Becoming A Daddy

"Jou yan low tao lor..." (meaning Becoming A Daddy already) This is the most frequent phrase that greets me whenever i meet a friend or relative. Then comes the "got a lot of things u gotto learn now, cleaning, washing, feeding.... blah ... blah ... blah ..." and jokingly they'll say "now u gotto learn to wash after ur baby poo-poo liow" I dun mind washing, cleaning, n doing all those stuff wan... bcoz im good at it mar... (psst... dun let my wife know har. If not then she sure ask me do all those stuff wan ) But one thing that really fascinates me is how to give my little baby a massage (hmm... it sounds pretty okay when talking about massaging baby hor... but if i start talking about massaging some cute lady, then sure got lotsa people say im a pervert, hamsap fella, sex maniac, etc hahahaha)
So many people giving so many variant of ways n methods n ideas. "First, u must do... n then ..." "Make sure ur baby ... n u do ..." How har now??? I m blur oledi... how to give my little baby a massage har?? The little bit of idea that i had at first is all gone with all those aunty's n uncle's 'philosophy' about massaging baby. Really 'thao heen' (a hokkien saying for Faint or Headache) Rather than making myself 'thao heen' i went doing some surfing n found some information on massaging my baby. I hope they r good hehehe Firstly, timing is very important. Choose a time when you and your baby r relaxed n calm (don't do this when u r in a haste and when our baby is hungry or full stomach) Then select a room that is quiet n warm (comfy)

After u hv chosen the right timing n a comfortable room, u gotto find a position that is comfortable for both u n ur baby (taking particular attention to ur back) sitting on the floor, on the bed or putting ur baby on ur lap. Make sure u put a pillow, towel or blanket so that ur baby feels comfortable. It's recommended for u to play some soothing music in the background on top of all the comfy comfy u r getting in to...

It's a good idea to put some cream or natural oil (e.g. scented lemon, almond, vanilla or lavender) Give it a gentle rub with ur hands so that the cream or oil may be soft n warm It is important that u take off all ur jewelry that may scratch ur baby's soft skin... u wouldn't want to injure him/her while giving a massage, would u?
U may want to undress ur baby, or either leave him/her to only a diaper... but beware of the room's temperature. U may ask ur baby whether he/she is ready for a short two to five minutes massage though he/she may not be able to give any verbal consent yet. If everything is okay, then let's start with the massage!

Basically the massage starts from the baby's head to toe with soft n gentle touches. Some experts may suggest that the massage should start with the leg n feet. Anyway, mine gonna start from the head Work ur way from the head n face, then shoulder n arm, chest, stomach n finally his/her legs

Begin with making tiny circles on ur baby's head. Then smooth his/her forehead with both ur hands at the center by gently pressing outward. Making small circles around ur baby's jaw n massaging around his/her mouth is good as this may provide comfort during teething.

Make small strokes and massage the posterior part of the neck with slow movements down to the shoulders. Softly put both hands on his/her shoulders. Caress the baby from the neck to the shoulders in the direction of his chest.

Form a ring with ur fingers and thumb around ur child's arm. Begin to caress around the armpit and then go down along the arm. Be very careful when u arrive at the elbow, it is a very sensitive region. In the wrist u can gently practice turning motions using. Remember to take great care with all these motions.

Massage the stomach in a circular way (the genitalia area is excluded from the massage). Caress the abdomen moving ur hands clockwise beginning below the ribs.

Caress each leg with ur whole hand, press gently on the thighs. Slightly flex the legs and knees pressing the thighs gently against the body. A foot massage is very relaxing. Begin by putting a soft pressure on each toe, then the foot and return to the toes again. Sometimes a foot massage can help reduce stomach pain. Caress gently all the toes. Apply circular movements at the heels.

A back massage. Turn your baby around. Begin with large and slow movements that include head, neck, back and legs always in one direction. Give your baby soft strokes on the shoulders and back and massaging with your fingertips with circular movements. Do not massage the spinal cord, only put your hands over it and let the baby feel the warm sensation. U can even make small circular movements on your baby's back. Put ur hands at the top of the legs and begin gently caressing while working ur way down towards the foot. When u arrive to the feet start again from the top. With soft and slow movements finish the massage starting once again at the head and back to the toes.

Remember: While u r doing this, feel free to speak to ur baby and look tenderly at him/her. And if ur baby wishes to change position, do not force him/her to keep to a position