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Behoviourol Stotes Chort


As a parent you have an important role in helping your baby to manage sleep and awake states. As your baby
matures, you will notice s/he will be able to move through these states more easily. The world around your
baby will also shape the way s/he copes. One baby's temperament may allow them to move gradually from
one state to another and maintain their quiet alert or sleep state for a period of time but another baby may
need more help to do this.

Awoke Stotes Sleep Stotes


QUIET ATERT DEEP SLEEP (QUIEI SLEEP}
. Face is bright-eyed and receptive . Babv breathes slowly, deeply and regularly
. Focused attention, taking in the . No rapid eye movement under the closed
surroundings eyelids (non-REM sleep)
. Calm and relaxed movements
. Generally motionless
. Regular breathing
r Low body activity level with very
r occasional movements or startles
Conveys interest and concentration
. May turn away from overwhelming Your baby uses this state for growth and
stimulation to maintain this quiet alert state development.

Your baby responds and learns best in this state.


L|GHT SLEEP (ACflVE SLEEPI
This is the ideal time for massage.
. Breathing is faster, more irregular
or shallow
ACIIVE ALERVR'SSY . Rapid eye movement under the lids
. Considerable body activity
(REM sleep)

. . Eye opening may occur briefly


Variable breathing
r . Sucking movements, sighs and smiles
Whimpering
can be seen from time to time
. Difficulty in paying attention or focusing . Occasional startles and brief, fleeting
jerky movements
This state often follows an alert state and may be
a sign of overstimulation, boredom or a need ln this state your baby's brain is very active,
for a change of some kind. When responded to busily storing and organising experiences
you may help your baby return to a calmer state. and information.

CRYING
Tronsitionol Stote
. High body activity
. Different degrees of intensity and tones DROWSY
indicate the meaning behind the cry . Eyes may be heavy lidded, dazed or closed
. Grimaces, often with closed eyes with fluttering lids
. Skin colour changes may be seen . Bodv activity and breathing variable
. May whimper
This state demands your attention to hear your . Delayed responsiveness
baby's need for something to stop or change.
ln this state your baby may be trying to
Crying can also be an emotional release that
settle them self back into sleep or may
require sensitive acknowledgement. be trying to wake up.

O International Assocration of lnfant Massage 201 3 . www.iaim.net


Oils
The use of oils is a complex subject which continues to be researched. The type of oil to use depends on
many factors such as cultural preferences, family traditions, skin types, availability and cost.

Vegetoble Oils Minerol ond Synthetic Oils


The lnternational Association of lnfant Massage A mineraloil is derived from petroleum while
recommends that babies be massaged with a synthetic oil is produced in the laboratory.
high-quality (preferably organic), unscented, cold-
pressed vegetable oil.
Some disadvantages for use in
Cold-pressed oil is produced by mechanrcally infant massage
pressing vegetables, fruits, seeds or nuts with . Leaves the infant's skin slippery and therefore
low temperature. may feel unsafe when handling the baby.
. lt can be greasy for dressing the baby
Some advantages for use in afterwards.
infant massage . Most mineral and synthetic oils have an
. Contain beneficial ingredients, e.g. vitamins added scent which has the potential to
and minerals. cause sensitivity.
. Have no added scents as it may mask parent/ . Mineral and synthetic oils have no
baby natural body odour (an important element nutritional value.
of bonding).
. Are edible and therefore recognised as
digestible food by the body. Essentiol Oils
. Nourishes the skin.
The lnternational Association of lnfant Massage
strongly recommends avoiding the use of
Some disadvantages for use in essential oils in infant massage oil.
infant massage
. The oil will become rancid over time due to
oxidation. This is recognised by the change of
odour, therefore smell the oil before massage.
. Can vary in quality due to the crop and
processing method.

Recommendations
. Preferably keep in a dark container and store in
a cooldark place.
. For babies with broken skin, a skin infection
or open eczema, oil should be avoided on the
affected area.

(O lnternational Association of lnfant Massage 2013 . www.iaim.net


Legs ond Feet
Starl by greeting your baby's legs with Resting Hands.

I. INDIAN MILKING 2. HUG AND GLIDE

3. THUMB OVER THUIIAB 4. TOE ROLL

5. UNDER TOES AND BALL OF FOOT 6. THUlrrlB PRESS

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O lnternational Asso;ration cf lnfant Massage 2013 . tvww.iaim.net


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7, TOP OF FOOT 8. ANKLE CIRCLES

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9. SWEDISH fYIILKING IO. ROLLING

II. BOTTOM RETA)GR 12. INTEGRATION

Move both hands wrth a sweeping stroke from


buttocks io feet.

