A GENTLE INTRODUCTION TO TOUCH

Introducing Touch To Your Baby
Massage and yoga routines can be fun and are a great way for you to spend tome with your baby; but sometimes the full routines can be too stimulating, particularly for the newborn. However, your baby's need to be touched and to feel secure is still important, and there are other ways of introducing touch before you start the massage and yoga.

Holding And Containment To Help Your Baby Feel Secure
Today, with so many baby carriers, such as car seats that also double as pushchairs, a baby's need to be held is easily overlooked. Your baby has lived the first nine months of their life in the warm, safe, confined space of the womb. During this time, they are able to float effortlessly; moving, kicking and stretching, completely protected and safe. By the end of the nine months period the womb becomes very confined, limiting a baby's movement and giving them the greatest sense of containment. A baby's next experience is that of a big, wide world - with lots of open space to deal with.

When a newborn baby is held in someone's arms they are able to maintain a more natural foetal position - their legs are bent at the knee and held towards their body, and their arms are in much the same position, giving them the sense of security that they experienced before birth. This position is lost when the baby is placed in a cot or car seat, or on a changing mat - along with their sense of security.

Swaddling
The steady pressure when swaddled gives a baby the feeling of security and comfort that they felt in the womb. Sheets and blankets draped over them and tucked in at the sides of a pram or cot just do not offer the same level of comfort. However, not all babies want to be swaddled, but many do.

Swaddling can:

• be relaxing for a baby
• reduce startling
• reduce crying
• possibly lower the heart rate of a fractious baby

When you find that your baby does not settle when you put them in their cot or pram, when they are clearly in need of a sleep, try swaddling them in a very thin cotton blanket or flannelled cot sheet. It is important not to cover their face, and also allow them access to their own hands, in case they want to suck them.

Swaddling

How To Swaddle Your Baby

• Place the sheet on a flat surface and fold down the top right corner about 15 cm so the sheet is a triangle.
• Place your baby on the sheet on their back with their head just above the fold.
• Gently support their hands up towards their chin so they can get them to their mouth, if they wish to.
• Pull the corner near your baby's left hand across their body, and tuck this around their right elbow and secure it under their back.
• Pull the bottom corner by their feet up towards your baby's hands.
• Bring the right-hand corner over and tuck it under their back on the left side.

Safety Tips

• Leave your baby to lie on their back when swaddled.
• Make sure the baby is not over-dressed (no more than a vest and baby clothes).
• Do not use extra covers unless the room is very cool.
• Make sure the sheet does not wrap around your baby's head.
• Avoid using a blanket with lacy holes in it.

Calming Techniques

Self-calming
Young babies who are upset are less able to calm themselves without support and are unable to understand and manage the state they are in. They need help to actually deal with their distress, so that they are able to return to a more balanced 'happy' place.

However, babies are actually capable of calming themselves with the support of a loving, patient parent. By watching your baby you will learn ways to support them when they try to 'self-calm'. For example, from a young age, a lot of babies suck on their fingers or thumbs, as they find this extremely comforting. Sometimes your baby my manage to get their finders into their mouth all by themselves; however, particularly in the early days after birth, they may struggle to do this and will need your help to guide their fingers. A little guidance from you can make all the difference!

Thumb-sucking is not the only comforting technique for a baby; there are many others that you might find your baby responds to. For example, some babies find it easier to manage their behaviour and become calmer when:

• they are swaddled
• they have the opportunity to focus on a patterned surface
• they are held in the Kangaroo Containment Hold , facing towards a blank wall
• they are held in the Lazy Lion Containment Hold , looking towards the floor.

You may find the following holds are useful for your baby particularly if they are in need of soothing.

Containment Holds

Activity
The Kangaroo Containment Holds

• Whilst you are in a standing position, support your baby by cuddling them close to your chest with one arm and taking their weight with the other hand.
• Have their back to your chest, so that they are facing outwards.
  

Kangaroo Containment Hold (1)

Kangaroo Containment Hold(2)

Lazy Lion Containment Hold

• Support your baby by laying them along one of your arms, facing downwards with their head by their your elbow.
• Your arm should support their weight, whilst your hand is holding the top of a leg firmly.
• Rest your free hand on their back for extra support.

An Introduction To Massage For Your Newborn Baby
The full massage routine may be over-stimulating for your newborn baby, so we suggest that you initially introduce your baby to some gentle stroking. Long, sweeping strokes over their clothes are particularly good for helping accustom your baby to massage. Your baby may find these strokes soothing and calming; although it is still important to watch for any negative cues. The full routine can be introduced gradually as your baby becomes ready for a more stimulating massage.

Activity
A suitable routine for your newborn baby.
The following strokes are ideal to use when your baby is clothed.
Stroke A: Soothing Stroke

Baby on side

Either with your baby lying on their side (or in the Lazy Lion position):

• place a hand gently on your baby's head
• stroke down their back to their bottom
• repeat several times whilst talking or singing to them soothingly.

The Velvet Cloak

Either with your baby lying on their back on a changing mat or on your lap:

• bring both your hands to the top of their head
• using the flat of your whole hand, lightly strokes down the sides of their body to the feet
• repeat several times.

The Sole Stroke

Direction for the Sole stroke

This stroke can be done immediately after a nappy change, before you re-dress your baby:

Either with your baby laying on their back on a changing mat or on your lap:

• with their leg slightly raised, cup their foot with both hands
• alternating your thumbs, stroke the sole of the foot, from heel to toes, fanning your thumbs from the centre to the side
• repeat three or four times on both feet.

Helping A Baby Feel Secure During Massage And Yoga

Introducing massage

• If your baby is unhappy about being completely undressed, only uncover the actual area of their body that is to be massaged. Once your baby is comfortable with the massage routine they will happy to be completely undressed.
• Some babies like to feel a boundary around them during massage. Create a boundary by:

- rolling up a bath towel, length ways (like a sausage) and placing it around your baby
- leaning against a wall, or solid piece of furniture, and cocooning your baby between your legs
- using a changing mat that has inflatable sides. This may help your baby feel secure.

• Your baby may like to be massaged whilst they are in your arms. However, you will need to adapt the massage a little, so that you can manage with just one hand. This is a lovely way to do the massage, giving you the opportunity to have a cuddle at the same time.
• Chatting to your baby will help to reassure them during the massage, particularly if you speak in a soft, gentle voice or sing lullabies and nursery rhymes.

Introducing Yoga

• The yoga moves are more energetic than the massage, so:
  - introduce the massage routine to your baby first
  - introduce yoga gradually, beginning with the Kangaroo and Lazy Lion Holds
  - start with the more gentle exercises that keep your baby close to you.
• Unless combined with the massage routine, there is no need to undress your baby.
• Just as you have done with the massage, use nursery rhymes and lullabies to reassure your baby.

Summary

• Swaddling may be useful to try with your baby, as they may enjoy the feeling of security and comfort this can give them.
• Understanding what your baby does to calm themselves when they are upset and helping them to achieve this when they are unhappy, will make them feel loved and secure.
• Containment holds, such as the Kangaroo and Lazy Lion Holds, may help your baby feel secure and will give you the opportunity to gradually introduce massage and yoga to them.
• Introduce massage and containment holds to your baby before the yoga exercises, so that they do not find it all too much.
  

