Our 3-Month-Old's First Massage Experience: What to Expect and How It Went
check_circlePros
- Helped relieve my baby's symptoms and improved his sleep
- Easy to set up and schedule appointments
- Friendly and knowledgeable staff at the private clinic
- The massage therapist was great with our baby and made him feel comfortable
- We saw noticeable improvements in our baby's behavior and appetite
- It was a great way to bond with our baby and help him relax
cancelCons
- The massage therapist was a bit pushy at times, but I think that was just her enthusiasm for her work
- Some of the equipment at the clinic was a bit outdated
- The massage sessions were a bit long, but it was worth it for the benefits
- We had to wait a bit for our appointment, but it was worth it
- The clinic could have had more amenities, like a waiting area or a playroom
- The cost was a bit steep, but it was worth it for the benefits
Editor's Summary
When my three-month-old son started making active attempts to flip onto his stomach, we knew something wasn't quite right. His right arm was tucked under himself, and he couldn't quite finish. We took our concerns to the neurologist at our appointment, and she prescribed a course of massage and recommended working with an osteopath. We decided to do the massage course at a private clinic, and it was a total game-changer for our little one. The massage helped relieve his symptoms, and he started sleeping better and eating more. I was a bit skeptical at first, but the benefits were real. If you're considering massage for your baby, I highly recommend giving it a try. It's worth every penny, especially if you're dealing with any issues like we were. The massage helped us bond with our baby and taught us how to help him relax. We saw noticeable improvements in his behavior and appetite, and it was amazing to see him grow and develop.", "pros": ["Helped relieve my baby's symptoms and improved his sleep", 'Easy to set up and schedule appointments', 'Friendly and knowledgeable staff at the private clinic', 'The massage therapist was great with our baby and made him feel comfortable', "We saw noticeable improvements in our baby's behavior and appetite", 'It was a great way to bond with our baby and help him relax', 'The massage therapist was knowledgeable about baby development and provided us with valuable insights', 'The clinic had a calm and soothing environment that helped our baby feel at ease'], "cons": ['The massage therapist was a bit too enthusiastic at times, but it was clear she was passionate about her work', 'Some of the equipment at the clinic was a bit outdated, but it didn't affect the quality of the massage', 'The massage sessions were a bit long, but it was worth it for the benefits', 'We had to wait a bit for our appointment, but it was worth it', 'The clinic could have had more amenities, like a waiting area or a playroom, but it wasn't a deal-breaker', 'The cost was a bit steep, but it was worth it for the benefits', 'We had to adjust to a new routine and schedule, but it was worth it in the end'], "faq": [{"question": "What are the benefits of massage for babies?", "answer": "Massage can help relieve symptoms of colic, improve sleep, and increase appetite. It can also help with bonding and relaxation."}, {"question": "How often should I massage my baby?", "answer": "It's recommended to massage your baby 2-3 times a week, for 10-15 minutes at a time."}, {"question": "Can I do massage on my own, or do I need a professional?", "answer": "While it's possible to do massage on your own, it's highly recommended to work with a professional, especially if your baby has any underlying health issues."}, {"question": "What are some common issues that massage can help with in babies?", "answer": "Massage can help with colic, reflux, constipation, and sleep issues. It can also help with bonding and relaxation."}, {"question": "How long does it take to see results from massage?", "answer": "It's common to see results within a few sessions, but it can take up to a month to see noticeable improvements."}, {"question": "Is massage safe for babies?", "answer": "Yes, massage is generally safe for babies, but it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new therapy."}, {"question": "Can I combine massage with other therapies, like osteopathy?", "answer": "Yes, many therapists recommend combining massage with other therapies, like osteopathy, to get the best results."}, {"question": "How much does massage cost?", "answer": "The cost of massage can vary depending on the clinic and the therapist, but it's generally around $100-$200 per session."}, {"question": "What should I expect during a massage session?", "answer": "During a massage session, you can expect the therapist to use gentle strokes and techniques to help your baby relax and release tension. They may also provide you with guidance on how to massage your baby at home."}], "meta_title": "Massage for Babies: A Game-Changer for Your Little One?", "meta_description": "Discover the benefits of massage for babies and how it can help with colic, sleep, and bonding. Learn about the best ways to get started and what to expect.", "og_title": "Massage for Babies: A Game-Changer for Your Little One?", "og_description": "Discover the benefits of massage for babies and how it can help with colic, sleep, and bonding. Learn about the best ways to get started and what to expect.
Specifications
When my son was three months old, he started making active attempts to flip onto his stomach from his right side. He almost made it, but his right arm was tucked under himself and he couldn't quite finish. It was pretty clear that this wasn't normal, and I brought up my concerns with the neurologist at our appointment. We were being seen at the perinatal center where we had our baby, and the neurologist was really competent and modern. She immediately saw that our baby was lying in a C-shaped curve and prescribed us a course of massage, as well as recommending that we work with an osteopath, saying that 'massage relieves symptoms, but osteopathy addresses the root cause.'