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O lnternational Association of lnfant Massage 20'1 3 ' www.iaim.net


Gentle Movements
These morrements gentiy stretch baby's arms and legs, massage the stomach and pelvis and align the spine.

Be gentle and have fun with them, incorporating rhymes and games.

l. Cross Arms 3. Cross Legs


Cross your baby's arms at the chest three tirnes, Cross the legs over the tummy three times,
alternating which arm is over and Then alternatrng which leg is over and under. Then
'lnder.
gently stretch the arms out to the srdes. gently stretch the legs out straight, toward you.

The rhythm is: cross - cross - cross - apen. The rhythm is: cross - cross - cross - straighten.
Repeat. Repeat.

2. Cross Arrn ond Leg 4.Up ond Down


Hold one arm at the wrist and the opposite leg Push the knees together up into the tummy,
at the ankle. Gently bring the arm down to the then stretch them out straight. lf the baby resists
ribcage and the foot up tolvard the shoulder bending and/or straightening the legs, bounce
(allow the knee to bend), crossing the leg and them gently and encourage baby to relax.
arm so that the arm goes to the outside of the Repeat several times.
leg. and cross again so the arm is under the leg,
then cross once more with the arm over the leg.
Now stretch them out in opposite directions.
5. Bicycle
Gently push the knees rnto the tummy, one after
The rhythm is: cross - cross - cross - open. the other, then bounce them out straight to relax.
Repeat with the opposite arm and leg.
The rhythm is:push - push - push - straighten.
Repeat.

O lnternational Asscciation of lnfant iVlassage 2013 . w\,vw.laim.net


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Mqssqge for the Relief of Colic/Gos


This massage routine can be used when problems like tummy patn, wind, constipation or colic occur.
Repeat this series of strokes 3 times, 2-3 times a day, for at least 2 weeks.

Sonre alternative rnethods which can also help are: Resting Hands, Touch Relaxation and Hand Cradling.

l. Resting Honds
Begin by taking a few deep breaths to relax.
Rest your hands on baby's tummy.

2. Woter Wheel Port A


Do 6 times with each hand.
Stroke with alternating hands from rib cage
to legs.

3. Knees Up
Knees together and pr-rsh them gently into Water Wheel Part A
tummy. Hold for a slow count of 6.

4. Touch Reloxotion J"-\


Use your voice, hand and rhythmic rocking,
patting and light bouncing to help baby relax. tr: W
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5. Sun Moon TF

Do 6 times.
One hand draws a clockwise full circle.
The other draws a partial clockwise circle
(from approximately '10 to 5 on a clock).
4
6. Knees Up
Knees together and push them gently
into tummy. Hold for a slow count of 6.

7. Touch Reloxotion
Use your voice, hand and rhythmic rocking,
patting and light bouncing to help baby relax.

O lnternational Association of lnfant Massage 2013 . www.iaim.net


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Suggestions for You r Growing Child
Remember to always ask permission.

Active Crowler
' Keep in mind the behavioural states and consider the best time (preferably quiet alerl).
. Massage the body part that your child likes best.
. Use songs or rhymes.
. Adapt the massage tc accommodate your child's position.
. Have your child sit up in your lap so they can see what is going on.
. Massage may be playful and fun.
. Offer soft toys and cloth books to maintain attention.
. Try massaging in the bath.

Toddler
. Use relaxing strokes before your child goes to sleep.
. Change the name 'infant massage' to 'big girl/big boy massage'.
. Be aware that your child may reject cerlain areas.
. Use songs, rhymes and games during massage time.
' Change your way of asking permission by offering a choice of which area to be
massaged to avoid a typical 'no' response.

Preschool
. Tell stories and engage their imagination.
.'Hero/Heroine massage'.
. Sing songs or use rhymes.
. Let your child choose which area is to be massaged.

School-oge
. Let your child tell a story while you do the massage.
. The stroke may need to be adjusted for longer arms and legs.
. Relate to their hobbies and interests.

Teenoge
o Respect modesty.
. Let your teenager choose the music to be played during massage.
. Consider hand/foot massage or massage of shoulders whilst watching a film.
. Shoulder massage can be offered as a break from homework.
. Ask open-ended questions to prompt sharing of thoughts.
. Give positive comments to help boost their self-confidence.

O lnternational Association cf lnfant Massage 2013 o www.iaim.net

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