CHOOSING OILS FOR BABY MASSAGE

The Best Oils To Use For Massage
For massage to be enjoyable and comfortable for your baby it is best to use a massage medium, such as oil. The oil allows the massage movements and stoked to be carried out without causing friction to your baby's skin; without oil the massage can be irritating, especially for a sensitive newborn.

Plant-based oils are ideal mediums for baby massage; however, care needs to be taken as oils have the potential to cause an allergic reaction in a child, just like any food could. It is recommended, where possible, that an organic or cold-pressed vegetable oil is used because they are as natural as possible and contain little or no preservatives or additives. This is especially important as babies may ingest some of the oil during the massage. Natural vegetable oils:

• allow the skin to breathe
• nourish and moisture the skin
• are easily absorbed into the skin
• are unscented
• are natural and safe.

Vegetable Oils

• Organic oil that is truly organic will have been grown in strict organic conditions; starting with the seed, nuts or fruits; the condition of soil; no use of pesticides; and an oil extraction process that is free of chemicals. These oils may be difficult to find and can be expensive.
• Cold pressed oil is produced by using high pressure to squeeze out the oil from soft, oily seeds such as Sunflower and Olive. For harder seeds, more pressure is used to crush the seed, which generates some heat ( and may alter the oil). After crushing, the shells are removed by filters and the oil is natural. (Some oils may be further refined after cold pressing).
• Refined oils The vegetable pulp that remains after cold-pressing still contains some oil and is refined either by high temperatures, high pressures or may be created with steam or solvents. This process alters the oil somewhat to remove allergies and impurities, which can help to make it hypoallergenic and safer to use with babies that are prone to allergic reactions or who have weaker immune systems.

What To Choose
Parents will have a number of reasons for choosing a particular oil, but careful consideration should be given to:

• availability
• the skin type of your baby
• risk of allergic reactions
• how the oil will be stored

Sunflower Oil (Helianthus Annuus)
Sunflower oil is excellent for baby massage; it has a light texture and does not leave the skin feeling greasy. The oil is made from the seed of the plant and closely resembles Sebum (the oil that is already present in the human skin) and therefore the sunflower oil is easily absorbed by the uppermost layers of the skin. As the oil is rather light, it can be used to dilute a heavier oil, such as olive oil. This oil produces few allergic reactions, but those people that are allergic to sunflower seeds should avoid cold-pressed and refined sunflower oils. Organic and cold-pressed are best for use with baby massage but refined oils (food grade) are also possible alternatives.

Olive oil (Olea europaea)
This oil, produced from the flesh of the olive, is rather heavy and viscous and may stain clothing, it can however be diluted with sunflower or grape seed oil. Some varieties can have a strong odour too. It is said to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help with sensitivities, chapped skin, burns, stings and even nettle rashes! Olive oil is an all-round general emollient. Again, it is recommended that organic, cold-pressed oil is used.

Grape seed oil (Vitis vinifera)
This oil is made from the hard stone of the grape and is highly refined due to the manufacture process and has little odour, keeps well, is good for slippage and isn't too greasy when applied to the skin. Depending upon the type of refinement process, this oil is said to be hypoallergenic and therefore good for babies who are prone to allergic reactions and have a weak immune systems.

Coconut oil (Cocos nucifera)
Coconut oil is made from the flesh of the coconut and in its raw state is a solid, thick fat and very good for skin. For babies who have poor immune systems and nut allergy problems it is not advisable to use this oil (it may also contribute to a child becoming allergic).

However, fractionated coconut oil is a refined oil that has been produced from the original solid fat coconut oil being heat treated. The fractionisation of the oil removes all potential allergens, mould spores and impurities leaving pure, perfume-free oil that remains as a liquid. This oil will not go off as quickly as other oils and is excellent for slippage in baby massage.

Nuts oils
Nut oils, such as almond and peanut, are generally not recommended for baby massage. It is being suggests that peanut is a high allergy risk.

Cooking oils
Cooking oils such as sunflower and grape seed purchased from a supermarket are highly-refined oils (food grade). They have been purified to enable them to have consistent colour and a longer shelf-life.

Caution:
Avoid nut-based and wheat-based oils such as sweet almond, peanut and wheat germ oil as these may contribute to or cause an allergic reaction.

Oils to avoid

Mineral oils
There are a number of mineral oils and commercially available 'baby massage oils or gels' on the market but it is recommended that these are not used for baby massage. Mineral oil/gel is a highly processed by-product of petroleum (paraffin wax). It contains chemicals and preservatives and is not broken down by the body's digestive system. it has already been mentioned that oil may be ingested by the baby during massage as oil may be on their hands. Unlike vegetable oils, mineral oils is not absorbed into the outer layers of the skin (the epidermis), therefore creating a barrier of film on the surface of the baby's skin. This can block pores and impede the natural functions of the skin, such as excretion and heat regulation. It does not really offer any benefit to the skin, however it is cheap to mass produce and does not go off.

Artificially scented oil
Some commercial baby massage oils and gels often contain artificial perfumes. It is important to avoid these particular oils because they may contain chemicals that may be harmful when ingested. As the artificial scents are often quite a strong smell, your baby may find them overpowering and over-stimulating for the senses. Furthermore, the scent prevents the baby from smelling their parent's natural scent.

Essential oils
Since the popularity of Aromatherapy, many products containing various essential oils are appearing on the market. Essential oils work in very subtle ways, with very small amounts giving therapeutic effects; some of the oils being the antidote to homeopathic remedies. Indeed, some of the stronger essential oils are so potent when blended that they are capable of eradicating a strain of the life-threatening bug MRSA! Even the oils that are considered to be a softer option, such as lavender and tea tree, are not safe to use on prepubescent children as it has been proven that the hormonal activities in the oil may trigger abnormal breast development in young children.

The chemical content of essential oils is absorbed into the body via the olfactory system (nose and lungs) and 60% of substances massaged in to the skin are absorbed into the blood stream. The molecular structure of essential oil is much smaller than vegetable oil and is therefore able to penetrate through the skin.

Many products on the market, intended for babies, contain a number of essential oil. It is not uncommon to find a whole array of baby products for the bath, the hair, massage gel, nappy rash, oils to burn for inhalation etc., all containing different essential oils claiming to help relax or soothe a baby. If a parent uses all these products on their young baby they could be unwittingly overwhelming their baby's sensitive systems.

Reasons for not using essential oils with children under 12 years of age

• The immune system of a baby is very immature and over-use of essential oils may overwhelm an immature liver and the nervous system.
• To-date there is NO research to validate that the use of essential oils with infants is indeed safe.
• Just because a parent likes the fragrance of a particular oil does not mean that their baby will. Obviously a baby cannot communicate this to their parents.
• The essential oil that is added could mask the odour of a rancid vegetable oil.
• The fragrance added to the oil masks the natural smell of the parent. It is very important for the baby to smell their parent's natural smell which helps with bonding.
• Hormonal activities present them as an unwise choice.

For children over the age of two, those parents wishing to introduce essential oils as a treatment are advised to consult a qualified and registered Aromatherapist who specialises in treating children and their individual needs.

Where to buy oil

• Where possible, buy massage oil from reputable supplier.
• If buying a vegetable oil from a supermarket, look for organic cold-pressed varieties.

