Massaging your baby is a great way to help you both relax and bond. It can be especially helpful to a baby who is suffering from a bothersome ailment such as a cold or diaper rash.

Choose a moment during which you and your baby are relaxed, well-fed, calm, and unlikely to be interrupted. Wait about a half hour after the baby has eaten to avoid causing an upset stomach. If the room is warm, undress your baby completely. If it is chilly or damp, be sure to cover the parts of her body that are not being massaged with a warm blanket. Place your baby on a soft surface like a bed or thick blanket.

Rub some nontoxic baby lotion or cream between your hands to make them soft and warm.

Starting at the head, use soft gentle touches to massage your baby. Rub her head, face, shoulders, arms, hands, fingers, chest, stomach, legs, feet, and toes. Talk to your baby in a soft, soothing voice. If your baby wants to change position let her move around. Don't worry if you miss one area, you can always go back to it later on or try it again another time.

If at any time your baby seems uncomfortable or distraught, stop massaging her for a little while and hold or feed her instead. A baby massage should be a comfortable, relaxing experience for both of you, not something that is forced or distressing.