Brie is currently taking time away from infant massage instruction to spend time with her growing family and to enjoy the ritual at home.
Please connect with Scripps Parent Connection at (858) 626-6944 / www.scripps.org or the Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center to learn more about upcoming events.
A resource list of local instructors currently teaching can also be found at: www.infantmassageusa.org.
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Goodnight Baby
Sure, the craziness of the holiday season accounts for some lack of sleep. But when the sleep boat still passes you by as the new year hits, something or someone is at the helm. Your baby, perhaps?
First rule out any environmental conditions that may disrupt her sleep.
- What’s she sleeping in? Could changing her pjs to 100% cotton help?
Young babies enjoy being swaddled or tucked in. Older babies generally prefer looser sleepwear.
- Tummy massage to help her digest might be necessary if tummy pain is causing her restlessness. Also look at her diet (and your diet as well if breastfeeding) to determine whether certain tummy irritants can be avoided.
- A stuffy nose may be affecting her ability to breathe and snooze deeply- Reduce dust, pet dander, cigarette smoke, or heavy scents that linger.
Ask yourself, “where does baby sleep best?”
Same room? Same bed? Determine sleeping arrangement that accommodates the whole family. Different developmental stages will likely affect the arrangement, so try to be flexible and recognize her changing needs.
Bedtime rituals are necessary to create a peaceful bedtime routine.
- Share a warm bath with your infant.
- Once dry, massage her legs, arms, and tummy with fruit or vegetable oil to soothe her muscles and calm her soul.
- Quietly read a story or sing her favorite lullaby while rocking her against your chest. Skin-to-skin contact can be especially comforting.
- Try to establish a consistent bed time that your baby can adjust to. The same can be said for naps whenever possible.
- Just as car motion can quiet your fussy baby, the motor’s rhythm is also a great way to ease your baby to sleep.
- Artificial sounds that replicate the comfort of her peaceful nest in the womb might also ease her into sleep. These can include meditation tape of rolling waves or breeze through the trees.
- Ticking clocks or metronomes often provide the steady beat reminiscent of your heartbeat and comfort baby as she drifts to sleep.
Wishing you a restful new year.
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