Storage of oils

• It is best to buy organic and cold-pressed vegetable oils in small quantities, as the shelf life is limited (a 50ml bottle should last several massage sessions).
• Leave the oil to warm to room temperature before massage.
• Discard oil that has gone rancid (oil that has gone off has a rather unpleasant odour).
• Do not use old oil that has been left for a while as the air in the bottle will oxidise the oil and it may become rancid.
• Discard any oil that has been decanted into a dish for a massage session. Do not return unused oil back into the original bottle as this could potentially contaminate the oil with bacteria.

Rather than using a large bottle of oil for massage, consider decanting some of the oil into a smaller, manageable bottle, or place some oil in a clean, shallow bottle, but remember to discard any left-overs after the massage.

PREPARING FOR MASSAGE AND YOGA

Preparing The Environment For Massage And Yoga
There is nothing very complicated about preparing for baby massage and yoga and it does not cost the earth. Before any massage begins it is important to make sure that the environment is just right to create a peaceful atmosphere so that the experience is as relaxing as possible. The same applies with baby yoga too. The space will need to be comfortable, quiet and somewhere that will have few distractions. Not only will you need to prepare the space around you, but you will also need to prepare yourself physically (such as wearing comfortable clothing) and mentally (such as finding time within your busy schedule). These things will ensure that the massage is a positive experience for both your baby and you.

Preparing For Massage
The Room

• Warmth: Choose a room that will be warm enough to undress your baby in and that they will be comfortable when naked although make sure it is not so warm that they become hot and sweaty during the massage. If you feel comfortably warm in a short-sleeved top then this is a good indicator.
• Light: Be aware of your environment and use natural daylight, where possible. If this is not possible, introduce soft, subtle lighting such as lamp to create a warm, relaxing atmosphere. Your baby, for the most part, will be lying on their backs giving them the opportunity to look at you and the ceiling. Bright lights can be very distracting for your baby. If a main light has to be used then make sure your baby is not directly beneath it.
• Noise: Try to ensure the room is as quiet as possible and that external noises and distractions are kept to a minimum. It is a good idea to turn off televisions, radios, loud household machines, mobile phones and remove noisy, boisterous pets!
• Music: Introducing soothing music can really help to create a relaxing atmosphere for both you and your baby. You should be careful to select music that is not too stimulating for the massage routine. Instruments, which produce musical notes by natural means, are the most relaxing, for example, flutes, strings and harps, rather than synthesized sounds which can be too much for a baby's delicate ears and sensitive nervous system. Try to select melodies and lullabies with a calming tempo.
• Smells: One of the wonderful benefits of massaging your baby is that you both have a special time to spend together which can greatly strengthen your bond. Part of the bonding process is a baby becoming familiar with its parent's natural smell and vice versa. Try to eliminate any artificial smells such as perfumes, air fresheners or aromatherapy oils. It is important to remember, just because you like a particular fragrance it does not necessarily mean that your baby does too! In fact it could irritate and become very distracting for your baby.

Equipment
Before the massage begins, prepare the following items:

• Changing mat or large thick towel for your baby to lie on.
• Large towel rolled up into a sausage that can be used for containment of a smaller baby or used for alternative positions for the back massage.
• CD player and relaxing music.
• A pillow for you to sit on or to be used for alternative positions.
• Tissues, baby wipes or a spare towel for little accidents!
• Small bottle of dish of massage oil at room temperature.
• Teddy or toy and a small mirror to amuse older babies.
• Fresh nappy for when the massage is complete.
• A drink for your baby to have when the massage is over.

Preparing For Yoga
The Room

• Space: Choose a room that is carpeted and spacious enough so that you and your baby can move about safely and with ease. Ensure pets are not going to get under foot.
• Warmth: Choose a room that is warm but not too hot - your baby does not need to be undressed during the exercises and may over-heat.
• Light: Choose a room that is light and airy. As there is some floor work, make sure your baby is not directly beneath an artificial ceiling light, as this can be distracting.
• Music: Soothing background music can really help to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Equipment
Before the yoga routine, prepare the following items:

• Yoga mat or non-slip rug for floor exercises.
• CD player and relaxing music.
• A pillow for you to sit on.
• A drink of water for you and your baby to have afterwards.

Getting Your Baby Ready For Massage And Yoga
Refer to previous post. 'The Best Time To Massage'.

Getting Yourself Ready For Massage And Yoga
Not only do you need to prepare the room, the equipment and your baby, but you need to be prepared too. It is vital to be as relaxed as possible before giving your baby a massage or starting the yoga session. Sometimes, this is easier said than done! So, do try the relaxation techniques below; they may be helpful.

• Be comfortable: It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing as you will be spending lots of time sitting on the floor when massaging and moving around for the yoga exercises. Wearing a t-shirt or loose top may allow for easier movement and ensures that you do not become too warm. Use a cushion or pillow to sit on to reduce any discomfort for floor work.
• Jewellery: Remove any jewellery that may scratch your baby's skin or dangle in their face.
• Hands and nails: Ensure that your hands are washed before the massage and any nail snags have been filed away. Take care to use only the pads of your fingers when massaging your baby, as long nails, in particular, may cause discomfort to the baby if they dig into their skin.
• Hair: If you have long hair it is advisable to have it tied back during the massage and yoga, this will ensure it does not dangle on your baby's skin and tickle.
• Position: You need to be aware of your sitting position so that you are comfortable when doing the floor exercises and massage routine. Use a cushion or beanbag and, if possible, rest against a wall, or a sturdy piece of furniture.
• Relaxation technique: It is important before starting the massage or yoga that you feel as relaxed as possible and have put the worries of the day behind you for the time being.

Relaxation Techniques For You To Try
If you are not relaxed, your baby will intuitively feel it during the routines and will not benefit as much as they could do. Possibly, they may refuse the massage or the yoga session altogether because of the tension they sense in you. (it is recommended that you try these relaxation technique at any time of the day if you feel tense, regardless of whether you are about to massage your baby or not)

A Short Relaxation Technique

• Sit in a comfortable position (if this is just before the massage or yoga, hold your baby or place your hands gently on them whilst your baby is lying on the mat).
• Close your eyes.
• Inhale deeply and slowly through your nose, filling the whole of your lungs.
• Exhale slowly through your mouth.
• Repeat three times.
• During the breathing exercise, consciously relax tense areas, such as neck, shoulders, back and upper arms.
• Imagine a bright golden light shining above you.
• Whilst you are breathing in, imagine the bright light being drawn into your body through your head all the way down to the end of your fingers and toes.
• Imagine this glorious light filling the whole of your body with calm and peace.
• Whilst exhaling, think of the word 'CALM'.
• Repeat three times.
• Now focus on your baby.
• Slowly open your eyes.
• Once you are relaxed, massage and yoga can begin. If not, repeat the above.

A Deep Relaxation Technique
For parents who have problems relaxing, try the deeper relaxation technique below. It is advisable that this is done when your baby is asleep or being cared by someone else.

