When to avoid massaging
When you start, and how often you massage your baby, is a very individual choice. Some parents will begin massaging their baby in the early weeks after the birth. However, most very young babies do not like being completely naked and may cry and protest a little (or a lot!). Try and remain relaxed. Even if they cry and protest for the first few sessions, usually with time they will become more used to the experience, and eventually enjoy the ritual.
In the beginning, you may wish to modify the massage to just their arms, legs and tummy, avoiding taking all their clothes off. As your baby gets used to it, you can then progress to a full massage. Let your baby guide you and trust your intuition. If you feel a full massage is too much for your baby (or you), then modify the massage to suit you both. You could try simply using the touch and say stroking of their arms, hands, legs and feet to build confidence, trust and affection.
Some parents prefer to begin massaging their baby when they are a little older. Perhaps around 2 to 3 months of age or more, when their baby seems to feel more comfortable having all their clothes removed.
Putting some thought into choosing the right time of day (or night) to massage your baby will also make a difference to whether or not they will enjoy it. Some parents like to play soothing music while they massage, to help calm their baby and create a pleasant asscoiation with the music and the massage. In planning your baby's massage sessions you may want to consider: