Baby massages and gymnastics - a mandatory ritual for the little ones

‚, Through our hands we speak to the child. This is how we communicate with him. Touch is the first language a baby learns. Understanding comes long after feeling…” - So says Frédéric Lebeuer, a French obstetrician and author known for his “gentle” birthing practices.

What is the most magical moment in a woman's life? Of course, the moment she becomes a mother. But in addition to all the euphoria and good times, motherhood can be defined as a great challenge. Not only health care but his alertness and dedication too are most required. Making full contact with the mother and building a strong bond with her are very important elements in raising a newborn. 
We at Baby Crema will tell you a secret, parents how to take the best care while getting to know each other and gaining the trust and attention of your child. From the moment of birth, the baby knows his mother, recognizes her scent, reacts to her voice. But do you know how children at such a fragile age perceive best? By touch! Here comes the indispensable role of massage and gymnastics. 

What is baby gymnastics?

Baby gymnastics builds an island of harmony and understanding. Through laughter, games and songs, you moms need to practice gymnastics with your baby. In the form of a game, of course!
From a parent's point of view, it consists of simple exercises to move and stretch the baby, but they are of great benefit to him. In addition to spending quality time with mom, the movements tone the fragile body. Dress the child in comfortable clothes and get started. Let the first movements be related to placing the baby on the stomach, crossing the arms and curling the legs. As you get older, incorporate exercises like Bridge, Cyclist, Swimmer, Cart and many more.
It is important to make sure that the child enjoys the exercises. They should never be done against his will. If the baby is crying and does not want to participate in gymnastics, just try another time. Check if your hands are warm or what could be the possible cause of your child's discomfort. If the baby is not such a big fan of exercise, will certainly enjoy the massage more.

Why should we pay special attention to baby massage?

The benefits of ritual rubbing every day are undeniably many. Repeating the same massage movements relaxes the baby's nervous system and takes care of his emotional and physical balance.
But the baby is not the only winner of these movements. Parents gradually get to know their child during massage and gymnastics. Touch, kind and caring movements create an emotional connection and build mutual trust.

The sooner you include massage in your routine, the faster you will build your shared emotional world with your child. Did you know that you gain a sense during the first massage when your baby is happy and when he prefers not to be disturbed? Wrinkled eyebrows, a sad grimace and a fallen lip are a signal to stop the massage.

When the massage can become part of a baby's routine?
The first month after birth is the time for the baby to adapt to completely changed living conditions. We recommend 3-4 weeks after birth to start massage and gymnastics

I'm doing a baby massage for the first time! What to do? 
During one of the first massages, use simple movements with light pressure. Follow the basic principle - always from top to bottom. From head to toe. From the shoulder to the wrist. Gradually add new movements. Remember to always be sure that your baby is happy and can adapt to the new movement. The same principle applies to gymnastics. Simpler movements are required for beginners. Choose a time when the baby is awake, at least half an hour after feeding, but not when the child is already hungry. 15 minutes of careful and correct movements are enough for the magic of massage and gymnastics.

 Here are some basic massage techniques to get you started:
–        Face :
Smiles: Sucking, teething, crying, grimacing - the baby's face is constantly stressed. To relax this area and make him smile, massage gradually with your thumbs upper and lower lip, nose and forehead.
–        Chest:
 Hearts: With both hands together in the middle of the chest, make movements as if you were drawing a heart. Put both hands on baby's shoulders and slide them down, one after the other, as if writing the letter "X".
–        Abdomen:
Water wheel: Using the outside of your hands, do alternating strokes on the abdomen. Grasp the ankles with your hands gently and fold the legs towards the abdomen, then unfold. Then you can make a bike - holding one foot in each hand, to imitate riding a bike in the air.
–        Legs:
Squeezing: Wrap the baby's leg in both hands and make squeezing movements from the thigh to the ankle. Then repeat, but from the ankle to the thigh.
Rolling: Make a rolling motion between your two hands, starting at the knee and reaching the ankle.
–         Arms:
Squeezing: Wrap the baby's arm in both hands, starting at the shoulder and sliding it towards the wrist. Then do the same, but in the opposite direction. Then put your hands on either side of the handle and roll from shoulder to wrist.
–        Back:
Back: Put your hands on both sides of the spine, one on the buttocks and the other on the shoulder. Move your arms in opposite directions from top to bottom and back. Then tap the entire back with your fingertips, without the spine.

When and how to do the rituals?

We recommend that the time for massage is after a bath and just before bedtime. In this way the established reflex is built in the child that after the massage it is time for sleep. You choose the time for gymnastics. Or rather the baby. Keep yourself in the best mood for the day to have sure results. For newborns, the room temperature should be around 24 to 25 degrees and gradually with age it can drop to 23-24 degrees. A pleasant atmosphere is a must for a naked baby to feel good. You must have the same pre-training for gymnastics. It is best to have a special massage pad, but do not worry. The basic rule is to place the baby on soft surfaces. His crib or any other soft bed would do a good and safe job.  
Last but not least, the level of importance and mom's preparation before massages gymnastics. Baby Crema team advises you to cut your nails short for maximum baby comfort during the various rubbing movements. Warm hands are absolutely necessary for both activities to be pleasant for the baby. All bracelets and rings should be removed in order not to cause discomfort to the child.

Do we need something to oil the skin during the massage?
Babies' sebaceous glands secrete less protective material and this leads to dry skin and easy susceptibility to bacteria. That's why we all know how delicate the skin of the little ones is and how easily it hurts.

Wouldn't it be better with baby oil?

Baby oil is a great product that is designed to hydrate and nourish the delicate baby and children's skin. It is not mandatory during the massage, but is highly recommended. Unless your baby has specific allergies to the product or any of the ingredients. 
If you are a complete beginner or you hesitate, доверете се на Baby Crema Нежно бебешко олио за времето на най-нежните моменти. 
It will not only give you courage by making it easier to perform the massaging movements of your hands, but also make the touch of your palms much more pleasant for the baby. Ensure  hydrated and healthy skin of the little one.

The oil preserves the moisture and comfort of the skin throughout the night and promotes a deep and restful sleep. It is enriched with vitamin E, which helps blood circulation and strengthening the immune system.
And mom is human! Baby Crema Gentle Baby Oil comes to help for you too, mamas. You warm up your hands faster and provide them with the necessary dose of hydration. Fatigue is less visible on them, and they are not cracked and rough. If with what you have read so far, you are not convinced enough whether to add these two activities to your baby's daily routine, all you have to do is try them to see for yourself the satisfactory results, feel the growing connection between you too and contribute to children's laughter and fun. But you must not completely forget yourself around the child. Combine the care of the little one with yours. Therapy for the hands and the soul!
 The full time spent together should be used in your favorite tender moments!!