Relax My Body
Here's What To Do
1
Place your baby (wearing only a diaper) on a blanket on the floor.
2
While your baby is lying on their back, use slow circular motions to give your baby a gentle massage. Name each body part as you massage, and say goodnight to that body part.
3
Roll your baby onto their tummy and continue the massage (be sure to avoid their spine).
4
End the massage by tracing a heart over your baby's heart and give them a kiss.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Take a deep breath as you smile and make eye contact with your baby.
E
Engage:
- "We are going to relax together to get ready for bed. I'm going to give you a massage."
- "I am massaging your toes. Goodnight toes! These are your legs. Goodnight legs!"
E
Encourage:
- Respond to your baby: smile when they smile, respond to babbles by describing what you are doing and what you see your baby doing.
- If your baby gets upset, stop and try again another day. If your baby doesn't like certain body parts to be touched, you can try just resting your hand on that body part.
R
Reflect:
- Describe what you noticed your baby doing during the massage.
Not quite ready?
Try just massaging one body part (arms, legs, etc.) while you change your baby into pajamas.
Ready for more?
Try asking questions like "Am I saying goodnight to your toes?" and see if your child looks at the correct body part or responds with a nod.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to participate in a beginning "conversation" and learn words for parts of the body.