Baby massage at home – step by step guide

You don't need to go to lessons to learn baby massage. Check out our basic step-by-step guide to soothing and bonding with your baby.

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You'll need:

Massage oil: As your baby's skin can become dry very easily, choose an oil that will keep skin moist and supple i.e. one with no or very little perfume, avoiding nut oils - such as almond oil - in case your baby has a nut allergy. Grapeseed oil is a good choice as it sinks right in and doesn't leave a residue on your baby's skin.

A darkened room: It should be warm, too. Both of these things will help your baby to relax.

Soothing tunes: Anything you'd listen to in bed - again, this will add to the soothing atmosphere.

1. Choose a time of day when you're both relaxed and your baby isn't too tired. Wait for about half an hour after feeding. Lots of people choose to do baby massage at bedtime as it can help your baby to relax.

2. Lie your baby on a towel on top of his changing mat (in case of spills, or wees).

3. Get yourself into a comfortable position, remove any rings/bracelets, pour some massage oil into your hand and then rub your hands together to warm the oil.

4. Start by placing your relaxed hands on your baby's shoulders and gently stroke down from shoulders to feet. Pressure should be light but try to make sure that the whole of your hand and fingers come in to contact with your baby's body.

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5. Now place your hands flat at the top of your baby's chest and stroke upwards and outwards going over the collarbone, shoulders and then down the arms. Repeat this six times.

6. Stroke down your baby's body again from shoulders to feet six times.

7. Very lightly circle your fingertips over your baby's tummy in a clockwise direction. Then massage the side of their belly by stroking hand over hand, first from one side to the belly button, and then from the other side to the belly button.

8. Stroke down your baby's body again from shoulders to feet, six times.

9. Add some more oil to your hands if you need to, then hold one of baby's legs at the top of the thigh and move your hand slowly down to the foot. Just as you're about to let go place the other hand at the top of the same thigh and start to move down the leg. This is a nice rhythmic technique but remember to keep it slow, smooth and gentle. Repeat six times and then move on to the other leg.

10. Stroke down your baby's body again from shoulders to feet, six times.

11. If your baby will tolerate it, turn him over on to his tummy and stroke down his back and the backs of his legs with alternate horizontal hands.

12. Finish the massage either on his front or back by holding your hands warmly on either the base of his back or his shoulders for a few seconds and then remove gently.

13. Wrap your baby in the towel to absorb any excess oil before putting a nappy and clothes on.

Ready to try baby massage? Watch this Johnson's Baby video for a demo

Top tip: The session should only take around 10 minutes but if your baby starts to cry, stop and try again another day.