OIL massage is an important part of giving health to babies.

Oil maasage should be given to all babies starting at the period of newborn.

The best time to start oil massage to baby is ,approximately 10 days after birth when the umbilical stump falls off automatically.

The best time to give massage is before giving bath and it should be 90 minutes before or after the feed.

If the massage is given in close proximity to feed,there is more chance of vomiting.

The massage should be given preferably by mother so that there occurs a good bonding between mother and child.

The best oil for massaging a baby is pure coconut oil and the next best is olive oil.

If possible the massage should be given in open sun light provided there is no cold wind.

Baby should be unclothed fully during massage in warm ambience.

Massage can be given starting from top to bottom or in reverse order.

Lie the baby on his or her back and start massaging with oil from head.oil the scalp hair and massage gently,then start from mid point of forehead and go towards both sides gently.Massage the nose gently because the bone of baby’s nose is soft.DO NOT INSTIL OIL INTO NOSTRILS  OR EARS.

Massage the back of ears then cheeks then armpits.Chest massage should be started from the midline moving toward both sides(periphery)

Massage the tummy in a clockwise movements of your hands very gently.

Arms should be massaged from low to high for 5-6 times.Then both the palms should be massaged.Legs should be massaged from low to high again 5-6 times ,then soles should be massaged.Oil should always be applied in the area of groin .

Now, the baby should lie on the tummy and back massage should be done starting from centre towards both sides.

Oil massage stimulates the different nerves of the baby,increases blood circulation in different parts of body, thereby helps in promoting growth of the baby.It can also detect some hidden injury when baby starts crying in pain which is easily recognised by mother.By increasing bonding with mother, when the baby enjoy the massage,it also helps in overall development of the baby.

Oil massage should preferably be done two times per day and during winter season, it also protects the baby from cold environment.