Baby Bliss Massage: Legs, Ankles and Feet

Babies love to stretch, kick their legs and wiggle their toes. All these motor reflexes are hard work for an infant. My son Will is no exception. Now seven months, Will enjoys his Baby Einstein jumper, his legs geting a real work out. After a 30 minute session of jumping, pressing buttons, spinning dials and playing music his legs and feet are tired. Below are a few of the techniques I use to relax his legs and sooth his tired feet.

Before you start any new massage techniques get your pediatrician's permission.

Always have a ritual so as to communicate to your baby. 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. 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 so choose a healthy oil free of chemicals (read label on oil).

Relax your body and mind by taking deep breaths to slow down your breathing and circulation. Get grounded and be in the present moment. I always think and say to my baby I Love you William. Always ask permission before you begin the massage. Talk to your baby in a gentle 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.

Leg Kneading: Time to knead the calves and thighs. Start with your the whole hand lightly gliding over the whole leg from the ankle up to the hip. Hold the ankle in your hand and sweep up the leg with the other hand. Then form a U shape with your hand allowing baby’s calf to rest in your palm. Knead the calf with relaxed hands, then move up to the thigh, repeat kneading technique. Repeat on other leg.

Ankle Press and Roll: Taking baby’s foot in your hand, with your thumb and fingers gently massage baby’s ankle with a pressing, rolling motion. You can do both ankles at the same time, one ankle in each hand. When massaging the heals be sure that baby’s hips remain on floor or surface of the bed. You do not want to lift up the hips during the massage just the legs, as it is more relaxing for the baby. Feel the weight of his Legs heavy and relaxed in your hands.

Foot Massage: Holding baby’s foot in your hand, so that the thumb is on the bottom of baby’s foot and your fingers are on the top. Gentle press your thumb into the toe pad, then the arch and then the heal. Repeat this sequence a few times. Finally pinching the heal between the thumb and fingers. It is important to not have a fluttery touch when working with the feet baby might find a light fluttery touch tickles.

Caution: With the leg and feet massage techniques a baby might be sensitive or remember the heal blood tests or thigh shots from the doctor or hospital. Watch for your baby's reaction and massage accordingly. If your baby does not seem interested or is sore from shots try again after your baby has time to rest and heal. No reason to cause your baby discomfort.