Baby massage is a great way to bond and relax your baby.
Learning the ins and outs of infant massage may be the way to soothe an unsettled baby.
Illawarra infant masseuse Justine Poidevin believes the number of parents turning to infant massage has spiked in the past few years as studies recount the technique's success.
"It used to be seen as something for 'new age' parents or people with chronic health problems but now I see a lot of parents with healthy and happy babies who just want to learn more," she says.
"Parents like it because it's inexpensive, they can do it at home and they can see the benefits."
While it shies away from the pressurised, Swedish massages favoured by adults, the technique still aims to relax but is also focused on relieving a variety of health and behavioural problems.
"Parents often come to see me when their child isn't sleeping as massage can help to improve the period of time children spend sleeping and the quality of sleep they are having," Poidevin explains.
Other common problems include colic, wind, constipation and reflux and massage has also been used to help tots with asthma and Down syndrome and premature babies.
Infant massage has equally been toted as a healing tool for parents, particularly those suffering from post-natal depression or struggling to cope with a new baby.
"Infant massage can help as it releases endorphins, which both baby and mum can experience," Poidevin says.
Infant massage has also proven to increase a child's circulation and immune function, stimulate digestion and improve sensory awareness.
Plus it provides the chance for mums and bubs to bond and Poidevin believes developing respect from a young age can make a difference.
"I get parents to rub their hands together so the child can hear the noise and put their hands over their baby's chest while asking them if they want a massage," she says.
"It usually takes about two to eight weeks for a child to associate the motion and speech with a massage but they do get to know it."
Poidevin says infant massage helps to develop a strong connection between mum and bub.
"It uses a lot of eye contact and we encourage parents to continually touch their baby during (massage) so it does build links between them.
"Smell has long been associated with memory and we avoid perfumed oils to allow a child's sense of smell to develop and for them to be familiar with their mother's scent."
Corrimal mum Shaynee Yarworth decided to test infant massage after the birth of her second son, Jakob.
"He was having a lot of problems sleeping and I didn't trial it with my first child so I thought it would be a good way for us to bond and be together," she says.
Using a combination of Indian, Swedish and reflexology techniques, massage can be used on a baby's legs, chest, back, arms and abdomen with different areas targeted depending on the individual child. Poidevin uses a series of strokes and circles techniques that can easily be learnt by parents.
A chest massage can include stroking the child up to the shoulder, then down their sides following their rib cage. Known as a "butterfly movement", this massage should be done while maintaining eye contact.
Back massages can be done on a blanket or in a cuddle position by stroking the back straight down or using a circular motion on each side of a child's spine.
Strokes and circles can also be used alternatively on a child's legs and feet.
Massage can take a while for parents to get the hang of, but Poidevin insists children will give their parents cues.
"If a child's arms are open and relaxed, the massage can continue but if their arms are moving in and away, you know they are saying 'get your hands off me'."
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