These gentle strokes focus on your baby’s head and face. They’re a really effective way to settle and calm your baby before a nap or when they’re restless. Nose stroking is especially good for sending little ones off to sleep.
Practice these strokes at any time your baby needs a soothing and loving touch.
You can even use oil for scalp circles. Not only does oil make skin-to-skin massages easier, but it can also help treat Cradle Cap.
Cradle Cap looks a little bit like dandruff, but don’t worry - many young babies experience this condition. If you’d like to remove it, leave the oil in baby’s hair overnight and gently brush the flakes from baby’s hair using a soft baby brush the next morning.
Scalp circles, forehead stroking & bridge of nose massage: a step-by-step tutorial.
Sit loosely cross-legged on your yoga mat with your baby lying in front of you.
Begin by asking baby’s permission to start. Then chant “Om” 3 times.
Scalp circles:
Begin by gently cradling baby’s head in your hands.
Use the pads of your fingers to gently make small circles all over your baby’s scalp, being especially careful of the soft cranial areas known as fontanelles.
Keep circling, watching for baby’s cues. Stop if they indicate they’re not enjoying the sensation.
Forehead stroking:
Place your thumbs together in the centre of your baby’s forehead and gently stroke outwards towards baby’s temples.
Bridge of the nose:
Start at the bridge of your baby’s nose and stroke down towards the cheekbones, then across to the temples.
Finish by lovingly resting your hands on your baby.
