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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Baby's sensory experience
Your baby’s sensory world is vastly vibrant and ever-changing. Therefore, it is important to promote your baby’s organization or ability to process stimuli in his environment. This means that he is able to take in information with his various senses without becoming overwhelmed or overloading his delicate system. Bouncing, singing, lots of eye contact, and touch is a combo package that works for babies who are easily able to organize all that you provide. However, some babies are very limited in what they can handle or take in “sensory-wise”. They disorganize easily due to an inability to tolerate a number of stimuli at a given time. Therefore, these babies need to be responded to with one soothing approach at a time.
- For instance, let them softly hear your “shhing” or humming without seeing your face.
- Place your hands on their chest or legs without providing any movement.
- Dim the lights.
- Limit the number of scents that fill the room.
- If skin contact is too much and she does not want to be held, swaddle her in a familiar blanket- Draw her hands together and bring them close to her mouth to provide the positioning of safety and comfort she felt when inside your tummy.
- Let her sink into a down-feathered pillow as you roll a towel or blanket to circle around her body. These “edges” create a feeling of safety and may help return her to a state of calm security.
It is important to note that massage may serve as a wonderful tool to increase your baby’s tolerance to sensory stimulation. However, take it slow. Breathe with her as you hold her tiny foot without massage or movement. Quietly provide a “shh” sound as you rest your hands on her back. Watch her cues that let you know how she is responding to new stimuli or input. If concerned about her overall defensiveness to various stimulation, consult your pediatrician to determine whether an evaluation with an occupational therapist is warranted.
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