• Lie in a comfortable position.
• Inhale deeply and slowly.
• Exhale slowly through your mouth.
• Repeat three times.
• SLOWLY

- tense your toes, relax your toes
- tense your ankles, relax your ankles
- tense your calves, relax your calves
- tense your knees, relax your knees
- tense your thighs, relax your thighs
- tense your buttocks, relax your buttocks
- tense your abdomen, relax your abdomen
- tense your chest, relax your chest
- tense your back, relax your back
- tense your arms and hands, relax your arms and hands
- tense your shoulders, relax your shoulders
- tense your neck, relax your neck
- tense your face, relax your face
- tense your head, relax your head.

• Imagine you are in a beautiful place somewhere in nature, a very special place.
• Imagine the sun high above your head in a beautiful blue sky.
• Lie in this beautiful place for as long as you need.
• When you ready, slowly come to the present.
• When you ready, slowly open your eyes.
• Stretch out the whole of your body.
• When ready, sit up slowly.

THE BEST TIME TO MASSAGE

How Old Should A Baby Be Before Massage And Yoga Can Be Introduced?
Positive touch, holding and containment are wonderful tools for parents to use in the first few weeks of their baby's life, when massage and yoga may be far too stimulating for the newborn, particularly as they feel touch on their skin more intensely than an older child (the touch receptors are tightly packed together in the newborn and disperse with age) and their early experiences are multi-sensory (for example, the 'see' sounds and 'hear' colour). Also, they need time to adjust to their new environment.

Generally, a good time to introduce the massage and yoga routines is after a baby has had their six week health check. Although a six week old baby may still quite sensitive to over-stimulation, they are at least becoming familiar with their surroundings at this stage and are more likely to be able to enjoy massage and yoga.

This does not mean that you cannot introduce massage to your baby at all during the first few weeks. As massage can greatly help alleviate colic , you may wish to try the colic routine with your baby. The yoga holds are also useful for helping to calm a newborn baby. These are not too stimulating and will give you the opportunity to gently introduce yoga to your young baby.

What Time Of Day Is The Best Time To Do Massage And Yoga
Because babies naturally go through six different states of consciousness many times during the day, there will be occasions in the day when your baby will be more receptive to having a massage or doing some yoga exercises. By understanding these states, it becomes easier to anticipate when your baby might be ready to have a massage, or do some yoga.

The different states of consciousness are as follows:

• turn away
• cry
• become fussy
• cough
• hiccup
• yawn
• wrinkle their forehead
• arch their back
• fall asleep
• squirm
• kick and pull away
• have mottled skin.

Is Your Baby Saying 'Yes' To Massage And Yoga?

• A deep sleep state is when a baby's eyes are firmly closed: breathing is deep and regular with no arm or leg movement. This is a time when the baby needs to rest as it gives them time to rest and grow.
• A light sleep state is when the baby's eyes are firmly closed but eyelid movement can be seen. The baby may twitch a little and their breathing is likely to be irregular and shallow.
• A drowsy state is when the baby is just beginning to awaken from their sleep. Their eyes may be open, but with a dazed appearance. Their breathing is regular but faster and shallower than when they are asleep.
• An alert, awake state is when the baby is relatively quiet and seems able to focus on a person or an object. The sights and sounds around them are likely to produce a response; in this state a baby can be very enjoyable for parents. The baby will be responsive to the voice of its parents and is more likely to respond to singing and having fun during this time. This is a good time to see if a baby is happy to have a massage or do some yoga.
• An alert, but fussy state is when a baby is possibly going to cry, but is not actually crying as yet. They may be soothed or brought to a calmer state by an attractive stimulus. If the stimulus is too much, they may become fussy and they start crying. This would not be a good time to start massage or do some yoga if your baby was not used to the routines and did not know how they felt about these activities. However, after a baby has become accustomed to massage and yoga, and understands that they enjoy this time, it might be possible to suggest massage or yoga to a baby whilst in this state, which may help calm them.
• Crying is the sixth state and allows a baby the chance to release tension. It is their way of signalling an urgent need. Crying is often a sign that a baby is hungry, in pain, bored, in some discomfort or tired. It is generally the most effective way to get a parent's attention.

Understanding Why Babies Cry
Crying is the way in which babies communicate their distress and their need for attention. Crying is a baby's genuine request for help, and not a way of manipulating its parents to give them undue attention. When crying, a baby is hoping to receive a response from their parent, so that their distress can be alleviated. The uneasy feeling that crying causes a parent is as natural as the crying itself; we are designed to respond to our baby's cry and not to ignore it.

If an adult is ignored they can either raise their voice until they are heard or perhaps rephrase what they have said. However, if they are repeatedly ignored they may give up trying and become withdrawn, feeling quite dejected. Babies react in the same way: if ignored they cry louder, if continually ignored they eventually withdraw into themselves and do not try to communicate how helpless they feel. Eventually they will lower their expectations of care, and of themselves - believing that they are not worthy of more attention.

It can be difficult for parents to understand what their baby is trying to say to them when they are crying, but in time this becomes easier and parents begin to recognize what the different cries mean. There are eight main causes of crying:

• hunger
• tiredness
• pain
• discomfort
• loneliness
• over-stimulation
• under-stimulation
• frustration

If your baby's cries for help are consistently met in a sensitive way they will begin to cry less as they learn to trust that you understand and are there to help comfort them when they need you.

Hunger
If a baby is hungry, the crying will normally stop when they are offered food. If a baby has been left to cry for sometime and has worked itself into a highly emotional state, the baby may need to be calmed before they will accept food. It is important to remember that when a baby experiences the feeling of hunger it happens quickly. It is a sensation that can distress a baby - to them it is a survival instinct.

Tiredness
Many babies cry just before they go to sleep and on waking again. When a baby cries before dropping off to sleep they can feel out of sorts, irritated and often do not want to give in to it. A baby's sleep cry tells the parent that the baby needs to be helped to go to sleep. This does not necessarily mean that they want to b cuddled to sleep just that they may need assistance in accessing their own ability to self-calm.

Pain
If adults hurt themselves they are often very verbal in their reaction, but it is rare that they resort to crying. A baby is quick to cry with any pain and there is a good reason why. A baby cannot assess how badly it is hurt; it cannot distinguish between a small bruise or a more serious injury. In order to protect themselves, babies cry in order to bring the parent to their aid and so that the cause of their pain can be assessed and the appropriate action taken. A baby's cry of pain is hard to ignore because ti tends to be loud, sharp and intense: a baby with colic is a good example.

Discomfort
If a baby is uncomfortable, wet or dirty, they may cry. The cry is milder and lacks the sharpness of the pain cry but is designed so as not to be ignored.

Loneliness
Sometimes a baby will cry if they feel lonely. They may simply want to be close to someone special and have a cuddle. Even the smallest of babies are sociable and want to be with other people who are most familiar to them, in particular their Mum. Parents that take time to be with their baby are helping to make them feel secure and confident. This helps to make them feel loved and believe that they are lovable.

Over-Stimulation
Too much light, sound or activity can make a baby cry. Over-stimulation is a form of sensory pain where a baby's eyes, ears or general nervous system are suffering from too much input. Over-powering smells can also trigger a reaction. The situations that we, as adults, have become conditioned to tolerate can be be too much for a baby. As able adults we can remove ourselves from an intolerable situation, a baby cannot.

Under-Stimulation
Boredom can become a problem with older babies, particularly when they are over six months old. Crying during this stage may be from boredom, as it is important to vary your baby's environment by providing access to colours, shapes, textures and sounds in order to stimulate the senses.

