13 April 2026

Key points

  • The best time for baby massage is after the bath, or two hours after a feed.
  • If the baby is often unsettled for no reason or sleeps poorly, massage helps the circulation — the small vessels fill and carry waste away — and helps the baby settle to sleep.
  • Head: two drops of massage oil in the palms, rubbed warm; rest both palms on the baby’s scalp for a few seconds, then rub gently. A slightly warm scalp makes sleep come more easily.
  • Ears: massage helps the baby relax and stimulates the acupoints. Babies who always sleep on one side can develop a flattened ear, which massage can improve.
  • Abdomen: massage relieves wind and constipation, demonstrated here with the familiar “I LOVE U” strokes. Keep the baby warm — uncover only the tummy and keep the nappy on, since a relaxed baby may suddenly pass urine or a stool. Warm a little olive oil between the hands first.