All of our babies make it to about the two week mark before experiencing the dreaded gassy tummy. With the first, I had no idea what I was doing. With the second, I did a little research and decided to cut dairy from my diet. It made a difference, but her poor tummy was still super gassy. With the third, I cut the milk immediately and researched even more. Somebody (I have no idea who) told me and showed me the “I love you” baby massage and we didn’t look back.
With Baby B, I cut the dairy and gluten and it helped even more, but she still needed those tummy massages. In fact, now that she is getting table food, those massages come in handy for other tummy issues.
I wanted to share a massage video, and then thought, nope, no babies sans clothes so hopefully, text will do!
For her massages, we started with baby lotion we had on hand and that worked okay, but then we tested out the Baby Mantra calming massage oil
with apricot and avocado oil. It’s much easier for our hands to glide on her skin and leaves it gently scented.
I start with my baby on a clean surface such as the floor. I pour a little of the massage oil onto my hands and make sure it gets all the way to my finger tips.
I- Facing her, I use two or three fingers, and start on her right side of her abdomen up at her ribs. I trace an “I” going down her abdomen to her hip joint. Then, I move slightly to to her left and repeat going all the way across her body.
L- Going across her abdomen from her right to left, I form the long side of an “L”. Then I make a 90-degree turn and go down her side of her abdomen to complete the “L.”
U- Starting at her right hip bone, go up to her ribs, then go across her tummy in a continuous motion, and back down her left side her her abdomen back down to her left hip
The I love you massage really does work. In fact, I sometimes do it on my older kids too when they are having an upset tummy. Think I can get somebody to do the massage on me?
Krystyn has been blogging since 2005. She is a sarcasm-loving, straight-shooting, jeans and t-shirts wearing, wife and mom of four girls (ages 13, 11, 8 and 6). She blogs about life as a mom and wife and includes funny stories, family travel, fitness, recipes, STEM and more. She currently resides in the Atlanta, Georgia suburbs.
Emily says
What a great trick and tip! I’m pinning the I L U for later use!! I’ve not heard of this product line before, but it looks like it would make a wonderful gift for new moms! Also – could your daughter be any sweeter in that first picture!! <3
Meghan @JaMonkey says
I love this. Such a great way to bond with baby. I’ve not seen one with massaging words!
Carly from The Puzzled Palate says
Where was this when my kiddos were little bitty? I will be passing this link along to my buddy who is having twins!
Leah Klein says
I loved doing baby massage. it was an important part of our bedtime routine.
angela higdon says
I did tummy massage for my baby when he was young..he was VERY gassy, much more than my other two! Thanks for the great tips!
Pilar says
Love this! And that photo of your little has me smiling at the screen 🙂
I did a lot of infant massage with my oldest when he was brand new, and wish this had been around then!
kimberly @ red shutters says
What an adorable baby! Great tip for new parents!
nancy b. says
I used this technique when my babies were little – it always worked, too! Great tip!
noelle d says
We have loved these products!
I wish I would have known about the oil when B was a baby.. but we are using it now and it seems to have helped with night time