Image: AI
Babies feel secure when their day follows a familiar pattern. Massaging at the same time each day, followed by a lukewarm bath and a feed, signals that it is time to wind down and can support more restful sleep. Ayurveda has long valued massage as a daily ritual, and families who prefer a traditional ingredients approach can consider Baby Forest’s Maasoom Maalish Baby Body Massage Oil, which combines nourishing oils with Ayurvedic herbs and flowers. Speaking or humming softly during the massage adds to the comfort, as babies recognise a parent’s voice long before they understand words.
Pediatricians generally recommend massaging 30 to 45 minutes after a feed, since pressure on a full stomach may lead to spit-up or discomfort. Massage has been part of a baby’s routine in Indian homes for generations, and pediatricians agree that gentle touch can help babies relax, settle into sleep and feel close to their parents. However, a baby’s skin is thinner and more absorbent than an adult’s, and little bodies are still learning to handle warmth, digestion and touch. This is why the right time, oil and technique are very important. It is natural for new parents to feel unsure and have doubts in this regard. A few simple practices can help keep massage safe, gentle and enjoyable for both parent and baby. Babies respond best when they are calm, awake and not hungry. Also, babies lose body heat quickly; the room should be warm. Ten to fifteen minutes is usually enough. If the baby has a fever, rash or skin infection, or was vaccinated that day, it is best to wait until they are comfortable again. Premature or low birth weight babies should be massaged only after the pediatrician has advised on technique. A baby’s skin absorbs much of what is applied to it, so oils with minimal ingredients are the safer choice. Coconut oil has long been used in Indian homes and is gentle enough for daily use. Organic, cold-pressed options such as Baby Forest’s Narial Tailam keep the oil close to its natural form, without unnecessary additions. Mustard oil, although common in many households, can irritate an infant’s delicate skin and is best avoided. A small patch test on the inner arm, followed by a day’s wait, helps confirm that the oil suits the baby.