Nurturing Touch Back Routine

Always ask you baby if you can massage them, it’s important to do this because babies have very little control of what already happens to them. It also starts to build up a trust. Once they understand what/how you are saying they will respond with a yes or no gesture or noise.

Make sure to be in a calm environment, use soothing tones of voice and calm gestures. Start to associate the calm sensations with a relaxing massage.It is better that baby be lying in front of you in a warm room with little to no clothing or nappy on.

Warm the oil in your hands (see oil page for tips on what to use)

Place baby on tummy. This is a good one for a lot of vocal communication as baby cannot see you or make good eye contact at this point.

Swooping A: Glide hands from neck to feet one at a time rhythmically, avoid the spine.
Swooping B: Glide hands from neck to bum one at a time rhythmically
Back and Forth: Move hands from one side to the other without putting pressure on the spine, use both hands.
Back circles: Avoid the spine make lots of tiny circles all over baby’s back.

Once you have finished, pick baby up, give them a kiss and say ‘Thank you’.