How to Baby Massage the Right Way

By Teddyy Editorial Team | Last Updated: April 23, 2026

Learning the art of baby massage is one of the best things you can do for your newborn. Regular baby massage strengthens the bond between parent and child while providing numerous health benefits. This guide will teach you how to perform baby massage safely and effectively.

Knowing how to do a baby massage the right way can help soothe your little one, improve sleep, and strengthen the parent-child bond.

Are you a new mother basking in the glory of the most life-changing experience you’ve ever had? Holding your newborn baby can be a thrilling and emotionally fulfilling moment. What better time to nurture a deeper bond with your little one than through giving your baby a good massage!

Baby massage is one of the best and most lovely ways for you to express your love and care for your baby.

Just like us, babies too find gentle massages very relaxing, and even therapeutic. This is because of the five senses, and touch is the one most developed at birth. The soothing stroke of your hand stimulates the production of the feel-good hormone called oxytocin in your baby, you, and even your partner if they’re watching. It’s the same hormone that makes you feel all fuzzy inside.

There are numerous other benefits of baby massage. Check out our blog— Surprising Benefits of Baby Massage, to know all about them.

In this blog, let’s go over how to massage a newborn baby. ?

Getting started with baby massage

Feeling a little terrified and lost with a towel and a bottle of massage oil is normal. Just follow these simple steps to give your baby a soothing massage session:

What Are the Benefits of Baby Massage for Your Little One

The best time for a massage is when your baby is calm, yet alert – not immediately after a feeding or when they’re sleepy.
A cozy atmosphere is essential for a good massage session. Find a warm and comfortable room where you and your baby can spend some quality time undisturbed.

Dim the lights, turn off your phone, make sure there aren’t any distractions in the room. You may even play some relaxing music if you’d like, but keep it turned low enough for your baby to hear your voice.

Place Baby On A Safe Surface

Sit in a comfortable position, drape a blanket or towel over your legs and place your baby between your legs. You can also place your baby on a flat, cushioned and comfortable surface. This may be a floor, your baby’s changing table, or your bed.

Step-by-Step Baby Massage Techniques

Undress your baby down to their diaper (we hope it’s a Snuggy Diaper since you are here ?) to let them know it’s time for a massage! You can even ditch the diaper if you want and let your baby enjoy being completely naked for a while.

Gentle Touch

Once your baby is ready, start with a gentle ‘Hello’ touch. If your baby cries, stiffens or becomes irritable, that’s it for the day! Pack up and go home. But if they respond nicely, keep going.

Target The Right Body Parts

We got you step-by-step instructions on how to massage every body part and hit the spot!

Feet And Legs

Start by making firm, gentle slow strokes from heel to toe. Now move to the top of their thigh and slowly stroke all the way down to their ankle, gently squeezing their leg as you go. Now reverse the motion and massage from ankle to thigh.

Then gently rub their feet with your thumbs, uncurling and stroking their toes. Now switch legs and repeat the same process. Do this a few more times.

Chest And Arms

Place your hands on your baby’s shoulder and make gentle strokes towards their chest. Now repeat the same motions you just did for feet and legs for their arms.

Expert advice: Try not to get massage oil on their hands unless you want them sucking on it!

Tummy

With your fingertips, draw an oval on their tummy in clockwise direction. Clockwise because that’s the natural path of digestion.

If your baby gets irritated or unsettled, move on to the next step. Avoid their belly button if their cord hasn’t yet healed. Also, don’t put pressure on the area between your baby’s nipples and tummy as it is fragile.

Head And Face

Use your finger pads to massage your baby’s head and face. Start stroking from the middle of their forehead, down the outside of their face, and in towards their cheeks. Next you can massage their scalp in small circles with your finger pads.

Back

If your baby is still enjoying the massage and cooing and giggling, put them on their tummy and use long, smooth strokes from head to toe to massage their back.

That concludes our crash course on ‘How to do baby massage’, but here’s an important thing you must always remember about baby massages: Have fun! Because if you’re not having fun, then what’s the point?!

