Feet, legs and hips – Session 2

Ice Breaker – What is your weather week? Are you sunny, stormy, cloudy?

• Tummy time for mums
• Tailor pose and swing / Tiger in Tree swing

FEET

The feet is the perfect place to start with massage as it is non-intrusive and is possible dressed and undressed.

1. With well oiled hands, kneed the top of the foot for 2 minutes.
2. Then begin to rub the top of the foot as well, for a further 2 minutes.
3. Thumb over thumb on the bottom of the foot.
4. Thumb over thumb on the top of the foot.
5. Pressing with the thumb all over the foot. All the parts of the body can be mapped on the foot, this is reflexology.
6. Holding the foot, place your finger across underneath the toes, this maps to the chest so great for opening the chest, encouraging deeper breathing and if babies have coughs, colds etc.
7. Place the finger across the arch first on one foot at a time and then both feet together, bringing knees into bellies. This maps to the bowel so helps with constipation, colic and wind. Expect some bowel movement with this technique!
8. Roll each toe between the forefinger and thumb, working from the big toe down to the little toe. This should take around 30 seconds, as baby might find this tickles.
9. Next, milk the whole foot using both hands and pulling gently towards yourself. Continue for approximately 30 seconds as well.
10. Massage in small circles around the ankle.
11. Finally, flex the ankle to point baby’s toes to the ceiling and down to the floor taking the ankle through the full range of movement.
12. Repeat all of the above on the other foot.

Encourage mums to massage feet as often as possible at home, with or without socks as babies tend to find it very soothing.

Benefits: Aids balance in the long term as baby spreads their toes and extends the heel which opens the foot. This helps baby when they begin to stand as it encourages the heels to be well grounded. Flexing the ankle will help with flexibility in the joint. Rolling toes is good for teething (reflexology).

Caution: Explain to parents when they are massaging the foot, baby might curl their toes. This is not because they aren’t enjoying it, it is simply the toe curling reflex in action.

Songs to include: This Little Piggy, finishing with ‘fell fast asleep’.

LEGS

1. Holding the legs by the ankles, begin with gentle marching for about 20 seconds. As in yoga, use the phrase ‘march, march, march, march, march’ and encourage mums to say it too, reminding them that their earliest language development comes from hearing them talk.
2. Oil the hands well. Starting with the left hand at the top of baby’s right leg, milk the leg from the top to the ankle. Swapping hands and keeping the movement continuous. Repeat 5 times.
3. Using C shaped hands, rotate them by lifting and lowering your elbows, bringing hands up and down the legs.
4. Holding on to the right ankle with the right hand, use the left hand to massage the thigh, going up the front of the thigh and down the back. Repeat 5 times.
5. Repeat all of the above on the left leg.
6. Leg rolling (see baby yoga manual)
7. Taking hold of both of baby’s legs by the fleshy part between the ankle and knee, give them a gentle shake and then move the hands up the front of the legs and rest them for a few seconds on the inner thighs. Turning the hands outwards bring the hands back down the back of their knees and calves. Repeat this move 5 times.

Benefits: Develops co-ordination, strengths the lower back and keeps knees and ankles supple. This will aid with sitting and standing, providing a strong foundation and a broad base.

Songs to include: Grand Old Duke of York

HIPS

1. Clap babies feet together to naturally encourage the knees to fall out to the side opening up the hips. This should last for approximately 20 seconds.
2. With your right hand, bring knee to tummy, then foot to opposite leg (half lotus).
3. Holding the foot in place, use the left hand to knead and then rub the buttock and back of the thigh for 30 seconds.
4. Repeat with the left leg.
5. Repeat the foot clapping for a few seconds and then gently push the feet down to the belly. Holding both the feet in this position with the left hand, use the right hand to massage around the base of the spine. Continue for approximately 20 seconds.
6. Perform a Wiggly Drop to close the hips.

Benefits: Maintaining flexibility of the hips. This will help with posture as the hips support the upper body, spine and pelvis. Most babies have a good range of movement in the hips, and massage can help to retain this as babies get older. This routine is also good for babies who stand before they sit properly.

Songs to include: Down by the Banks, Hickory Dickory Dock, If You’re Happy and you Know It (feet clapping), Big Blue Boat.

• Finish with relaxation