Why is it better to massage my baby in my own home?

Massaging your baby at home is often best. Familiar sights, sounds, and smells help them feel safe and relaxed. A calm home setting lets Baby focus on your soothing touch and the bonding experience—without extra stress.

Gassy Baby? Try This Simple Baby Massage Routine for Relief

Baby MassageBaby DevelopmentBaby DigestionBaby Massage for Gas

Apr 7

Written By Dr. Melanie Beingessner

Why Gas Can Make Babies So Uncomfortable

If your baby is crying, pulling their legs in, or struggling to settle, excess gas may be part of what they are experiencing.

In the early months, Baby’s digestive system is still developing. It is common for gas to build up, especially after feeding or during the evening hours. Because Baby cannot yet move freely or release gas easily, this discomfort can quickly turn into fussiness.

Many parents find themselves asking what they can do to help. The good news is that there are simple, gentle ways to support Baby at home.

How Baby Massage Helps Relieve Gas and Discomfort

Baby massage for digestion is one of the easiest ways to help a gassy baby feel calmer and more comfortable.

Gentle touch and simple movements can:

help move gas through the digestive system
support natural bowel movement patterns
calm Baby’s nervous system
make it easier for Baby to settle

When Baby feels more relaxed, their body is better able to process and release gas.

A Simple Baby Massage Routine for Gas Relief

You do not need a long or complicated routine to get started. These simple steps can make a meaningful difference:

1. Start with Legs and Feet

Begin with gentle massage on Baby’s legs and feet. This helps Baby relax and prepares their body for tummy work.

2. Add Gentle Tummy Strokes

Using soft, clockwise movements on Baby’s belly, follow the natural direction of digestion.

Keep your touch slow and gentle. You can apply light, comfortable pressure to help support movement through the digestive tract.

3. Try Simple Leg Movements

Gently bring Baby’s knees toward their tummy and hold for a few seconds, then release.

This movement can help encourage gas to move through more comfortably.

4. Watch Baby’s Cues

If Baby is calm and alert, continue. If Baby becomes upset, pause and try again later.

Short, positive experiences are more helpful than trying to do too much at once.

When to Use Baby Massage for Gas

You can use baby massage at different times throughout the day:

after diaper changes
during calm, alert moments
as part of an evening routine

Some parents find that using baby massage consistently each day helps support gas release and reduce overall fussiness.

What If Your Baby Is Very Fussy?

If your baby is already upset, this may not be the best time to begin baby massage. Instead, hold Baby close, use gentle rocking or swaying and wait until they are more settled

Then try a short massage when they are in a calm, receptive state. Over time, Baby will become more familiar with touch and more comfortable with a regular massage routine.

Learn Baby Massage Step by Step at Home

If you are not sure exactly what to do, you are not alone. The Best Beginnings Infant Massage and Movement Program shows you how to:

massage your baby from head to toe
support digestion, calming, and sleep
use simple techniques you can feel confident doing at home

👉 You can explore the full program here

Not sure where to begin?

Start with a simple baby massage routine for legs and feet — the easiest place to begin.

👉 Get your free baby massage routine for legs and feet

This simple routine is the perfect place to start.

When you’re ready, the full program shows you how to build a complete routine step by step.