At three and a half months old, Toby is already a little bon vivant and loves full-body massages. Here's how we do it...
Depending on how luxurious we're feeling, we use pure vegetable oil (which our doctor suggested, funnily enough) or nothing at all. I start by softly rubbing his forehead in circles and tracing his eyebrows...
Then I rub his chubby belly and down his arms...
Next I give him a double foot massage (his fave!)...
And pull up his legs for a satisfying stretch.
Next I flip him around onto his belly and rub his back...
And finish with some light karate chops! It's become a sweet bedtime tradition, even though he is the wriggliest massaged person I've ever met. Do you guys have any other moves you'd recommend? xoxoP.S. In other baby news: I'll be posting our birth story this coming Monday, September 20th. Thanks for all your sweet notes about it; I'm excited to (finally) share.
(Photos by Brookelyn Photography. Thank you so much, Brooke!)
Toby is probably the sweetest baby ever!!! What a little bundle of jo... I bet he's enjoying his massages, I'd for sure... :D
ReplyDeletexxx
http://gypsy-diaries.blogspot.com/
I've just read it on the Highchair Critics and I love it so much...Toby is such a great little guy and I can see that he loves those massages...Love the relax sign...so cute!!!!
ReplyDeleteKisses,Joanna
Ps: I am so excited for your birth story and I am going to forward this post to my friend who just had her twins...I bet she will make notes for future:)
jo = joy :)
ReplyDeleteso so so so sweet! perfect. My mom is a psych prof and she alwasy talks about how important touch is before two years old. It can completely change personalities....
ReplyDeleteThis is so precious. When my little nephew was a newborn, I would give him massages. Especially on his little legs, because they were still so curled up from being tucked away in mama's belly.
ReplyDeleteI love that top photo! A lot of studies are showing now that the amount of loving touch a child receives at an early age has a direct impact on nutrition as an adult. Toby's off to a great start!
ReplyDeleteBecca
A full body massage?! What a lucky baby boy he is (and what a thoughtful mama you are for doing it!).
ReplyDeleteSorry for the long comment, but...
ReplyDeleteI make baby pizza -
1. Knead and form the dough (give baby little massage, like you detailed).
2. Spread the sauce (gentle rubs on baby's belly).
3. Sprinkle the toppings (little tickles all over the body).
4. Bake (give baby a big hug/squeeze).
5. Eat (lots of kisses!)
My kids love this, and my son (5 months) goes absolutely bonkers and laughs SO loud!
I love the "RELAX" blocks you propped next to Toby. You're a cleaver one, Joanna!
Toby is so, so cute. He has such a perfect little face. I've always given my little one massages, and now that she's talking she asks me "You wanna rub my back?" It's the cutest thing ever. :]
ReplyDeletemy eyes actually started to close reading that. it sounds sooo relaxing! and yes, i too enjoy my hair being played with.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lucky little guy! These photos are beautiful. Can't wait to read the birth story. I think it's fantastic you're sharing all of this with us : )
ReplyDeletexx Katie
Super sweet!! Love those pics!
ReplyDeleteI also loved a good back scratch - still do! :)
oh my gosh, he just must be in heaven every time. To continue that throughout his early years - wow, he's going to be one happy and healthy little man! The physical and mental benefits are just so wonderful. I definitely plan on referring to this post once I'm a mom :)
ReplyDelete~Annie
AllNaturalAnnie.com
If I had a baby I would give him or her this lil treat! Aww he looks so cute & like he is enjoying his massage!! =)
ReplyDeleteDo you heat the oil? My grandma used to heat the oil and massage me when i was a baby. I guarantee that Toby will sleep better.
ReplyDeletewow, nikaela, how fascinating! i totally believe in the power of touch.
ReplyDeletepizza dough, i LOVE that!!!
ReplyDeleteooh, tenner, we don't warm up the oil, but that's a great idea...
ReplyDeleteOh i just love this! My mum used to do something similar for me when I was a baby and now anytime someone rubs my back or my feet, no matter how much stress I am under I am instantly calmed. So soothing!
ReplyDeletexo tash
that is too cute! I love the "relax" touch! :)
ReplyDeleteSo sweet. We use Burts Bees Apricot Oil and olive oil too. Also this http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P7275&categoryId=B70 product makes our little guy smell amazing and people always comment how good he smells. I spray a little on his hair to keep it from sticking straight up. :) I'm so looking forward to the birth story.
ReplyDeletewhoops! Jo, you're a clever one, not a cleaver one - that would be weird.
ReplyDeleteI massaged Annie as an infant and still do as
ReplyDeletea 4 yr old - she now likes her back scratched/tickled
pure bliss for her! Your babe is precious!
oh daily massages! To be Toby!
ReplyDeleteSo excited for your birth tales! I've been looking forward to it!
looks like he is having a blast!!!
ReplyDeleteso lucky to be pampered like this by his mommy :)
Adorable!
ReplyDeleteI love massaging Gus and he really loves it. he can't get enough of it.
ReplyDeleteToby makes the CUTEST little model!! His eyes, his expression...so adorable :)
ReplyDeleteThese are good tips! I'll pass these on to new mommies!!
