankle upwards severally.
There are a lot of benefits associated with a foot
massage for children as illustrated by the above
points. The procedure applied may, however, vary
from one person to the other depending on the kid’s
age and health conditions.
I
was introduced to massageservices.com.sg by my
colleague. My husband and i called for
traditional outcall massage to our home. The
masseurs arrived on time and they are very
professional. We signed a monthly package with
them and we are very happy with their service.
Rachael Tan (Bishan)
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