Baby Massage

Baby Massage has a lot of perks. It can help soothe a fussy or gassy baby. And for me the best perk is that it allows me to feel like I am doing something, anything, to help my crying child. And therefor, relieving my stress. It can also help to soothe colic and gives you some great bonding time with your little treasure! 

When I was at the doctors office awhile ago, I found a very helpful article in Parent's Magazine. And the only thing that could have made it more helpful was to have pictures. I love pictures. (Which led to an extensive collection of children's books before they were even a blip on my radar.)
And there is something about a picture. You can take in so much information with out reading a thing. So to help parents who need a quick solution (case in point, me) that doesn't require a lot of reading to get to that solution. I've taken the list off the site and paired it with a picture. I recommend reading over the whole "game play" before you jump in. Partly because I was not able to cover every massage technique they covered and it's just a good idea. Below is the link to the article on Parent's Magazine site.
http://www.parents.com/baby/care/newborn/how-to-massage-baby/

So to get started you will need to be in a comfortable warm room. Sitting on the floor in a diamond shape Lay baby out in front of you, her head resting on your feet, in just her diapers. I like to lay a cuddly blanket under my boy. You will also need to have some oil or lotion so as not to chafe your child's skin. Use your child as a guide. Start your massage when they are relaxed but alert. Avoid the times after they wake up or are just fed. I prefer right after bath time.

*using your fingertips make circles on belly, clockwise
*Holding knees and feet together, gently press up towards
belly and rotate to the right a few times (great for gassiness)

Head and Face
*make little circles over the scalp with fingertips (shampoing)
*gently hold ear and rub between thumb and index
*starting between eyebrows make and arch up and down to chin, forming
a heart shape
*start at bridge of nose and stroke down to jaw line
*make little circles along jaw line from ear to chin

Chest
*Place hands on chest and stroke outwards towards sides
*starting in the center of the chest stroke up, out and down forming a heart (repeat)
*trace hands from one hip to opposite shoulder, repeat with other side

Arms
*with your hand in a "c" shape stroke baby's arm from shoulder to wrist
* Gently "wring" baby's arms shoulder to wrist
*Stroke baby's palm, wrist to finger's
*"milk" the fingers (gently squeezing as you pull on the fingers)

Back
*laying baby on her belly (on your legs might work best)
baby's hands out in front to support
*avoid putting any pressure on spine
*place hands on either side of spine moving away from spine
( repeat the full length)
* Stabilize baby with one hand on butt with the other hand stroke from
 neck to butt (repeat on other side)
*stroke in small circles down one side of the spine, repeat with other side

Legs
*hold ankle w/ one hand while with the other in a "c" shape
thumb down stroke from thigh to foot (repeat on other side)
*grasp one leg in both hands and from thigh to foot gently twist like your
wringing a towel
*Gently press on sole of foot with thumbs then "milk" the toes

My son was not keen on the foot stuff, but he's super ticklish there. Just a few more hints keep them 10-30 min long. And be willing to adjust or stop if your child seems to be done. Try to make it a daily habit and you're massaging your baby not tickling, use firm but gentle strokes. Take your time and alow your child time to relax in each hold you do before you start.
And again check out the article I used to make the pictures!
http://www.parents.com/baby/care/newborn/how-to-massage-baby/