A Parent's Guide to Baby Massage: When and How Often?
Quick Answer: Baby massage (malish) is a wonderful bonding activity that can help your baby relax, sleep better, and relieve gas. Start when your baby is at least 2 weeks old, and massage 1-2 times daily for 10-15 minutes. Best times are before bath or bedtime. Use natural oils like coconut or sesame oil (til ka tel), and always ensure baby is calm and alert - never massage a hungry or sleepy baby!
In India, baby massage (malish) has been a cherished tradition for generations. And science now confirms what our grandmothers always knew - massage has real benefits for babies!
Benefits of Baby Massage
Benefit
How It Helps
**Better sleep**
Relaxes baby, promotes deeper sleep
**Reduces gas and colic**
Helps move trapped air through digestive system
**Stronger bonding**
Skin-to-skin contact releases love hormones
**Improved circulation**
Stimulates blood flow throughout body
**Better weight gain**
Studies show massaged babies gain weight faster
**Reduced crying**
Calming effect reduces fussiness
**Muscle development**
Gentle movements support motor development
**Skin health**
Oil keeps skin moisturized and healthy
Research says: Studies show that regular infant massage can help premature babies gain weight faster and may reduce stress hormones in all babies.
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When Can You Start Baby Massage?
Ideal Starting Age
Baby Type
When to Start
**Full-term babies**
After 2 weeks (once umbilical stump falls off)
**Premature babies**
Consult your pediatrician first
Best Time of Day for Massage
Recommended times:
Before bath time (morning or evening)
Before bedtime (helps sleep)
Between feeds (not immediately after)
Avoid massage when:
Baby is hungry or just fed
Baby is sleepy or overtired
Baby is unwell or has fever
Baby is fussy and not settling
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How Often Should You Massage?
Age
Frequency
Duration
**Newborn (2-4 weeks)**
Once daily
5-10 minutes
**1-3 months**
1-2 times daily
10-15 minutes
**3-6 months**
Once daily
15-20 minutes
**6+ months**
As baby enjoys
15-20 minutes
Tip: Follow your baby's cues. If they seem to enjoy it, continue. If they're fussy, try again later.
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Which Oil to Use?
Traditional Indian Oils (Safe and Recommended)
Oil
Benefits
Best For
**Coconut oil (Nariyal tel)**
Moisturizing, cooling, antimicrobial
Summer, normal skin
**Sesame oil (Til ka tel)**
Warming, strengthening, traditional
Winter, dry skin
**Almond oil (Badam tel)**
Rich in Vitamin E, gentle
Sensitive skin
**Mustard oil (Sarson ka tel)**
Warming, used traditionally
Winter (use with caution)
Safety Tips for Oils
Always do a patch test - Apply small amount on baby's arm, wait 24 hours
Avoid fragranced oils - Can irritate baby's skin
Never use essential oils - Too strong for babies
Warm the oil slightly - Between your palms, not heated
Avoid face area - Keep oil away from eyes, nose, mouth
Important: If using mustard oil, always dilute it and avoid in summer months. Many pediatricians recommend coconut oil as the safest option.
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Step-by-Step Massage Technique
Getting Ready
Choose a warm, quiet room
Lay baby on soft towel or mat
Remove any jewelry from your hands
Warm oil between your palms
Make sure baby is calm and alert
Head and Face (2-3 minutes)
Gently stroke forehead with thumbs
Circular motions on temples
Stroke across cheeks (avoiding eyes)
Gentle circles behind ears
Chest and Tummy (3-4 minutes)
Place hands flat on chest
Stroke outward from center
For tummy: Clockwise circular motions
"I Love You" stroke for gas relief
Arms and Hands (2-3 minutes each)
Hold arm gently at shoulder
"Milking" stroke from shoulder to wrist
Gently rotate wrist
Open palm and stroke each finger
Legs and Feet (2-3 minutes each)
Hold leg at thigh
"Milking" stroke from thigh to ankle
Gently rotate ankle
Stroke sole of foot, then each toe
Back (3-4 minutes)
Turn baby on tummy
Long strokes from neck to bottom
Small circles along spine (not on spine)
Gentle strokes across shoulders
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Special Massage for Common Problems
For Gas and Colic
The "I Love You" Massage:
I - Stroke down baby's left side
L - Stroke across tummy, then down left side
U - Stroke up right side, across, and down left side
Also try:
Bicycle legs
Knees to chest gently
Clockwise tummy circles
For Better Sleep
Focus on back massage
Use slower, longer strokes
Dim lights and play soft music
Make it part of bedtime routine
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Signs Baby Is Enjoying Massage
Positive Signs
Baby May Not Be Ready
Relaxed body
Crying or fussing
Cooing or smiling
Turning head away
Eye contact
Arching back
Calm breathing
Clenched fists
Falling asleep
Stiff body
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Massaging immediately after feeding
❌ Using cold oil
❌ Pressing too hard
❌ Massaging when baby is fussy
❌ Leaving baby unattended
❌ Using adult lotions or creams
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I massage my baby every day?
A: Yes! Daily massage is safe and beneficial. Most Indian families massage babies twice daily - morning and evening.
Q: My baby cries during massage. What should I do?
A: Stop and try again later when baby is calmer. Some babies need time to get used to massage. Start with just legs or arms if full massage is too much.
Q: Should I massage my baby in winter?
A: Yes, but ensure the room is warm. Use warming oils like sesame oil. You can also massage in sunlight during morning hours.
Q: Can massage help my baby's constipation?
A: Yes! Tummy massage in clockwise direction can help stimulate bowel movements. Bicycle legs also help.
Q: Is it okay to massage baby's head and fontanelle?
A: Yes, gentle massage on the head is safe. Avoid pressing directly on the fontanelle (soft spot), but gentle strokes around it are fine.
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Key Takeaways
Start after 2 weeks when umbilical cord has healed
Massage 1-2 times daily for 10-15 minutes
Use natural oils - coconut or sesame oil are best
Best timing: Before bath or bedtime, between feeds
Follow baby's cues - stop if baby is fussy
Benefits are real - better sleep, less gas, stronger bonding
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This article was reviewed by pediatricians at Babynama. Last updated: January 2026
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