| How to Massage a Newborn Baby Posted: 06 Oct 2017 05:00 PM PDT Baby massage has long been a common part of infant care in many parts of the world, and is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Infant massages can begin as early as ten days after birth (with a pediatrician's input), and proponents contend that they promote better sleep, improve motor skills, soothe colic, and possibly boost the immune system. While medical research backing up such claims is limited at best[1] (with the possible exception of premature infants[2]), there is no harm in trying gentle massage with a typical baby. It can also be a great way for parents and baby to enhance the bonding experience, and can easily be incorporated into the daily routine of baby care. EditMassaging from Top to Bottom - Start at your baby's head. With both thumbs at the center of your baby's forehead, begin gently pushing outward. Continue to massage different facial parts. Using your thumbs, make small circle motions over the cheeks, mouth area and jaw.
- You can try "walking" your fingers across the baby's forehead and cheeks, or gently pulling the lips into a smile with your thumbs.[3]
- Massaging too close to the eyes or nose may cause greater discomfort, rather than enjoyment, in a newborn.
- There's no rule against reversing the order by finishing with the head massage. For some babies, in fact, starting with the legs and feet may help ease the transition from play time to calm time.
- Move on to the upper limbs. Gently massage each of the baby's arms in your hands. Incorporate the hands into this by opening and massaging each finger individually.
- Try a milking massage on your baby's arms and legs. Make a loose C-shape with your thumb and forefinger around your baby's arm or leg. Very gently pull downward toward the foot or hand, in a motion similar to milking a cow, and repeat it several times.[4]
- Massage the chest and stomach. Start from the center chest outward, smoothing over the skin as if gently flattening the pages of an open book. Then, mimic the digestive process by rubbing the stomach in a clockwise motion.
- You can also try using your hands to roll over the tummy from right to left, back and forth several times to cover the entire area.
- Some people believe that massaging away from the heart has a soothing effect, while going toward the heart can help invigorate a baby for play time.[5]
- Switch over to the baby's back. Gently turn the baby over to access the back, making sure to support the head and neck the entire time. As with the chest, smooth your hands from the center of the back outward. You can also try stroking from side to side before progressing to an up and down motion.[6]
- Don't grip and knead the shoulders as you might with an adult. Use gentle, circular motions to massage the baby's shoulders and lower back.
- Finish with the legs and feet. Return the baby to a face up position. Roll each leg between your hands in a gentle motion. Include the feet and toes.
- Consider the "milking" technique for the legs as well. Encircle the baby's thigh with your thumb and finger, and work your way down the leg several times. Then, rub the baby's feet with your thumbs and curl and uncurl the toes.[7]
- You can also try gently flexing each knee by slightly bending and straightening them several times. If the baby resists, don't force the knees to bend or straighten.
- Give a rolling massage a try as well. Many babies enjoy the sensation of having their arms and legs "rolled" by loving hands. Gently roll your hands back and forth over one arm or leg at a time, as if you were rolling out dough on a pastry board. The arm or leg will lightly rock back and forth over the towel or blanket beneath your baby.[8]
EditChoosing the Right Time to Massage - Start the massages early in the baby's life. Most babies can be massaged starting at around ten days to two weeks of age. Always consult your infant's doctor for guidance specific to your baby, however.[9]
- While the evidence is limited regarding the overall benefits of infant massage,[10] babies born prematurely do seem to gain weight more readily when massaged regularly, especially if food-based massage oils are used.[11]
- The sooner you begin the massage process, the more natural the experience will be for your baby.
- Massage a baby in between feedings. Try to avoid massaging a baby with a full tummy. Massaging a full stomach could lead to discomfort, fussiness, or spitting up. Ideally, try to do the massage at least 45 minutes after a feeding.[12]
- Create a routine. Your baby may be more responsive to massage sessions if you schedule them close to the same time daily. One of the best times for your baby may be a little while after the last feeding for the night. Massage can help stimulate digestion and promote a state of relaxation that may assist with a sounder sleep. (Although, with a newborn, it still probably won't last too long!)[13]
- Slowly increase the massage duration. Initially, a five-minute massage should be sufficient to get your baby used to the feeling and process. Slowly increase the duration of the massage sessions until you get up to a half hour or so. There's no need to go for this long, of course.[14]
- Know when it's time to stop a massage. If the baby shows signs of discomfort or displeasure, like restlessness, straining, or crying, end the massage session. If this is a recurring issue, consider whether you may need to make adjustments to your technique.[15]
- That said, it may just be the case that your baby doesn't like massages. If so, remember that there is no definitive medical evidence that infant massage is necessary or undeniably beneficial.[16]
- Back arching is usually a sign that your baby is being over-stimulated. If your baby is not responding in a relaxed manner, you should end the session and try again later.
