How To Soothe a Baby’s Muscles
Is your baby crying incessantly but doesn’t seem to have a tummy ache? There is a good probability that his muscles are sore.
At the time when their muscles are still slowly developing, babies can get tired and sore from doing too much and from being handled excessively.
Just imagine a dancer being hoisted up and being spun during rehearsals. This is the same feeling that your baby experiences when you carry and pass him on to other adults.
A few minutes of kicking his legs or trying to sit up can help develop the muscles but can also result to an achy body. Here are some tips on how parents can help relax and soother their babies’ sore muscles.
Give your baby a gentle rub
Massaging your baby can be a very good bonding time. It will also help your crying baby relax and calm down. Remove all articles of your baby’s clothing and sprinkle a small amount of baby powder on your hands.
Make sure that you use the talc-free variant to avoid causing allergic reactions. Gently rub the powder on your baby’s belly, using circular motions with your palm and fingertips.
Use two hands in making circular patterns on his ribs. Do the same for your baby’s back. Gently rub the arms and legs concentrating on the joints.
If you are wary of using powder, you can also use baby lotion or essential oils. Make sure that you consult your baby’s pediatrician before using any substance on your child’s skin.
Allow your baby to lie on a flat surface like his crib or the floor
Babies who are picked up and handled excessively can get stressed. They can also get sore from being forced to sit up for too long.
To allow them to relax and move in ways that they want to, it is important to give babies some alone time. Make sure that you put your baby down on a clean, safe, and comfortable place.
Put a towel or blanket on the surface and allow your baby to lie down quietly for a while. Make sure that you still keep a close eye on your child as he can roll or crawl off the surface and reach objects like power cords or toys. Avoid using feather blankets that can potentially harm the child if it wraps around his body accidentally.
Give your anxious baby a warm and relaxing bath
Before sleeping, or after a “vigorous activity” like crawling or reaching for toys, it could be very relaxing if you give your child a warm bath.
Get his tub and fill it with warm water. Keep in mind that babies can easily get scalded and that their bodies are far more sensitive to heat than ours.
It may be good to keep a thermometer handy to check the heat of the bath water. If you don’t have this, simply submerge your entire arm in the water to test if the temperature is perfect. Never leave your child in the bath all by himself.
Let your baby listen to your heartbeat
Crying and waving his arms and legs around can cause further strain to your baby’s muscles. To help your baby relax, place him on your chest and do a breathing exercise.
Make sure to take deep breaths and allow your body to relax. As you heartbeat slows, your baby will sense this and begin to calm down. The breathing and heart beat rhythm will lull your baby and may even put your child to sleep.
Sleeping is essential for your baby’s growth and general well-being. It also allows your baby’s body to rest and prepare for the activities for the next day.
For your baby to sleep for as long as his body needs, make sure that his bedroom is conducive for resting. Keep the shades drawn and avoid making too loud noises. Play a soft, relaxing music in the background.