Frustration
This can be a problem with older babies who find their clumsiness or lack of mobility a barrier to reaching their goal. If they try to do something and fail, they may start to cry as a way of getting Mum or Dad's help, so that they can achieve what they wanted to do. For example, a baby may cry with frustration until they master a new skill, such as crawling and walking.

Activity

• Take time to watch your baby so you begin to notice what sort of things they do before they start to cry.
• Take time to listen to your baby so that you begin to notice the different types of cry they make, which will help you become aware of whether they are hungry or tired, etc.

Understanding What Your Baby Is Telling You
Your baby will tell you how they are feeling and what they want by using 'non-verbal cues'. There is no 'recipe' of cues - all babies are individual and will have different ways of telling their parents what they want. Sometimes the cues will be very positive and your baby will let you know how happy they are. Other time, your baby will not be happy and will use negative cues to show you how they feel.

Positive Cues
When a baby wants to communicate with someone they might

• be still
• gaze at a face
• reach out to the person
• turn their head and eyes towards the person
• smile
• coo
• use gentle movements of the arms and legs
• have bright, wide open eyes
• look alert and awake, bright and responsive.

Negative Cues
When a baby wants a break or a rest they will disengage and withdraw. They might:

• turn away
• cry
• become fussy
• cough
• hiccup
• yawn
• wrinkle their forehead
• arch their back
• fall asleep
• squirm
• kick and pull away
• have mottled skin.

Is Your Baby Saying 'Yes' To Massage And Yoga?
When you are deciding whether your baby is saying 'yes' to massage or yoga, it is important to think about their non-verbal cues, so that you can decide if it is a good time for them or not. Positive cues are more likely to indicate that your baby is saying 'yes' to massage or yoga; and the negative cues are probably a sign that it is not the right time for your baby, and they are saying 'no' to the activity.

Sometimes you might find it difficulty to know whether your baby is saying 'yes' or 'no', particularly when their non-verbal cues are quite subtle and if you have not given it any thought before. Do not worry, this understanding will come in time, and you will find that if you have not understood what your baby is saying immediately, they will give out even stronger cues, making it quite clear how they are feeling.

During the massage and yoga routines it is vital that your baby is happy, in order for them to learn that these activities are fun and that when they say 'no' to massage or yoga, they are heard, listened to, and their feelings are respected. if a baby's 'no' cues are ignored, they will believe they do not have a voice and that their feelings are not worthy of attention. Also, babies that are not listened to often become withdrawn and generally less responsive.

You will probably find that when your baby is in an alert, awake state during the day, they are more likely to say 'yes' to massage or yoga, because they are keen to play and have fun with your during these periods. Many babies enjoy a massage just before or after a bath - you might find this also its in with your routine. However, your baby may become quite excited after massage and in particular yoga, so it may be that first thing in the morning is better for you both. What is important is that it is right for your baby and you, so that massage and yoga are thoroughly enjoyable experiences.

When Is It Not A Good Time To Do Massage And Yoga With Your Baby
It is important to avoid doing massage and yoga with your baby if they:

• are asleep, tired, hungry, crying or fretful, because these are all 'no' cues
• are unwell, or have a raised temperature. Their immune system will need to be left to deal with the problem and not be over stimulated by massage or yoga
• have an infectious skin condition, because this may aggravate the infected area. The most common skin infections in children are impetigo and ringworm. It is best to refrain from massage and skin-to-skin contact as there is a risk of cross-infection
• are suffering from bruising, sprains or a fracture. It is advisable to refrain from massage until the injuries have healed completely and the swelling has gone down. It may be possible for the unaffected areas to be massaged, but yoga may cause pain and should be avoided until the baby is well again
• have open, weeping wounds and rashes or have an unhealed nave. Breaks in the skin may become infected if massaged and this might cause discomfort and pain
• are suffering from Jaundice, as their live is most likely not functioning as it should. Refrain from massage and yoga until the liver is functioning correctly
• have received vaccinations within the previous 3 days. Vaccinations have an impact on the immune system, as vaccines trigger the immune system to produce antibodies in a similar manner to that of the actual disease. Because massage and yoga are stimulating and have an impact on the immune system, it is necessary to have a break from these activities, so that your baby's body is not overloaded over-stimulated whilst it is trying to deal with the vaccinations given
• have been diagnosed with brittle bone disease. The bones in children suffering from this disease can be so brittle that they break with normal handling.

It is advisable to check with your baby's GP or consultant, before commencing massage or yoga, if your baby has any medical conditions and/or has undergone recent surgery. Generally, after surgery, refrain from massaging the affected area for at least 8 weeks to allow the wound to heal. However other areas of your baby's could be massaged once they have recovered from having an operation. Only massage the unaffected areas once your baby has been given the all clear by the surgeon or GP. It is advisable to avoid yoga until the wound is completely healed. As yoga is quite dynamic, the wound may be affected by many of the exercises.

Summary
The best time to do massage and yoga with your baby is when your baby is in an alert and awake state.
When your baby is relatively quiet, with bright shining eyes, is interested in the sights and sounds around them and is able to focus on you, they are likely to be in an alert, awake state. These are the times when they are more likely to be responsive to your voice; try chatting, singing and having fun during this time.

Another good time to do massage and yoga is when your baby's showing positive cues, such as:

• staying still
• gazing at your face
• reaching out to you
• turning their head and eyes towards you
• smiling
• cooing
• gently moving their arms and legs
• opening their eyes, bright and wide
• looking alert and awake, bright and responsive.

During the times when your baby is in an alert, awake state and displaying positive cues, you will find that they are likely to be responsive to receiving a massage or doing some yoga.

HELPING YOUR BABY'S COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

Cognitive development is the process by which the brain develops the abilities to learn thinking, reasoning, memory and language skills during their early years and helps a child create an impression of the world around them.

These abilities start to develop in early infancy as the brain begins forming connection: during the first two years of life a baby's brain is developing at an exceptional rate. At birth, babies mainly rely on the primitive part of the brain to help them through the early stages of their life. This primitive part of the brain, which functions on a basic instinctual and emotional level only, is not 'wired up' to the front part of the brain that is responsible for rational thoughts. The pathways from the primitive brain to the frontal brain need to connect in the early years to enable a child to grow into a rational, reasoning and caring human being.

To help make these connections, a baby requires lots of positive and varied experiences such as new sights, sounds, smells and tactile stimulations. Massage and yoga are excellent ways of bringing new and positive experiences into a young baby's life as they offer the opportunity for positive touch and early play, especially when accompanied with lots of talking, music and singing of nursery rhymes. Studies show that using nursery rhymes in play can be a wonderful learning tool and can enhance brain development in a growing baby.

Other studies have shown that positive experiences (such as baby massage and yoga) in the first two years of a baby's life, enhances not only the physical development of the child but also their brain development. Baby massage and yoga allow a baby to have fun and gives them many positive experiences.