EditCreating the Proper Environment - Make comfort a priority for both of you. Sit wherever you and your baby will be most comfortable. You can sit on a bed with your baby placed between your legs. If using the floor, place a comfy blanket under you and your baby. Your baby can also lie across your lap rather than between your legs. Just make sure the newborn's head and neck are supported at all times.
- Make sure that the room is set at an adequate temperature to keep your baby warm. Your baby will not respond well to a massage session if the room is chilly.[17]
- Undress your baby down to only a diaper. This will give you easier access to the baby's various body parts. Also, skin-to-skin touch promotes better comfort and bonding. Keep a warm blanket nearby in case the baby gets chilly. You can keep your baby covered with the blanket and expose only the area you are working on.[18]
- You can massage your baby with the diaper removed as well, so long as you are prepared and willing to deal with a potential mess.
- Play soft music or sing softly. Recorded music can help set the mood, but live singing (from you) is even better. Not only will this help relax your baby; the sound of your voice will also help strengthen the bond between you.[19]
- Warm any oils that you plan to use. Rub the (low-odor, edible) massage oil between your palms before applying it to your baby's skin. Nothing will end a session quicker than some cold oil placed on your baby's chest. If you are going to incorporate oil into the session, remember to protect your bedding and clothing with a towel.
- Use a low-odor, edible massage oil. Massage oil is not necessary, but many parents find that it improves the experience for both parties. Try, for instance, olive oil or avocado oil, since some of it may end up in the baby's mouth one way or another.
- Avoid inedible or non-digestible oils like mineral oil or baby oil.[20]
- Avoid using oils on your baby's face or head during a massage. This will help limit ingestion and the possibility of getting oil in the infant's eyes.
- Test the oil on a small area of your baby's skin a day prior to using it for massage purposes. If your baby has a reaction to the oil, don't use it.[21]
EditImproving Your Technique - Learn about the normal reflexes of a newborn baby. By understanding these typical reflex responses, you will be able to calmly incorporate them into your massage routine.[22]
- For instance, when you touch the cheek, your baby's head will usually turn towards that touch.
- Or, if you stroke the sole of a foot, your baby's toes will curl. The same is true if you stroke the palm of a hand.
- If you turn the infant's head to one side, the baby's body will normally arch away. These are common reactions that almost all babies have when touched.
- Discover which massage strokes work best for your baby. As long as you work slowly and gently, you don't have to worry about hurting your baby as you figure out which strokes provide the best results. Just remember, all strokes should be done with a slow, lightly pressured touch.
- Start with very gentle strokes and gradually build up the pressure a little at a time. A somewhat firmer stroke may in fact help prevent tickling.
- Quit using strokes that prove ineffective. For instance, you can try kneading the shoulders lightly, but only if the baby accepts it. More often than not, you'll probably find that the baby dislikes this maneuver; if so, stop kneading.
- As another example, some infant massage advocates say that an upward stroke will stimulate the nervous system, while a downward stroke will result in a calming effect. That said, use your own experience as your primary guide.[23]
- Look for times when you're both calm. Choose a time of day when you will have the amount of time necessary to proceed with the massage without being interrupted. You want to be relaxed and able to enjoy this time with your baby.
- Try massaging a fussy baby. Massages when you're both calm are great, but massaging an agitated baby can also produce a calming effect — for both of you. Crying babies usually want attention, and a massage indicates your presence. Thus, it can provide a good bonding experience.[24]
- Before starting the massage, make sure any typical reasons for crying — hunger, a full diaper, etc. — are addressed. The massage with be more effective if the baby is more comfortable before it begins.
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| How to Remove Toner from Hair Posted: 06 Oct 2017 09:00 AM PDT Applying toner to bleached hair can help remove yellow, orange, or brassy tones. Unfortunately (as with any hair dye product), the results of toner are not guaranteed, and you may not like the look of your toned hair. If you are unhappy with the look of your toner, the good news is that toner fades all on its own. The even better news is that you can speed this process along. Start by washing your hair with a strong clarifying product, such as clarifying shampoo, dandruff shampoo, baking soda, or dish soap. If you need a slightly more powerful solution, try removing the toner overnight with lemon juice. EditWashing the Toner Out - Wash your hair with clarifying shampoo. A clarifying shampoo cleans your hair deeply, removing dirt, oil, and product buildup. If you are unhappy with how your toner turned out, the good news is that toner will fade in time. You can speed up this process a bit by washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo.[1]
- Look at your local beauty supply store for a clarifying shampoo product.
- You will need to wash your hair several times to see results.
- Avoid washing your hair more than 4-5 times per day, as this can damage your hair. (Under normal circumstances, you should not wash more than 1-2 times per day.)
- Use a deep conditioner after washing.
- Scrub your hair with dandruff shampoo. Dandruff shampoo is intended to remove excess dirt, oil, and skin from your scalp. But it has the added benefit of gently stripping color from your hair. Try washing your hair with dandruff shampoo several times.[2]
- Avoid washing your hair more than 4-5 times per day.
- Use a deep conditioner afterward.
- Add baking soda to your shampoo. You can help to scrub the toner from your hair by adding baking soda to your shampoo. Add about 1 tsp. (5 ml) of baking soda to a dollop of shampoo. Mix this together, and shampoo your hair normally. Take special care when rinsing, to ensure all the baking soda is removed. Follow with a deep conditioner.[3]
- "Chelate" your hair at home. "Chelating" is a process intended to remove the buildup of hair products and grease from your hair. Normally, this is done prior to dying the hair, but it can also be used to remove unwanted toner. First, wash your hair with a tiny bit of dish soap, and rinse. Then squeeze a lemon right onto your head, and leave the lemon juice on for 1-2 minutes. Rinse the lemon juice from your hair, and follow with a deep conditioner.[4]
EditUsing Lemons and Conditioner - Do this method within 24 hours. If you are unhappy with the color of your toner, you can try to lift this color out at home. Unfortunately, the longer the toner sits on your hair, the harder it will be to remove. For best results, perform this method within 24 hours of toning your hair.[5]
- Mix lemon juice and conditioner. Juice several lemons using a citrus press, or simply squeeze them by hand. Then mix 3 parts lemon juice to 1 part conditioner. To minimize damage to your hair, use a deep conditioning product.[6]
- For short or medium-length hair, you will probably need about 3 lemons.
- For long hair, you may need 6 lemons.
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice will work best, but pre-packaged lemon juice can work in a pinch.
- Apply the mixture to your hair. Carefully apply the lemon-conditioner from root to tip, making sure to saturate every strand. If your hair is long, you may want to tie it up. Cover your hair with plastic wrap or a plastic bag.[7]
- Leave the mixture on for at least three hours. The acid in lemon juice will slowly strip the color from your hair, while the conditioner helps to minimize damage. Leave this mixture on your hair for a minimum of three hours. For best results, leave the mixture on overnight.[8]
- In the morning (or after three hours), shampoo and deep condition your hair.
- You can also add heat to the process, using either the sun, a hair dryer, or a hooded dryer. Adding heat is optional.
- If you had a toner applied by a stylist and don't like it, it may be best to ask the stylist to re-tone it a different shade.
- Toners fade with each shampoo, so washing your hair everyday will cause it to fade faster. Most toners last for about four weeks.[9]
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| How to Pack an Overnight Bag Posted: 06 Oct 2017 01:00 AM PDT The great thing about overnight trips is just that--they're only overnight! You spend less time packing and more time working, or relaxing with friends and family. There are a few essentials you'll need, like fresh clothes and some key toiletries, and by packing efficiently and lightly you'll be on your way in no time. EditChoosing Your Clothes - Look up the weather at your destination. If you're traveling to a different city, see if rain, cold, or extreme heat are in the forecast. Tailor your clothing decisions to the conditions you'll be in.
- If it's raining, plan on bringing an umbrella or raincoat, and leave behind your best leather shoes if you'll be walking around outside. If the temperatures look high during the day and night, you can save room in your bag by leaving behind your heavy jacket.
- Choose what to wear the first day. Wear something comfortable if you'll be traveling on the plane or in a car, like a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. Pack something nicer for the first night if you have an event or will be going out to dinner, like a dress for women or slacks and a button-down shirt for men.
- Pack one pair of night shoes and one pair for the day. To save extra space, wear your day shoes the first day, while traveling. If you have a fancier event that night, pack a pair of nicer shoes, such as heels for women or dress shoes for men. You can wear your day shoes the next day to travel in.[1]
- Wear your travel clothes the next day if possible. If you plan to get up a travel the following day, save space by wearing the casual clothes you travelled in yesterday. This might give you room to sneak in a second pair of shoes, or a hair straightener.
