Rub-A-Dub
October 26, 2010 by Erin
Who doesn’t love a good massage? If there is anyone who falls into that category, I’d love to meet her … and shake her while asking “Why? Why!?” It’s been awhile since I had my regular massages at Equinox , and I miss them oh so much; my baby-carrying muscles could really benefit from a good rubdown. The baby herself, though, did inherit my love of a good massage, which I found out yesterday when trying out the Baby Massage Shirt.
The Baby Massage Shirt is a clever and cute little onesie (or T-shirt for 6 to 12 months) that is designed to teach parents and caregivers how to effectively massage infants. With color-coded instructions and arrows, figuring out how to massage a wriggling baby is a breeze. Along with the shirt, I received the Hands on Baby Massage book directly from Michelle Ebbin, a certified infant massage instructor. The book is chock full of great information on the benefits and how-tos of infant massage, including a section on massaging a colicky baby. It’s a great companion to the shirt itself as it gives much more in-depth massage know-how. (Helpful hint when purchasing: The book comes with a shirt, so spend the extra $5 to get both!)
Avery loves her massage onesie and awarded it a big, gummy grin!
Baby massage can help relieve many common baby problems, including gas, constipation, congestion, colic and irritability. After a session of tummy time that had my almost 3-month-old daughter “complaining,” I rolled her over for our first massage session to see if a little belly rub would help her irritation. Sure enough, after a minute, she was happy as a clam, kicking her legs and smiling happily. Then she farted, so I think it also helped with some gas pains.
While all of the physical benefits of massage are reason enough to learn the basics, it’s also a fun bonding opportunity. Avery is getting more interactive, but there aren’t a ton of options for activities yet beyond reading (to myself mostly), bath time, tummy time and her play mat. Massage adds something fun to the mix and gives me additional time to feel that soft baby skin! —Erin
Interested in trying out the book and T-shirt? Comment for a chance to win! Winners will be notified by email. U.S. residents only, please!
I would definitely like to try this out! If massage can soothe and relax us then it may be just as soothing for babies too.
I’m an infant massage therapist. I would love to try one of these onsies! I’ve been teaching infant massage to babies with special needs for 6 years! I currently work at the Cleveland Sight Center and teacher to a group of Blind and visually impaired infants. Infant massage is so important to all babies but is most benificial to babies who have special needs! I love my job!
I would love to try this on my son! What a great idea!!
I would love to have this for my 2 week old baby girl
I try to rub lotion on her legs/arms/trunk in a massage-like motion every morning, but I never know if I’m doing anything to benefit her. If anything, she likes the attention. What a neat idea for a massage onesie!
My baby loves massage, we’d love to try anything that may make our massage time more beneficial.
What a great idea! I’ve heard that massage is great for babies, especially at or after bath time, but like most everything else with newborns, I worry that I have no idea what I’m doing!
I would love this! I am due any day now and would love to learn infant massage. Also, I am regularly watching a now 4-week old leetle girl who has colic, and this might help her.
I would love to try this!
Very nice!! This would be very nice for my very first grandchild..you know..nice soothing grandma and grand baby time.
I just found out this past weekend I am gonna be a grandma!!
that’s a great idea!! i will definitely have to look into getting one of these when my little girl makes her entrance!
6 and a half weeks and counting, haha…