Books, Videos and More

The International Association of Infant Massage is located in Sweden. There website at www.iaim.net is very interesting and has a long list of wonderful books to help parents with newborns.

International Association of Infant Massage - US Chapter has a nice variety of books, videos, oils and music to help parents intersted in infant massage. www.iaim-us.com

Tummy Trouble Kit

Babies can have such a hard time with their tummies. They may be gassy or constipated or develop a case of colic. Stroking on the tummy has been found to be helpful to reduce these discomforts.







Tummy Trouble Kit

Carriers

Part of the bonding process is holding, touching and carrying your baby. To give yourself a second pair of hands soft carriers are very helpful. This site has great information to help you make your decision.












Loving Arms Carrier

Oils

Babysweetcheeks.com

Some people think you have to use expensive oils to massage your baby, but the truth is, you can use the canola, safflower, or olive oil you have in the kitchen..

If you want to purchase an oil look for an unscented cold expelled vegetable or fruit oil ie. a safflower, sunflower, olive, grapeseed or apricot are all fine. Avoid scented oils until your baby is six months oil. The oil warms during massage and your natural body scent is enhanced adding to the bonding process.

Also avoid nut oils to prevent allergic reactions and petroleum based baby oils which lie on the skin and do not absorb into the skin.

If you are wondering about why we do not recommend a "baby oil" please click here to review the pro's/con's of the types of oils.

Oils

Oils are a complex subject - the type of oil you use depends on many factors, for example: cultural preference, family tradition, skin type, allergies, availability, cost, fashion and the health of the person who is receiving the oil.

Mineral Oil

To obtain mineral oil, gasoline and kerosene are removed from the crude petroleum by heating. By using sulfuric acid, applying absorbents and washing with solvents and alkalis, hydrocarbons and chemicals are removed.

Advantages for use in infant massage:

• Inexpensive
• Does not oxidize

Disadvantages for use in infant massage:

• It is not a good medium for massage
• It is too greasy and sticky for clothing the baby afterwards
• Leaves the skin slippery and may be dangerous if attempting to bath a small baby after application
• It is not oil that is eaten so there is an unknown risk factor
• Most mineral oils have an added scent, which is too stimulating to be used infant massage
• Does not absorb into the skin, so it leaves a layer on the skins surface

Cold Pressed Vegetable Oils

Advantages for use in infant massage:

• Suitable for infant massage
• Can contain beneficial ingredients (vitamin E)
• Is non-greasy so clothing is not affected
• Skin is not slippery, so there is not danger in handling baby after application
• No added odor, so infants benefit from their parent's natural smell

Disadvantages for use in infant massage:

• Poor quality oil may contain contaminants
• Can vary in quality due to harvest
• Can become rancid after a period of time