How to calm your toddler with massage

Mums and dads are increasingly becoming aware of the many benefits that massaging their baby has to offer. It is so lovely to see the smiles and giggles and gurgles from the babies, while mum or dad are giving them a massage, especially as they lay still (sometimes the older babies may test their new 'rolling' skills out!). However, when baby has grown up and is now an active toddler (roughly between the ages of one year and three years), parents may stop massaging their child all together or struggle to find ways to massage them as they are so active!

This is one of the reasons why I have written a book, to help inspire and encourage you as parents to continue to massage your child, or, if you are new to massage, you will find this book very easy to follow as it contains photos (of myself massaging my two children aged 10 years and 2 years at the time) and diagrams plus colourful illustrations to engage your children.

So, WHY massage your toddler? Especially if they are so active?

Is your toddler constantly on the go? Are they easily excitable or over-stimulated? Do they sometimes have trouble sleeping or seem anxious? Would you like to know how YOU are able to CALM them and RELAX them?

MASSAGE is the answer!!

Here is a photograph of myself massaging my 2 year old son (abdominal or 'tummy' massage). 

A wonderful massage oil to use is Sunflower or Sweet Almond oil (cold pressed, organic is preferred). To find out why mineral oil is NOT suitable I have written another blog post on this subject. Idibidi Kids now has a range of ORGANIC massage oils suitable for babies and children!

Here is a page "The Weather Massage" taken from the Idibidi Kids Guide to Children's Massage (eBook):

This is an example of a positive touch game, although not massage as such, is a positive way you can reconnect with your child, ideally at the end of the day. This is a lovely way you can interact with your child in a positive way. I encourage you to talk to your child about the different seasons, and what you see and feel in each season (educational at the same time).

The book is now available as a PDF file on CD for $14.95 AU.

Always remember to ask your child "would you like a massage"? As massage is a form of touch, you want to respect your child's answer. If they say 'no', maybe ask again later. It is important for your child to understand that it is OK to say no to massage. Enjoy the special time you have together; it is a lovely way to bond and keep connected with your child while they are an active toddler!