Adapting massage for your toddler’s behavior
The wonderful thing about baby massage is that the techniques can be adapted as your child grows.
If your toddler has been receiving massages from you regularly, they may be happy to just lie down and continue to be still and focused as they always have or they may be wanting more input into what happens.
Either way is absolutely fine! Stay with the principles of mutual respect and love, and adapt to the circumstances as they present themselves.
Your toddler may be toilet training by now and may be managing their own slip-on or pull-up diaper or underwear. If this is important to them, let them choose whether these or other clothes are on or off while receiving a massage.
They will also be developing a vocabulary and may be interested in trying out new words. Having a conversation or sing a song while massaging. Your toddler might even want to try massaging you.
Massage is something you both can enjoy and can remind you of how much you care about each other.
If your toddler has been receiving massages from you regularly, they may be happy to just lie down and continue to be still and focused as they always have or they may be wanting more input into what happens.
Either way is absolutely fine! Stay with the principles of mutual respect and love, and adapt to the circumstances as they present themselves.
Your toddler may be toilet training by now and may be managing their own slip-on or pull-up diaper or underwear. If this is important to them, let them choose whether these or other clothes are on or off while receiving a massage.
They will also be developing a vocabulary and may be interested in trying out new words. Having a conversation or sing a song while massaging. Your toddler might even want to try massaging you.
Massage is something you both can enjoy and can remind you of how much you care about each other.
Anne White
Nurse, Massage Therapist and IAIM trained Infant Massage Instructor
The information of this article has been reviewed by nursing experts of the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric, & Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN). The content should not substitute medical advice from your personal healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for recommendations/diagnosis or treatment. For more advice from AWHONN nurses, visit Healthy Mom&Baby at health4mom.org.