Your Baby's Cognitive Development Between 1 And 12 Months Of Age
The brain development follows a typical pattern in the first 12 months of a baby's life:

• Between 1 and 2 months of age, babies become interested in new objects and will turn and look towards them. They also gaze longer at more complicated objects and seem to enjoy looking at many new objects, as though trying to learn as much about their new world as possible.
• At around 3 months of age, babies are able to anticipate future events. For example, they will become excited when their parent gently lays their hands on their chest and asks if they want a massage.
• At around 4 months, a baby's sight becomes more advanced and they are now able to combine what they see with what they taste, hear and feel. A baby will be able to wiggle and feel their fingers, and see their fingers move as they become more aware of their legs, feet, arms and hands.
• Connections in the brain are growing rapidly between 6 and 9 months of age. Babies can recognize the appearance, sound and touch of familiar people. Also, babies are able to recall the memory of a person, such as a parent, or an object when that particular person or object is not in view.
• At 9 to 12 months of age a baby is constantly observing the behaviour of others. They start to reveal their personality and become curious about their surroundings and begin to explore. They are also able to demonstrate many different emotions. At this curious stage, massage may become more of a challenge as the baby may not want to lie still.

Cognitive development 12-18 months

• Between the ages of 12 to 18 months, toddlers continue to explore their environment and create experiments to see how things work. They will play with anything they can find; however, at this stage they are not aware of danger so they do not realise that certain things like fires, sharp knives and electric plug sockets can hurt them.
• During this stage the ability to recognize people and objects moves on a step - not only do the babies realise that something can be hidden and still exist, but by now they will look for it too.
• Also around this time, babies develop the capacity to build memories that incorporate all their senses. For instance, children are able to see a mental picture of an object they are holding in their hand without actually looking at it. They remember the object as a whole, through all their senses; they remember its texture and size in their hands, its sound through their ears, and perhaps even its smell.

Cognitive Development 18-24 Months

• Between the ages of 18 and 24 months, toddlers are able to create a generic image of things in their minds and retain them as examples of certain objects. They may create in their mind a picture of a teddy bear, and use it to represent other cuddly animals they play with. Because of this, babies may look for their favourite teddy bear in the toy box because they know that is where it usually lives!
• At this stage, a baby's recall and recognition memory also improves significantly. Around 21 months old, toddlers learn routines, about how certain things are done. For example, they learn that 'an outing to the park', is Mum collects the cot as and hats, mum puts on baby's coat and hat, mum put toddler in the pushchair. Mum opens the front door. Mum and toddler leave the house'. With massage and yoga, you may find that when you ask your baby if they want a massage they will start to collect some of the equipment, such as the bottle of oil, or they may remove some of their clothes and lie on the floor in anticipation!
• Also around 21 months of age, babies reach a number of other developmental milestones and have grasped the concept of past, present and future.
• They also begin to understand that 'things' fit into certain categories, such as recognising a car as a car, even though all cars do not look the same.
• They begin to recognize what things are alike and why, and what other objects fit or do not fit into particular categories.
• Around 24 months of age, toddlers are able to pretend and imagine things that are not there in front of them. This is the first step beyond 'concrete thinking' which means only being able to think about things that are in front of them. Introducing a simple story-time massage, for instance about a little dog or cat, can help encourage their imagination.

Benefits For Baby
Massage and yoga can:

• help a baby adapt to their new environment and become generally more settled
• help a baby develop their first language - touch
• enhance baby's feeling of being loved, respected and secure
• promote relaxation, which can improve quality of sleep
• help a baby cope with stressful situations by regulating Cortisol levels
• reduce the discomfort of colic, wind and constipation
• regulate and strengthen their digestive, respiratory and immune systems
• stimulate the circulatory system and balance the nervous system
• stimulate the lymphatic system
• help general growth and cognitive development
• develop body-mind awareness and coordination
• improve skin condition
• help the baby associate touch with positive handling (particularly important for babies who have experienced intrusive medical intervention)
• strengthen and tone muscles
• help maintain flexibility of the joints, ligaments and tendons
• help the development of coordination, balance and motor skills
• stimulate all the senses
• help a baby learn to interact and play with others.

Benefits For Parents
Massage and yoga can:

• help parents to become more confident and competent in handling their baby
• help parents to understand their baby's non-verbal communication
• help parents to relax whilst having fun with their baby
• help develop a feeling of closeness with their baby
• give a time for parents to play constructively with their baby, so that the relationship may strengthen and grow
• encourage lactation through the stimulation of Prolactin
• encourage the nurturing instinct through the stimulation of Oxytocin
• help parents feel more in control
• strengthen a parent's physical health (yoga).

PHYSICAL BENEFITS

Strengthens Body Systems
Regular massage and yoga may help to strengthen your baby's immune system and increase their resistance to infection. It may also improve blood circulation and help to drain the lymphatic system as well as improving the overall condition of their skin (provided a non-contaminated, organic vegetable oil is applied).

Massaging your baby's face can alleviate nasal congestion and help drain mucus from the nasal passages, which is extremely helpful for when your baby has a snuffle. Also,, the Toe Rolling exercise (see later post) is excellent for helping to alleviate the symptoms of a cold and teething niggles, as this exercise is based around the traditional art of reflexology and the toes represent the face, including the nose, mouth, eyes and sinuses. Not only does massaging your baby's toes alleviate these symptoms, but it also has an immediate effect on their nervous system and encourages general well-being.

Colic
It can be a most upsetting experience for a parent to watch a young baby screaming in agony with, what looks like, severe tummy pains. It often lasts for many hours and usually starts around the same time each day. The condition is harmless, although it can be distressing for a baby to experience and for the parents to observe. This distressing condition often creates stress and anxiety within the home. Parents and other family members may find it difficult to cope with the constant crying, so it is important to seek support and if possible to take a break occasionally.

What Is Colic?
Colic is uncontrollable, extended crying in a baby who is otherwise healthy and well-fed. Every baby cries, but babies who cry for more than three hours a day, three to four days a week, may have colic. It can start when a baby is around two to four weeks of age and may last for three months, or possibly longer. There are some practitioners who believe that colic does not exist, but for those parents that experience the early evening bouts of screaming and obvious distress with their babies it is definitely real enough! However, colic is not a serious condition.

What Causes Colic?
The cause of colic is not really known. It is often thought to be related to the digestive system. Another possible cause is a combination of a baby's temperament and an immature nervous system. A baby's temperament may make them highly sensitive to the environment, and they may react to normal stimulation, changes to the environment or pick up on parental stress by crying. A baby is unable to regulate crying once they start because of their immature nervous system.

What Are The Symptoms?
The main symptoms is continuous crying for long periods of time. A baby may look uncomfortable or appear to be in pain and may lift their head, draw their legs up to their tummy, become red in the face and pass wind. Some babies refuse to eat during a colicky bout, though research shows that babies with colic generally continue to eat and gain weight normally.

Although this crying can occur at any time, it usually worsens between 4pm and 8pm - often a time when there is a lot of external stimulation in the home; perhaps older siblings are arriving home from school, the television goes on, the telephone may ring, other family members are arriving home from work, the evening meal is being prepared and the baby, very often, is in the middle of this commotion. Some babies will love the hustle and bustle, but others may hate it, especially those that are sensitive and suffering from colic. It might be expedient to reduce as much of the external stimulations for the baby as possible.