Keep talking to your baby, call out their name, sing them a lullaby, or gently ‘shhhh’ your baby. The best thing about massaging is not the massaging, it’s the bonding time you get with your baby.

Massaging doesn’t come naturally to all parents. So, don’t be discouraged if massaging your baby doesn’t work out at first. Keep at it, your baby will thank you later!

Preparing the Room and Yourself for Baby Massage

Set the room temperature between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius and switch off fans or air conditioners aimed at the baby. Wash and warm your hands, trim your nails, and remove rings or bracelets that could scratch. Lay a soft, washable towel on a firm surface like a low bed or a yoga mat on the floor. Keep clean nappies, a fresh outfit and a glass of water for yourself within reach. A calm playlist or your own soft humming sets the mood for both of you.

How Much Pressure Is Safe for a Baby

The right pressure should feel like the weight of a one-rupee coin gently sliding over the skin. Newborn skin is delicate, so use the pads of your fingers, not your fingertips. If your baby smiles, makes eye contact or coos, you have the pressure right. Crying, stiffening or pulling away signals that you are pressing too hard or massaging an area the baby does not enjoy that day. Adjust and continue, or stop and try again at the next session.

Reading Your Baby’s Signals During Massage

Babies communicate through their body, not their voice. Open palms, soft eyes and relaxed legs mean they are enjoying the massage. Clenched fists, arched back, turning the head away or yawning repeatedly are signs of overstimulation. Hiccups during massage can mean a small swallow of air or a full tummy. Pause, hold the baby skin-to-skin for a few minutes and resume only if they settle. Following cues turns massage into a conversation, not a routine.

Common First-Time Parent Mistakes

New parents often pour too much oil, massage right after a feed, use cold hands or rush through the strokes. Some apply pressure to the soft fontanelle on the head, which should be avoided entirely until at least the first birthday. Massaging during a fever, immediately after vaccinations or while the baby is hungry are also common slip-ups. Take it slow — a 10-minute focused massage is far more beneficial than 20 distracted minutes.

Massage Routines for Different Times of Day

A morning massage with lighter strokes wakes up the baby gently and stimulates blood flow before the day begins. The afternoon is a good time for tummy massage to relieve gas and aid digestion after a feed. The most popular slot is before the night bath: a slow, calming massage followed by a warm bath, feed and dim lights builds a strong sleep cue. Stick to one fixed time daily so the baby starts anticipating it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should each massage session last? Ten to fifteen minutes for newborns and up to twenty for older babies. Can I massage my baby every day? Yes, daily massage is safe and beneficial when done gently. Should I massage my baby before or after a bath? Most parents prefer before, so the bath cleans off the oil and the baby sleeps better. What if my baby cries during massage? Stop, comfort the baby, check for cold hands or hunger, and try again later.

Expert Resources on Baby Massage

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends baby massage for healthy development. The WHO provides guidelines on newborn care practices. Visit HealthyChildren.org for more baby care tips.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is massage good for newborn babies?

Yes, massage can be beneficial for newborn babies in several ways, including promoting relaxation and sleep, improving circulation, relieving constipation, and enhancing bonding with the parent or caregiver.

What age should you start baby massage?

You can begin massaging your baby 2-4 weeks after their birth.

When to start oil massage for newborn baby?

You may begin massaging your baby 2-4 weeks after their birth. However, most doctors recommend starting oil massage after 6 weeks from birth.

Which oil is best for massage for babies?

Make sure the oil is odorless and edible since your baby may get it in their mouth. You can use coconut oil, almond oil, safflower oil and grapeseed oil. Avoid olive oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, mustard oil and soybean oil as they can cause skin irritation or may not be safe for your newborn baby. Always patch test the oil in a small area of their skin and see if their skin gives a reaction. If it does, change the oil.

How many times baby massage in a day?

For your babies’ proper development, massage your baby at least once or twice a day for 10 to 15 minutes.

When to stop baby massage?

There are two ways we can answer this question:

When should I stop? Stop the massage if your baby is irritated or uncomfortable with it, or if you’re tense and anxious.
At what age should I stop? There is no age limit for massages, you can continue as long as you wish.