Recently I received a facial and was reminded that the face and scalp are wonderful places to touch to releave stress. (Thanks going to my husband for a wonderful Mother's day stress reducing surprise! ) Babies too enjoy being touched on their head an face. Before you begin get your pediatrician's permission.

Ritual to communicate to your baby that his massage session is going to begin.

1. Wash your hands before with antibacterial soap to eliminate any bacteria you might have picked up on your hands. When you are washing your hands be sure that you soap up for at least 10 seconds before you rinse completely.

2. Warm hands by rubbing your hands together, use an olive oil or almond oil. Remember this oil is going on your baby's skin to help sooth and relax your baby. Choose a healthy oil free of chemicals (read label on oil bottle).

3. Relax your body and mind by taking deep breaths to slow down your breathing and circulation.

4. Get grounded and be in the present moment. I always think and say to my baby I Love you William. Leave work at work. This is Baby / Parent bonding time.

5. Always ask permission before you begin the massage. Talk to your baby in a gentle, loving voice asking if they are ready for a massage. I always like to communicate in to my baby just to keep Will engaged and listening to my voice.

Forehead and Skull Sweep Massage

We all love a good scalp massage, as does your baby. To begin place four fingers on top of your baby's head and your thumb on baby's forehead. Sweep thumb up from the brow to join the fingers on top of the head, and whole hand continues with light pressure on the scull in a round motion. Use your knowledge of getting your hair cut and remember what the stylest does when shampooing your hair and scalp.

The fingers and hand are one unit working together like one of those hand held back scratchers. Your movement comes from your whole arm. Repeat technique with other hand.

Nasal Clearance Massage

At night I found that Will would get congested so I used this massage technique along with the bulb booger sucker to releave pressure from his congestion.

Four fingers and palm start on side of the baby’s head. Thumb is beside baby’s nose. Thumb strokes the cheek and nasal passages five times. Joining the hands on he side of the cheek. Then the whole hand sweeps down the to the jaw.

Jaw Release Massage

Teething has been a real challenge. Will’s jaw gets a real workout from sucking, crying, yawning, drooling, chewing and cooing. With this technique you can help relax your baby's jaw.

Your hand is open in a mitton shape with four fingers on the jaw and thumb just below the baby’s lips. With a very relaxed sweep slowly use the four fingers to sweep the length of the baby’s jaw while the thumb massages from below baby’s lips to his chin. This will gently open baby’s mouth for only a moment.

Bonding with your baby is so natural and easy with infant massage. The skill of massage is one that you will not want to overlook due to it's importance to your baby. When done correctly your baby will develop trust in you.