This is so cute!!! You're such a great mommy.
ReplyDeleteBaby Ava loves massages too! I always start with her little feet and work my way up. The baby-pizza comment above is so cute, I'll try that! x
ReplyDeleteToby is too cute! And I love the massage idea. My guess it that it makes Toby feel very safe and cozy before bed.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous:)
ReplyDeleteIn college as a dance major we studied a bit of baby exercises and it's so sad because there are many infant conditions that could be alleviated if a baby was properly exercised and massaged shortly after birth. The effects are life long.
ReplyDeletegorgeous baby! I want a baby massage!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteoh that's cute!
ReplyDeleteSo cute! Toby is such an adorable little boy.
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree, I like having people play with my hair too.
I remember loving these little massages when I was a kid! My mom's touch was so comforting :)
ReplyDeleteSo adorable!
ReplyDeleteI like having my hair played with too. I just love the way I feel when someone plays with it. I may have to bookmark this information for when I eventually have babies.
ReplyDeleteOh my, my, my! He is the cutest little baby I think I have ever seen. And he is definitely living the life... a massage every night? I would die of happiness.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this! Infant massage is so important it helps babies on so many levels (growth, bonding, sleeping, eating etc.) Babies love routine so if you make this a regular occurrence after bath time and before bed or naps Toby will associate it with relaxation and sleep. I definitely recommend all natural vegetable based oils (mineral oil is the devil). Keep up the great work! :)
ReplyDeletetoby is one very pampered baby! i'm happy to hear that we will finally get to read your birth story! :)
ReplyDeleteokay this is too cute.
ReplyDeleteHe is so adorable, I love his perfect little head
ReplyDeletetoo cute! can't wait to hear your story.
ReplyDeleteJoanna, thank you so much for stopping by today and your lovely comment!! You made my day!! Toby is growing up so fast.. he looks adorable in this picture! My yoga teacher taught how to do the rocking move for a baby and basically you grab his left arm and left foot with one hand and then the right arm and foot in your other hand and you rock them side to side..very gently... my boys used to love this! Looking forward to the birth story!!
ReplyDeleteDaily massages? Can I come and live with you guys? Toby is one lucky baby!
ReplyDeleteBaby pizza - SO funny:-D
Toby is soo adorable :)
ReplyDeletelove ur blog!! following you!! follow me back!
ReplyDeleteASH! Xoxo
My Face Hunter | BlogLovin
You are such a lovely person. Your blog is a breath of fresh air!
ReplyDeleteso cute!!
ReplyDeleteI taught Mom and Baby Yoga and part of the course was to teach moms to massage their babies. Always massage from torso out to limbs, gentle but firm. At the tummy, little circles moving from their lower right, up and over to the left and back down faciliates the movement of the bowels (rubs in the direction of the intestinal movement).
ReplyDeleteIf Toby loves the footrubs, as many babies do, try the hand rubs. Gently rub his palms with your thumbs, and then roll down each finger between your fingers. It builds neuropathways, increases sensory information in those areas. Plus, they love it!
Gentle joint squeezes are also great!
It's so nice to see moms enjoying this practice with their babies. It helps them in so many ways, not to mention the connection with the parent! (adding some nice lavender essential oil to the mineral oil or baby oil is also very calming!)
ahhhh, so cute! love the pics of the foot rub and when he's lying on his tummy!
ReplyDeleteI just love a good massage and hair playing! This sounds weird, but have you ever slapped or patted someone's feet when massaging? It is kind of weird, but feels good. Toby is darling and I'm in love with his name!
ReplyDeleteJeeze louise. If he were any more adorable, you'd have to worry about someone coming to visit and sneaking him home in their suitcase!
ReplyDeleteI gave both my kids massages when they were infants, and they loved them. My mom loved to wrap one hand around each thigh and pull down the entire stretch of their legs, ending at their toes while saying, "Grow! Grow!" in Chinese. I still do that with my daughter though she's almost 2 and a half, and she still gets a huge kick out of it.
ReplyDeleteToby looks like he loves his massage! can't wait to read the birth story. really, I can't wait!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love your baby pics! Toby is adorable! Congrats for having such a lovely son!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait for the birth story!
Love the blog too!! and been reading you since day one in Glamour. :)
Hugs.
oh wow can't wait to hear your birth story! i'm exactly the same as you - i love my hair getting played with.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to finally read the birth story!!!!!
ReplyDeletegosh, I could use one of those! I love getting my hair stroked, too.
ReplyDeleteprecious. toby is so cute and looks like you are having the best time with him little mama : )
ReplyDeleteha, these are cute! my best friend just had a baby, i'll have to show her this!
ReplyDeleteps. toby is so adorable!
so adorable!! I love this, I'm going to start massaging my little Coco tonight! thanks for these great tips :)
ReplyDeletehe is precious precious precious! and what squeezable legs!! love it!
ReplyDeleteOh dear, that chubby little bubby is so cute, I wanna eat his little feet! Ok, hormone induced crazyness over...mostly. I love the idea of giving him little massages, and I too like to have my hair played with, all 1.5 inches.
