Baby Reflexology Points to Support Sleep.
I wish my baby would sleep more…
This is something I hear on a regular basis. I think it’s important to know what normal sleep looks like for babies but that is for a whole separate blog post! In short it is NORMAL for babies to wake through the night for feeds, comfort and a whole host of other reasons. Night waking can also be a protective state as on waking it resets your baby’s base heat rate, breathing and blood pressure which has been linked to reducing the risk of SIDS.
Baby massage and baby reflexology can be a fantastic tool to support your baby’s sleep but it’s important to remember that it is not a ‘magic cure’.
These techniques will help to relax the whole body, nervous system and stimulate areas which can help to induce sleep whilst being close to your baby which acts as a further comfort for them setting them up to be in the correct state for sleep to come more easily.
Baby reflexology is a natural and gentle way to support your baby through nurturing touch. In baby reflexology we focus on specific points on their little feet, all of which correspond to specific areas of the body, organs, functions and so on.
By gently stimulating the relevant points on their feet you are helping to bring the body into balance, start its natural healing process and improve other areas of interest such as relaxation, sleep and general physical and mental wellbeing.
The great thing about using reflexology with your little one is that you need very little in the way of equipment. All you really need is some oil/cream suitable for your baby’s skin and a towel, but the reflexology can be done without the use of a massage medium such as these.
To get started pick a time of day in which your baby is awake, relaxed and happy. Either lay your baby on the floor (safest option so they can’t wiggle off and hurt themselves) or alternatively cradle them in your arms or in your lap in a safe and supported position.
GETTING STARTED.
Connect with your baby, if they are happy to make eye contact smile at them and ask them if they would like some reflexology. Place the sole of their feet into the palm of your hands and gently wrap your hands around their feet to hold and support them.
Take a nice deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth to help you relax…if you are relaxed your baby is more likely to also feel relaxed.
PREPARTION.
We start on the right foot by gliding the 5 zones of the foot working form the heel up to each little toe. Start on the outside and work inwards, you can do this a couple of times before switching to the left side to repeat.
REFLEXOLOGY POINT 1.
The first point we are going to work on is THE SOLAR PLEXUS POINT (we call this the calm point in baby
massage). You
will find this point in the centre of your babys foot just below the ball. Place your thumb into this point gently and hold for a few seconds and release, repeat twice more and then switch to the left foot and repeat. This point is great for calming the mind and body.
REFLEXOLOGY POINT 2.
Next we are going to work on the pad of the big toe. This area is representative of the head and in the centre of the pad of the bi
g to
es is a point which represents the pituitary gland which plays a part in our sleep functions. Circle around the whole pad of the big toe and then gently press and release the centre of the big toe around 3 times. Repeat on the left foot.
REFLEXOLOGY POINT 3.
The final point we will be stimulating is the spinal reflex point. You will find this along the inner edge of your baby’s foot a
nd might even notice it is similar to the shape of an actual spine…clever huh?! Place your thumb pad half way down the big toe and gently stroke down the inner side of the foot to the heel and back up. Repeat this around 3 times again before switching to repeat on the left foot.
To close repeat the solar plexus point and finish with holding your baby’s feet, this can feel really comforting for them.
To make sure your baby gets the most out of this mini session always makes sure you let your baby lead the way. If they are uncomfortable, unsettled or start to become upset, do not continue. Comfort them and then retry when they are more settled. This will help your little one to make a positive association with the techniques being used.
Here at Baby & Me I am passionate about supporting you in learning natural and gentle ways to support your babys relaxation, wellbeing, development and bonding.If you would like to learn more about baby massage, baby yoga or baby reflexology check out my online courses that will guide you through gorgeously relaxing routines to use on your little one from the comfort of your own home.
To learn how to use reflexology to support your baby’s sleep along with other common ailments such as colic, teething or general wellbeing join me on my self paced baby reflexology course HERE.
Or check out the full range of my baby wellbeing and development courses HERE.
If your baby is unwell, has bruising on the feet etc please hold off until healed. If under the care of a medical professional then please be sure to seek advice before using these techniques.
