Baby massage is gentle, rhythmic stroking of your baby's body, usually with a little oil. Many parents find it a calm, close way to spend time together, and some babies clearly love it. The evidence that it improves health or development in healthy babies is weak, so think of it as a pleasant way to connect rather than a treatment. Choose a moment when your baby is calm and alert, use a small amount of unscented plant oil (or none), let your baby lead, and skip it when they're unwell.
What are the benefits of baby massage?
NCT says that as well as soothing and comforting your baby, massage might improve sleep, reduce crying, support physical development and digestion, and strengthen your bond. It also says massage can help parents feel more confident in meeting their baby's needs. The Derbyshire Family Health Service, part of the NHS, describes it as a lovely way for family members to bond with a new baby, and says many babies find it relaxing.
The research is less certain. A 2013 Cochrane review by Bennett and colleagues looked at 34 studies of massage in healthy babies under 6 months. It found some positive results, including for weight, length, sleep over 24 hours and time spent crying or fussing. But 20 of the studies were at high risk of bias, and when those were removed, only the result for length held up. Night-time sleep didn't improve. The authors concluded that the findings don't currently support infant massage for low-risk families, and that the evidence is poor quality.
So massage is safe to enjoy when done gently, and many families value it. It just shouldn't be sold to you as a fix for sleep, colic or development.
When is a good time to massage your baby?
NCT says you can start whenever you like, as long as your baby seems to enjoy it. If a full massage feels too stimulating in the early weeks, you can start with gentle, still touch.
The best moment is when your baby is settled but awake. An NHS neonatal guideline from the East of England says a term baby should be in a calm, quiet, alert state, and that massage shouldn't start if a baby is asleep, hungry, crying or has just had a full feed. Derbyshire Family Health Service also advises against massaging straight after a feed or when your baby is tired or hungry.
Many families find a short massage fits well after a bath or nappy change, or as part of a calm evening routine. Pick a warm, quiet room, and give yourself time so you're not rushing.
How do you massage a baby, step by step?
This routine follows the steps NCT describes. Use firm, slow, steady, rhythmical pressure, as the neonatal guideline suggests, and repeat each stroke a few times depending on how your baby responds.
- Get set up. Lay your baby on their back on a towel on the floor or a firm surface, in a warm room. Undress them down to their nappy if they're comfortable.
- "Ask permission". Rub a little oil between your hands near your baby's ears and ask, "Can I give you a massage?" Over time, your baby learns this cue.
- Legs. Hold one leg between your palms. Support the ankle with one hand and slide the other hand from the thigh down to the ankle. Swap hands and repeat, then do the other leg.
- Feet. Cradle the foot and stroke the sole from heel to toes with your thumbs, then gently tug each toe between your thumb and finger.
- Middle of the foot. Walk your thumbs across the middle of the foot from side to side.
- Hands. Make small circles on your baby's palms, then gently tug each finger and thumb.
- Finish. Repeat the leg stroke in the opposite direction, from ankle up to thigh, then wrap your baby up for a cuddle.
A few minutes is plenty to begin with. Classes run by trained instructors can teach more strokes, including for the tummy and back, and are a good option if you'd like hands-on guidance.
Which oil is best for baby massage?
Oil isn't essential. The neonatal guideline says its main benefit is reducing friction so your hands move smoothly. If you use it, sources agree on the basics but differ on nut oils.
| Oil | What sources say |
|---|---|
| Unscented, plant-based, cold-pressed | Recommended (NCT, NHS neonatal guideline) |
| Sunflower | Recommended (NCT, Derbyshire, neonatal guideline) |
| Grapeseed, fractionated coconut | Suggested (Derbyshire; coconut also in neonatal guideline) |
| Almond and other nut oils | NCT says almond may help skin; Derbyshire says avoid nut oils |
| Olive, mustard, soybean | Avoid — may affect the skin barrier (NCT, Derbyshire, neonatal guideline) |
| Mineral (baby) oil | Avoid (Derbyshire, neonatal guideline) |
| Essential or perfumed oils | Avoid — can irritate skin (Derbyshire, neonatal guideline) |
| Emollient creams | Derbyshire says avoid, as they can clog pores |
Derbyshire Family Health Service suggests doing a patch test first to check your baby doesn't react, and warming the oil in your hands before you start. The neonatal guideline adds that perfume can mask the natural scents that help you and your baby bond.
If your baby has eczema, very dry skin or a family history of allergies, ask your GP or health visitor which product to use.
How do you read your baby's cues during massage?
Massage should be led by your baby. NCT says signs your baby may not want a massage include crying, looking sleepy or showing hunger cues, and to keep watching for signs they're not enjoying it as you go. The neonatal guideline says to stop if a baby shows stress cues or seems uncomfortable.
Other signs many parents notice that mean it's time to pause or stop:
- crying or fussing that builds
- turning their head away or arching away from your hands
- looking sleepy, or starting to root and suck for a feed
- going quiet and withdrawn rather than relaxed
If your baby isn't enjoying it today, stop and try again another day. Some babies take a few tries to get used to it, and some prefer just being held.
When should you not massage your baby?
Skip massage, or wait, if your baby:
- is unwell or has a fever
- has open wounds, a rash that looks infected, or a painful skin condition
- has a bleeding disorder or has recently had surgery
- has had a vaccination in the past 3 days, as the NHS neonatal guideline advises
- is asleep, hungry, crying or has just had a full feed
These come from Derbyshire Family Health Service and the East of England neonatal guideline.
If your baby seems unwell, get them checked rather than trying to soothe them with massage. Call 999 if your baby is under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, has trouble breathing, has blue, grey or blotchy skin, or is floppy or hard to wake. These are on the NHS list of urgent signs.
Can you massage a premature baby?
Yes, but follow your baby's neonatal team. The East of England neonatal guideline says nurturing touch such as hand hugs and comfort holding can be given from birth. More structured massage can begin from around 32 weeks corrected age, once a baby is medically stable, and should be taught to parents by a certified instructor. It says the standard infant massage routine for term babies shouldn't be used before your baby reaches their due date (term-equivalent age).
A 2004 Cochrane review by Vickers and colleagues found that massage in preterm babies was linked with slightly faster weight gain and shorter hospital stays, but had serious concerns about the quality of the studies. It concluded the evidence for developmental benefit was weak.
If your baby is on oxygen or having phototherapy, the guideline advises caution with oils, so check with the nurses first.
Can baby massage help with colic, wind or sleep?
It may help some babies relax, but don't rely on it. The AAP lists massage strokes among things to try for colic, and Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne includes massage in its settling ideas. The Better Health Channel notes that baths and gentle massage relax some babies but often don't help once a baby is already crying.
The Cochrane review found more total sleep over 24 hours in some studies, but no improvement in night-time sleep, and the quality of evidence was poor. If you'd like to try massage for an unsettled baby, offer it during a calm, alert time each day rather than in the middle of a crying spell. For other options, see colic remedies and soothing a crying baby.
Short, regular massages and tummy time can both be part of your baby's awake play. If it's helpful, note when you massaged and how your baby responded, so you can spot which times of day work best.