When To See A Doctor
Colic does not need medical treatment. However, if you are worried about your baby's crying, you may want to seek advice form a healthcare professional to make sure there is no serious underlying problem. Before visiting a doctor, all other possible causes of crying should be eliminated. These include the following:

• Hunger
• Tiredness
• Lack of contact - some babies want to be cuddled all the time.
• Startling eg. due to a jerky movement or sudden noise.
• Undressing - some babies do not like to be naked.
• Temperature - is your baby too hot or too cold?
• Pain - is there an identifiable source of pain, eg. a nappy rash or some irritation in clothing?

Using Massage And Yoga To Alleviate Colic
Massaging your baby tummy's is a fantastic way to help regulate and strengthen the digestive system and alleviate wind, constipation and colic. It is very important to follow the guide in this post and massage their tummy in a clock-wise direction as this is the direction in which the contents of the bowel move. By doing this you can help to move wind and faeces in the right direction. Furthermore, as massage and yoga can be relaxing, a stressed baby may find they are less anxious.

However, it is extremely important that you do not massage your baby whilst they are crying with pain. Firstly, crying is a 'negative cue' and a parent would not be listening to their baby if they ignored this and started to massage their tummy, regardless. Secondly, the best way to alleviate the problem is to catch it early before the baby is in real pain. Parents with a colicky baby will know the signs and the usual time that their baby will begin to suffer with colic - which is so often around tea time.

Using The Colic Routine

• A simple colic routine has been included in the later post and when followed and repeated preferably three or four times an hour before the time the colic begins, you should see a marked difference in your baby.
• After the colic routine, allow your baby to rest quietly.
• Your baby may find it particularly calming when facing a blank wall for a little while (especially if there is much commotion in the home).
• The Lazy Lion Containment Hold (see later post) is extremely good for alleviating the discomfort of stomach ache and colic.

Other Treatments For Colic
There is no single cure for colic, but there are several measures that can be taken that may help. Individual babies have different needs, and parents should try various methods to see what works.

Parents who bottle-feed their babies may want to try a different formula. For mothers who breastfeed, it is a good idea to continue this because weaning the baby from breast milk may make the colic worse. Some nursing mothers find that certain foods in their diet seem to worsen the effects of colic so cutting these foods out can help. These might include cruciferous vegetables (eg. cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, sprouts and parsnip), beans, onions, garlic, apricots, melon, spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol.

If there is a family history of milk sugar (lactose) intolerance, breastfeeding mothers could try eliminating cows milk from their diet (however, seek advice before making major changes to any diet). Sometimes babies are not able to digest lactose well - this improves as they get older.

If your baby seems to have a lot of wind, make sure they are winded after each feed. Babies who are bottle-fed may swallow air from the bottle; try feeding your baby in different position, or use a bottle and teat designed to reduce the amount of air your baby swallows during a feed.

Restful Sleep
One of the issues, which every new partner has to cope with, is not getting enough sleep. If your baby is finding it difficult to get to sleep, or is waking several times in the night, you will be suffering all the more.

Try not to be drawn into comparison with other babies. Babies do not know the difference between night and day at first and most babies less than six months wake up regularly during the night. For the first three or four months, babies find it difficult to go more than six hours at night without a feed and this is even truer for breast-feed babies. However, babies may not always wake for hunger. They are emotionally dependent on their parents and will learn from experience that if needed their parent will respond.

A baby does not have the capacity to understand anyone else's feelings and if they seem to be very demanding it is not because they are 'trying' it on'. A baby that has a feeling of being loved during its first year is more likely to know that a parent will come to them if really needed and not to fret if the attention is not immediate. If the parent responds, the baby's confidence will grow, and eventually they will learn to settle or entertain themselves.

How Massage And Yoga May Help Your Baby Sleep
Many babies find massage very soothing, and may even fall asleep immediately afterwards. You may find that your baby will sleep deeper and longer after a massage. If massage is introduced after their bath and as part of your baby's going-to-bed routine, it can help to release the tension in your baby, not to mention you!

The massage and yoga improves a baby's circulation, deepens and regulates the breathing, and increases the levels of oxygen in the bloodstream, which can lead to deeper sleep. Massage can help to make sleep-time more peaceful with a familiar pattern to it, which is very beneficial for fussy babies.

Other Tips To Help Your Baby Sleep
In addition to using the massage and yoga techniques, try the following:

• Carrying your baby in a front sling or back pack.
• Swaddling your baby to help them feel secure.
• Placing your baby facing a blank wall, away from distractions.
• Placing your baby near continuous noise or vibrations from household appliances like the washing machine, dishwasher or vacuum cleaner.
• Helping your baby to practise their self-calming techniques.

If your baby does not fall asleep in the evening, wakes during the night or early in the morning or cries excessively, then try some of the following:

Sleeping Without A Teat Cue
Your baby will learn very quickly that sleep follows a feed. To help your baby fall asleep without the need for a teat or breast in their mouth, it may be worth rousing them a little as you finally put them down to sleep so they feel themselves dozing off without something in their mouth.

Time To Settle
Give your baby time to settle, but do not leave him/her crying and distressed for too long. The same applies if your baby wakes in the night.

Sleepy Atmosphere
Whisper to your baby very quietly and soothingly so as to create a sleepy atmosphere. This gives them the opportunity to learn that this is different from daytime.

Toys
A lot of older babies become fond of a cuddly toy that has been introduced to them in the cot at an early stage. They will use this to cuddle before falling sleep. From about five months old, babies often like to play with a small toy during massage. The toy they cuddle at bedtime could be used for this purpose. It is common for children to hang onto this toy when they are ill or visiting new and strange places - it is know as a 'transitional object'. A transitional object is one that your baby associates with you and their lovely massage, from which they can take comfort in your absence.

Warmth
Babies sleep better when they are warm. Babygros can keep them warm when they kick off blankets, but if your baby is very restless then a fitted sleeping blanket might. For safe sleeping, babies should not overheat either.

Light
When attending to your baby in the night, do this in the dark so that your baby does not associate 'lights on' with visits from mummy or daddy! Night lights can help children drift off to sleep (for safety reasons switch these off when you go to bed). Black-out blinds can be useful in summer to cut out the early morning sun.

Noise
A certain amount of low level noise can be comforting for your baby. However, sudden,loud noise can disturb their sleep. If possible, move your baby to another room away from noise. Central heating noise can be a real problem for disturbing sleep. One helpful idea could be to delay the onset in the morning by half an hour so that your baby gets more sleep.

Music
Some babies respond to the rhythmic sounds of music. This works best when the baby is rocked from head to toe (rather than from side to side). Soothing music, or music that was played whilst the baby was still in the womb ( in the third trimester) can be have a calming effect once the baby is born.

Natural Pain Relief
Generally, massage stimulates the production of Oxytocin (a hormone secreted by both sexes), which is a natural pain reliever and induces a calming effect for your baby.

Putting Your Baby In Prone Position During The Day
A number of weeks prior to learning the back massage strokes, it is advisable that you lay your baby on their tummy for a short period each day. This helps your baby to feel comfortable and gain confidence in this position. Also, it can help with the crawl response and encourages your baby to lift its head. Your baby may resist initially as they may find it strange, so it is always best if you try this for short periods of time to avoid your baby getting tired or irritable.

In the week leading up to learning the back massage, place your baby on their front for five minutes, a couple of times a day. It is important that this activity is only carried out when you are able to stay with them to reassure them. Remember that this is new to them, and also, from a safety point of view, your baby should never be left alone at this time.