ReplyDeleteSo darling! You can also gently pull on his lil' ear lobes or just gently rub his ears along with the back of his neck while he is face up during your lil' face piece that you do. We did that in massage school all the time & it feels fabulous & I noticed that it really soothes babies.
ReplyDeleteYou could also do some small circles with his feet or hands you know to move the ankle/wrist joints... just real gently hold his hand or foot & do lil' circles. Plus if Toby loves his feet you could massage his hands & lil' fingers too... he'd probably love that is well!
Bravo, Joanna... massage is so beneficial for babies & parents! It really helps to soothe baby & it is such a great way to bond.
xoxo
Martha Stewart, of all places, has a full photo illustrated description of infant massage, which is where I first heard about it. Seems like such a nice idea - I'm excited to try it on our baby when she comes. Here's the link: http://www.marthastewart.com/article/baby-massage
ReplyDeletethese are the sweetest photos!!! thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis is so sweet! He must love this:)
ReplyDeletewww.thebeautylover.blogspot.com
Absolutely yummy. Such great photos!!
ReplyDeletewww.celebrityowned.com
How wonderful a baby massage guide. need to try it on my two.
ReplyDeleteHe is such a cutie and he has grown a bit as well... filled out as they like to say in the Caribbean :D
This is the cutest post ever, Joanna! lol I love it. :]
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to massage my baby one day! What a cute, fun post!! And little Toby seriously keeps getting cuter and cuter every day. Adorable!
ReplyDeleteI never knew you could massage a baby, you learn something new every day!
ReplyDeletehe is so precious!!! i LOVE LOVE LOVE the photography too :).
ReplyDeleteI'm the same as you Joanna, all I ever want is my hair played with, especially as I fall asleep.
ReplyDeleteYour baby is divine.
ReplyDeleteThat is all!
what a cutie pie you have there!
ReplyDeletewhen mine were wee ones, I always made sure to do a tummy massage for digestion. I can't remember exactly right now but there is a direction you should flow it to aid in their elimination and get rid of those gassy bubbles!
I am a sucker for having my hair played with. It's so relaxing. Sadly, more people did it when I was in high school, not so much now. If only it wouldn't be so odd to ask my friends to play with my hair!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog. Love your tips. My baby is 3 months old (some weeks younger than Toby).
ReplyDeleteI think my heart just exploded.
ReplyDeletei'm with you on the hair-playing!!!!!
ReplyDeletei'm with you on the hair-playing!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHe is utterly adorable. Ugh and those little feet and adorable cheeks... cuteness overload!
ReplyDeleteAlrrededor de la boca...
ReplyDeleteun post precioso
Besos
Microsoft Office
ReplyDeleteOffice 2010
Microsoft Office 2010
Office 2010 key
Office 2010 download
Office 2010 Professional
Microsoft outlook
Outlook 2010
Windows 7
Microsoft outlook 2010
Thank you for sharing a nice article.
ReplyDeleteseslisohbet
Thanks for great share :)
ReplyDeleteEWA review
Affiliate review
pc games download
download gta 4 for pc free
Blam ads review
cpatank review
wolf storm media review
Ndemand review
Download Shift 2 Unleashed Free
The christian louboutin outlet heels can help you become sexy and elegant. Cheap christian louboutin sandals are regarded since the symbolic representation of attractive and elegant.Christian Louboutin Ankle BootsIt is especially suitable for the women who wear theChristian Louboutin Collection 2011 shoes at the first time.These Christian Louboutin Heels 2011 combine top quality, reasonable price and fashional design, which is your best choice Artist who promoted his collection of luxury women's Christian Louboutin Peep Toes in earlier 90s. No 1 can disregard the existence in the style world, World-famous red-colored soles and Christian Louboutin Pumps Sale are shaped features. However, you can by no means overlook the beautiful. You do not even need to go inside environment, as well as your slim, gorgeous and graceful legs may be effortlessly discovered in people's eyes! Welcome to our louboutin mall to buy discount louboutins heels.
ReplyDeleteAll the cheap christian louboutin heels and louboutin heels for retailing inside our store can be to offer solutions of first-class quality. The christian louboutin evening complete great deal could possibly be the fine and fashionable one.They take place in fascinating design and layout and fashionable appearnce.The colourway also is quite popular. These christian louboutin pumps are luxury and noble.The christian louboutin peep toe show formal, a complete great deal extra show its gorgeous gloss and honour. hold into some mysterious alluring taste! This pairs of christian louboutin 2011 sandals attributes a quite considerable component for women's fabulous whole system figure, show their fabulous figure and fashionable gesture. Louboutin heels is a good choice for you, welcome to our Christian louboutin store!
ReplyDeleteBaby massage
ReplyDeleteMassage is a very pleasant ways of communication between you and your child ..
Start with snapped drops of baby oil and soft touches, and caring at your baby feet ,. Then gradually moved it to the feet whole ,. Then moved it to the upper part of the body of a child ,. And do massage like this image ,…
http://little-babies.blogspot.com/2011/05/important-for-new-mothers-newborns.html