- Bring a nicer outfit if you'll be going out to lunch or brunch. Women can bring along a pair of capris and a blouse. Men should opt for a polo shirt and slacks.
- Pack a pair of clean underwear and socks. This is a must for obvious reasons! Since you're only staying for one night, there's usually no need to bring more than one extra pair of each. If you anticipate rainy weather, throw two pairs of socks in your bag in case one gets wet.
- Choose some lightweight pajamas. Bring a long-sleeved shirt and pants if your destination will be chilly, otherwise opt for something smaller and thinner, like a nightgown or a T-shirt and boxers. This will save space and keep you cool while you sleep.[2]
- Slip in some accessories. Jewelry is lighter and smaller than clothes and can dress up a plain outfit in a heartbeat. For a colder climate, throw in a scarf, or wear it while traveling.[3]
- To keep a jewelry chain from knotting, place it in a plastic bag and pull just a bit of the chain out. Zip up the bag tightly around the piece of chain, but leave it sticking out of the top.
- Bring a bathing suit if you'll be doing any swimming. Will you be staying at a hotel with a pool, or nearby a beach? Your swimsuit is lightweight and doesn't take up too much room. If there's a chance you'll be swimming, bring it along to be safe.
EditChoosing Toiletries and Small Items - Include only toiletry must-haves. Bring your toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and deodorant for sure. If you'll be wearing makeup, bring along some makeup wipes and your normal facial cleanser. Ask your hotel if they provide shampoo, conditioner and soap, or, if you're staying with a friend, ask to borrow some of theirs.[4]
- Do your hair and makeup before you leave. If your travel time is short, save space in your bag by styling your hair and putting on makeup before you head out. Bring only what you need to touch up, like a bit of styling mousse or some lipstick.
- Avoid packing larger beauty items. Big bottles of shampoo, hair straighteners and blow dryers will take up lots of room in your bag, so leave them behind if you can. Call your hotel and ask if blow dryers are included in rooms, or, if you're staying with a friend, ask if they own a straightener or curling iron you can use. Transfer liquid products into smaller containers to avoid bringing large bottles.
- Tuck away other small items in a separate bag. Use an extra makeup bag or plastic bag to avoid losing phone chargers, headphones or keys.
- Keep cords from tangling by rolling each one into a circle or oval, then clipping it together with a binder clip.
- Bring activities if you'll be on a plane or in a car for a long time. Grab a book or a lightweight tablet if you'll be traveling for a while, or charge up your phone to play games or music. Grab a thin book of crossword puzzles, sudoku or word searches for boredom-banishing activities you can take on the go.
EditFitting It All In - Choose a small bag. You'll only be gone for the night, so keep your bag small, lightweight and easy to carry, like a backpack, small duffel or roll-aboard bag. Many luggage retailers sell "weekend" bags for both men and women, which are small but roomy and have thick straps for carrying.[5]
- Place your shoes at the bottom or along the side of the bag. Make sure the soles of the shoes are facing the side of the bag so you don't get dirt on your clothes.
- Roll or fold your jeans, shirts and dresses. Your have a couple packing options with your clothes: you can roll them into cylinders, or fold them flat at the bottom of the bag. Stack a heavy jacket first, if you have one, followed by jeans, dresses and finally shirts.
- Check if your shirts or dresses will need to be ironed. Dressier shirts made of a starchy material often need to be ironed out after being folded. Call ahead to your hotel to see if irons will be provided in rooms. If not, bring along an anti-wrinkle spray.[6]
- Stuff your socks in bras or sneakers. Use your socks to keep the shape of bra cups or stuff them into the toes of sneakers or high heels.[7]
- Pack toiletries in a small bag. If you don't have a small makeup bag or toiletry kit on-hand, use a ziploc bag. If you're bringing liquids, like shampoo or hairspray, transfer just a bit of product into an empty travel-size container to save space in your luggage.[8]
- Seal your liquids away so they won't ruin your clothes if there's a spill.
- Fill a gallon-size ziploc bag with snacks. If you'll be traveling for a while or aren't sure what food will be available upon arrival, bring a couple easy-to-pack snacks, like pretzels, apples, or carrot sticks.
EditThings You'll Need - Overnight bag
- Toiletry bag
- Pajamas
- Makeup and/or beauty products
- Hairbrush
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Deodorant
- Clean underwear
- Clean socks
- Minimal amount of next day's clothes
- Shoes
- Charging cords
- Books or activities for traveling
- Snacks
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