The Benefits Of The Prone Position
Lying your baby on their tummy is a great way to help with their muscle development and to increase strength. It also helps your baby to be able to:

• feel confident being on their front
• lift their head, to turn and look
• lift their upper body with support from their forearms
• push their arms into a rigid position. This may cause your baby to roll over so never leave your baby alone on a raised surface, changing platform or bed.
• move their weight on to one hand enabling them to reach for a toy
• practise the crawl movement by drawing their knees towards their hips
• push up with their hands when on their knees so they can rock.

Since it has become more popular to put babies on their backs to sleep, this practice has now become an 'all day routine'. This has led to an increase of babies with 'flat head syndrome' or an abnormal shaped head. So, during supervised play time, it will be helpful for your baby's development if they spend time on their tummy.

THE BENEFITS OF MASSAGE AND YOGA FOR YOUR BABY AND YOU

Emotional Benefits
When the subjects of baby massage and yoga are discussed, it is often the physical benefits that are considered first, but there are also a number of emotional benefits to be gained by both the baby AND parent when they engage in baby massage and yoga on a regular basis.

Helping Your Baby Adapt To Their New Environment
Upon leaving the comfort of their mother's womb, a newborn can find that entering the new phase of their life is rather stressful. Massage and yoga, however, can reduce stress; which is as important for tiny babies as it is for adults! Regular massage can help babies adapt to their new environment and reassure them. In time, when they feel anxious, out of sorts or in a stressful situation, parents can use massage, which their baby recognizes as a pleasant experience, to help calm and soothe their baby. Studies carried out showed that Cortisol levels ( a hormone we all secrete when we are under stress) were greatly reduced in babies that had a massage to soothe them rather than those that were simply rocked.

Overcoming Intrusive Medical Intervention
Massage and yoga can help babies that have received intrusive medical interventions and may associate touch with a negative experience. If your baby has received some medical intervention, you might find initially that massage and yoga may be far too stimulating and distressing for your baby, but you can overcome this by gently introducing the concept of positive touch to them. This can simply be stroking over your baby's clothes, whilst holding them securely and talking to them soothingly or practising the containment and holding techniques.

The length of time it takes for a baby to become comfortable with touch depends upon the nature of the baby and the type of intervention they received. Gradually you will be able to progress to the massage routine and then the yoga exercises; being guided by your baby's subtle forms of communication. Eventually your baby will gradually begin to associated touch in a positive light and the negative feelings connected with the medical intervention will become a distant memory.

Understanding Your Baby
Not all parents are completely confident about handling their baby in the first months of their life, which can leave the parents feeling rather inadequate and disempowered. The massage and yoga routines are designed to help parents feel more confident about touching and handling their babies.

Through massage and yoga you can learn how your baby communicates with you by understanding their positive and negative cues. These are the noises, movements and subtle physical changes that your baby makes. This may help you to feel more in control as you gain a greater understanding of your baby and you will find that this enhances the mutual respect between you.

Also, with this greater understanding, the communication between both of you should improve so that you are able to recognize when your baby is over-stimulated, why your baby cries, how to help them become calmer and begin to help your baby use their own self-calming techniques.

Bonding With Your Baby
Touch, eye contact, smell and sounds of the parent's voice are all elements of the bonding process between parent and baby. However, because of the pressures to return to work soon after birth, there is a need for parents and babies to become less dependent upon each other very quickly. Also, spending time holding, touching and chatting to our babies happens less frequently and because of this the bonding process may be affected.

The eminent child psychologist, believes that touch is central to the development of the bonding relationship between a mother and her baby. Baby massage and yoga are excellent forms of positive touch and therefore, without doubt, are extremely important tools for you to use to help you communicate with your baby; in turn this naturally helps with the attachment and bonding between you.

Sibling Rivalry
When a new baby arrives into a family that already has one or more children, the family dynamics can be changed dramatically. Older siblings can feel alienated, neglected and just down-right jealous of the new arrival. Parents who are sensitive to this know the importance of helping the older children come to terms with and accept the new baby. Baby massage and yoga can be extremely useful in this process.

If you have older children, you can really help make a difference to the way they feel about your new baby by involving them in the routines, thereby showing them that they are still just as important to you as they always be. Not only that, they may enjoy the new found responsibility as 'older' brother or sister.

They can help by:

• preparing the room
• choosing the music and the nursery rhymes
• holding the bottle of oil
• watching for the baby's cues (helping them learn what the baby is saying).

A fun idea is to encourage the older child to copy the massage strokes and the yoga exercises, that you are doing with their new brother or sister, on their favourite doll or teddy.

Post-Natal Illness (Depression)
Post-natal illness (PNI) is quite common (up to as many as 20% of women experience PNI after the birth of their child) and unfortunately, is often under-recognized and under-treated. PNI usually appears in the early months after childbirth but can occur at any time during the first year of the baby's life. In undetected, a mother may be suffering well beyond this period.

Support And Treatment For PNI
If a mother is suffering from PNI it is extremely important tat she confides in someone that she trusts, be that her partner, family member, Health Visitor or GP. Attending a post-natal group or baby massage and/or yoga class can be of real benefit as these are very supportive, non-judgemental. Often, having the opportunity to share fears and anxiety with other mothers can bring tremendous relief.

Other treatments of post-natal illness include self-help strategies, complementary therapies, counselling, medication/therapy and sometimes hospital-based care.

Evidence That Baby Massage Helps PNI Sufferers
It is thought that kissing, cuddling and prolonged gazing at the baby are indicators of a developing bond. Baby massage can ensure that a mother spends quality time with her baby and will help with the bonding process, thus helping the baby to develop a strong attachment to its mother, which can promote a sense of security in the baby. The child is then more likely to grow up self-assured and self-confident.

Unfortunately the bonding and attachment process between a mother and her baby can be greatly impeded, and in some cases it may not happen at all, when a mother is suffering from PNI. Very often mothers who are suffering from PNI avoid eye contact with other people and often avoid communicating generally. Sadly, this can also be the case with her baby.

However, it is proven that baby massage can help break the cycle of negative or limited interaction between a mother and her baby and is a highly effective way of helping mothers that are suffering emotionally. Although there is no official research to indicate that yoga is beneficial in relation to PNI, as the yoga routine encourages interaction, it can be assumed that it is valuable for improving communication and ultimately enhancing the development of a loving, caring, mother-child relationship, just as massage is shown to be.

Mothers suffering from PNI benefit greatly from participating in baby massage on a very regular basis for the following reasons.

• Baby massage can help stimulate an increase in the hormone responsible for maternal feelings.
• The baby is more relaxed, happier and the cycle of negative interaction between mother and baby can be broken.
• Babies who received massage (rather than being rocked) gained more weight.
• Babies who were massaged had less sleep problems.
• Babies are calmer.
• Babies interact better with their mother.
• The mother's stress hormone levels were lower.
• The mother's 'feel good' hormones were increased.

Fathers
The emotional benefits of baby massage, such as quality, one-to-one loving touch, can also be experienced by fathers too. Studies show us that fathers that gave their babies a 15-minute daily massage prior to bedtime for one month, revealed that they communicated much better with their babies.