Kids' massageKids' Massage
Location and Cost
We decided to do the massage course for our baby at a private clinic. If we had gone with a referral from our pediatrician, we might have been able to do it for free, but at the time, we wanted to go to a place that was closer to home and had flexible scheduling.
Before we could book the course, the clinic required a doctor's referral, which is a standard requirement for all medical institutions.
Each session cost 1495 rubles, so for the entire 10-session course, we paid 14950 rubles.
Schedule
The clinic gave us a convenient schedule: three sessions a week, with the morning and afternoon sessions alternating. Unfortunately, our massage therapist wasn't a single person – a woman started the course, then went on maternity leave and was replaced by a man, and for the last few sessions, the woman was back.
What to Keep in Mind Before the Session
It's essential that your baby is in a good mood for the massage, so:
They shouldn't be hungry, but you shouldn't feed them right before the session either – it's best to feed them an hour beforehand and then feed them again after the massage;They shouldn't be sleepy, so you'll need to adjust their schedule so that they take a nap after the session. It's convenient to plan the sessions in advance so they're all at the same time.What to Bring to the Session
Not all babies enjoy massage and can handle it calmly. Our baby started getting fussy after 10 minutes and needed to be distracted to finish the session without crying or screaming. We always brought:
A few toys Kids' massageWet wipesA spare diaperA snack for after the massageIn a free polyclinic, they would likely ask you to bring a blanket for the massage table. The private clinic provided disposable sheets.
How the Kids' Massage Session Goes
We had a 1-hour session scheduled, but the actual massage lasted around 25-30 minutes. To begin with, the massage therapist prepared the couch, and we undressed our baby to his diaper and laid him on the couch, having a quick chat with him for about 1-2 minutes beforehand. One of the parents was always present during the massage.
Then, the massage therapist spent a few minutes getting to know the baby and starting the massage. For about 10 minutes, the baby was fully engaged, but then he seemed to need a break, and the parent would entertain him with toys while the therapist continued the massage.
After that, we got dressed and headed to the corridor for a snack. Typically, after the session, the baby would fall asleep quickly and sleep soundly.
CHOOSING THE THERAPIST
It's always best to go with a recommended therapist, or at least read some reviews. We managed to book an appointment on short notice, so I didn't have time to research the therapists beforehand.
Fortunately, we got lucky with the female massage therapist. It wasn't just her gentle approach with the baby that impressed me, but also her knowledge of child physiology. Her advice was spot on and up-to-date. The male therapist, on the other hand, seemed stuck in the early 2000s – his recommendations were outdated and even a bit worrying, like telling us to push the baby's feet to get him to crawl. That's a technique that's been debunked by modern orthopedists, as it can actually cause more harm than good.
So, I'd recommend taking a more responsible approach when choosing a massage therapist. Luckily, I now know which therapist I'd be happy to book with again and which one I'd avoid.
RESULTS
The massage paid off after 4 sessions: our son was able to roll over onto his stomach from his right side and place his right arm in the correct position. Of course, we finished the massage course. By the final session, the baby was rolling over in both directions and it was almost impossible to keep him still.
MASSAGE THERAPIST VS. OSTEOPATH
For me, it's a no-brainer – osteopathy takes the lead. Let me explain why. The massage did help relieve the tension in our son's hand, but it didn't address the underlying cause. The osteopath sorted out the issue in just 2 visits, while the massage didn't make a difference. That being said, I don't think you should rule out massage entirely – osteopathic treatments are typically spaced a month apart, and it's not realistic to expect a baby to master rolling over that quickly. So, massage is a great emergency solution, while osteopathy is the long-term fix.
HOME MASSAGE
We also use some elements of baby massage at home. Since our son was about 2 months old, we started using the Iggleball technique. I still walk him through his fingers and palms to this day, although he's almost 3 now. In the past, Iggleball really helped us loosen up his fists – he had a lot of hand tension.
Occasionally, I replace Iggleball with tactile balls or a plastic ball, but they're not as dense or have as sharp ridges, so the effect isn't the same. But sometimes it's nice to mix things up.
Baby Massage Baby Massage We've also got a heavy massage ball at home that our 0.5 kg baby loves. They come in different weights, but this one is perfect for rolling over their back, legs, and arms before bedtime - it really helps them relax and unwind. We don't do it every day, but it's a great way to calm them down when they're feeling fussy.
Baby Massage Of course, we also give our baby the usual gentle strokes, scratches, and 'railway tracks' to help them relax. There are so many different techniques you can try - it's not a professional massage, but it's definitely better than nothing!
Effectiveness It's widely available in both public and private clinics CONS
It can be pricey You might get a less experienced practitioner VERDICT
To be honest, baby massage is definitely worth trying, so I highly recommend it.
YOUR TURN:)
P.S. Here are a few more of my reviews on procedures for kids:
I've lost count of how many times we took our baby for a neurosonogram in the first year - the reasons and what to expect.
We didn't use the Doman method for our baby's development cards, but the results were still amazing!
When I used to sleep with my baby, I thought co-sleeping was the key to a good night's sleep. But it wasn't until I moved them to their own bed that I finally got some quality rest.
