Infant Massage and Colic

What is infant massage?

Infant massage is rhythmic, gentle touch applied to the baby's body and limbs. Done correctly, it eases colic, helps the baby settle to sleep and strengthens the bond between parent and baby. In my practice I do not just describe massage; I teach it by practising it together with you.

What is colic?

Colic is when a healthy, well-fed baby cries for long periods without an obvious cause, most often in the evening. It usually starts in the first weeks, peaks at around 6 weeks and in most babies eases on its own by 3 to 4 months. Colic does not harm the baby, but it is exhausting for the family. Tummy massage, a calming evening routine and the right information make this period easier.

What are the benefits?

• Relief from wind and constipation,
• easier calming and settling to sleep,
• supporting secure attachment through touch,
• helping parents read their baby's body language better.

How do you do it at home?

Start in a warm room, when your baby is fed but not just fed. Begin with the legs and move to the trunk; draw clockwise circles on the tummy. Do each movement while watching your baby's reaction: turning away, crying or tensing is a sign to pause. Ten to fifteen minutes is enough for most babies.

What to watch out for?

Postpone massage during a febrile illness, a skin infection and on vaccination day. Taken together with the sleep routine, massage becomes one of the nicest parts of the evening ritual; I described that whole picture on the sleep routines page.

When is an examination needed?

If the crying comes with fever, vomiting, refusing feeds, poor weight gain, bloody or very watery stools, unusual drowsiness or an unusual high-pitched cry, it should not be thought of as colic; your baby needs to be examined. In a baby under 3 months, a fever should always be assessed straight away.