The wonderful thing about baby massage is that the strokes can be adapted as your child grows.
If your toddler has been receiving massage regularly for some time they may be happy to just lie down and continue to remain still and focused and receive as they always have OR they may be wanting more input and control over what happens.
Either way is absolutely fine. Stay with the principles of mutual respect, honour and love, adapting to circumstances as they present themselves.
Your toddler is probably toilet training by now and may be managing their own underwear.
If this is important to them let them choose whether these or other clothes are on or off when massaging.
They will also be developing a vocabulary and interested to try words out or have a conversation or song whilst receiving massage.
Your toddler may want to try massaging you!!
Toddlers are often very busy little people. They sometimes get frustrated too, because their curiosity is so strong and there’s so much they want to do but can’t always do to their own satisfaction. Massage is a great opportunity to take time out, let go of any pent up feelings and be reminded everything doesn’t have to happen yesterday. Massage also supports brain/body co-ordination and assists self regulation of mood and physical stress – both helpful for the toddler journey.
Massage is something for you both to enjoy. A time to say an unhurried ‘hello, how are you today?’ and be reminded of how much you care about each other.
For more information see Baby Care
Contributed by Anne White
Nurse, Massage Therapist and IAIM trained Infant Massage Instructor
Last Published* May, 2024
*Please note that the published date may not be the same as the date that the content was created and that information above may have changed since.
