Baby Shantala Massage: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
Baby Shantala massage is a technique of deep, rhythmic strokes on your baby’s body, performed by mum or dad with vegetable oil at a slow, steady pace. It originated in India and takes its name from Shantala, the woman the journalist Frédérick Leboyer observed massaging her child. In short: it is a simple 10 to 15 minute ritual done at home, with your hands, no equipment or prior training needed.
In summary
- The classic order goes from the feet upwards: legs, tummy, chest, arms, back and face.
- Each session lasts between 10 and 15 minutes, once a day, choosing a moment when your baby is calm and awake.
- Use a mild, lukewarm vegetable oil, applied first to your own hands.
- Your hands follow the movement without leaving the skin, and you never press on the spine, fontanelles or genitals.
What you need before you start
Preparing the space matters more than memorising the movements. Three things are enough: a towel or light blanket on a firm, warm surface, a cold-pressed virgin olive or sunflower oil, and comfortable clothes for you.
The room temperature should be pleasant and mild, with no cold draughts. Turn off the TV, dim the lights and keep your phone out of reach. Silence is part of the technique, because your baby picks up on your breathing just as much as your hands.
How to warm the oil without burning
Place a drop on the back of your wrist before touching your baby. That area of your skin is sensitive and will detect the real temperature. Never use mineral or perfumed oils: a newborn’s skin is permeable and fragrances interfere with their sense of smell.
How to do baby Shantala massage at home
Baby Shantala massage follows a fixed route from feet to head. Repeating the same order every day gives your baby a sense of security: they learn to anticipate what comes next and relax more quickly as the sessions continue.
1. Legs and feet
Slide both hands from the ankle up to the thigh with firm pressure, as if wringing out a tube. On the sole of the foot, stroke with your thumb from the heel towards the toes. Imagine you are practising with a four-month-old baby: this first part usually takes a couple of minutes and is the part babies tend to enjoy most, because the feet are a highly pleasurable sensory area.
2. Tummy
Trace an imaginary clock around the navel in a clockwise direction, with a flat palm. This movement supports intestinal transit and many families use it when there is colic. Avoid any pressure if the tummy feels hard or your baby has just been fed: wait a sensible while after a feed and, in case of doubt, consult your paediatrician.
3. Chest and arms
Open your hands from the centre of the chest out towards the shoulders, in a welcoming gesture. Then work the arms in the same way as the legs, finishing with the hands and each finger in turn. This is where your baby lets go of the fists they have kept closed since birth.
4. Back and face
With your baby lying tummy-down across your legs, slide your hands from the neck down to the buttocks, alternating one hand and then the other. On the face, just two movements: from the centre of the forehead out to the temples, and from the nose out to the ears. Finish with some slow pats on the back.
Benefits of baby massage backed by evidence
The benefits of baby massage have been studied mainly in premature infants and in early bonding. The American Academy of Pediatrics recognises skin-to-skin contact and massage as practices that support secure attachment. Parents who practise it also report greater confidence in their own caregiving.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
Here are three frequent slip-ups when starting out with baby massage. All of them have an immediate fix.
- Massaging when your baby is hungry or sleepy : choose a moment when they are awake and calm, for example after the evening bath.
- Pressing on off-limits areas : never on the spine, the fontanelle, the genitals or the lymph nodes in the neck.
- Insisting it lasts as long as the guide says : if your baby moves away after four minutes, stop. The session ends when they say it ends.
How to tell if your baby is enjoying it
Open hands, a soft body and a relaxed gaze mean they are happy to continue. If they arch their back, clench their fists or turn their head away, they are asking for a break. Respecting that is not failing at the technique: it is applying it well.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can you start Shantala massage?
You can start from the first days of life, as long as the birth and your baby’s health allow it and with your paediatrician’s approval. For premature babies or those with a medical condition, consult first. Many families begin at around two or three weeks, once the routine at home has settled.
How long should a baby massage session last?
A full baby Shantala massage session lasts between 10 and 15 minutes, although five minutes may be enough at first. What matters is not the total duration but consistency: a short daily session works far better than a long, occasional one. Always adapt the time to your baby’s attention.
What oil is best for massaging a baby?
The best choice is a pure, mild vegetable oil, such as cold-pressed virgin olive or sunflower oil, with no fragrances or additives. Warm it between your hands before applying it and always do a patch test on a small area of skin first. Avoid mineral oils and scented products.
Can I do the massage if my baby has colic?
Yes, massage can help during a colic episode, especially the circular clockwise movements on the tummy. Never massage the tummy straight after a feed and stop if you notice hardness or crying. Persistent colic deserves a consultation with your paediatrician, who will assess the case.
