Week Eight
Week Eight
Your baby is now eight weeks old!
BABY MASSAGE
Touch is one of the best ways of bonding with your baby, and
many babies enjoy a gentle massage after their bath or before they
go to sleep.
Choose a light, mineral-based oil to massage your baby, such as a
baby oil, or olive oil. Avoid oils and creams that contain peanut
oil, as early exposure to peanut products may cause peanut allergy
when your baby is older. You can buy specific baby massage oils
from the supermarket or chemist, but plain baby oil is just as
good, and costs less.
Lay your baby on a change table, or other surface that enables you
to reach him or her comfortably. It may help to place a towel
underneath him or her, as oil can make little bodies
slippery!
To begin, lay your baby on his or her back. Use light gentle
stokes, and start by massaging your baby's toes and feet. Gradually
work your way up baby's body, and arms. If your baby suffers from
wind or colic, it sometimes helps to gently massage their tummy in
a clockwise circular motion.
Turn your baby over, and again begin from your babies feet, working
upwards. If your baby does not enjoy being on his or her tummy, or
if his or her head gets tired you should stop and turn baby onto
his or her back again.
YOU - COUPLE TIME
With the arrival of baby, you may feel as if your relationship
with your partner has flown out the window! You are probably both
tired, Mum's hormones are still settling down, Dad is getting used
to going to work without much sleep, and you may be feeling a bit
like ships in the night. It is important to remember that you were
a couple BEFORE baby came along, and to try and spend some time
together on your own.
In the early weeks, it may be a simple as sitting down to dinner
together while baby is asleep. If you are lucky enough to have
family members to help with looking after baby, try to get out
together by yourselves, even if it is only a ten minute walk.
