Guest blog by Karen Mayes Paediatric Physiotherapy and Baby Massage, based in York.
It’s that time of year when we see a huge increase of coughs and colds in our little ones. It can be really upsetting to see them suffering.
….So, here are my 5 top tips to empower you to be able to help with coughs and colds at this time. (These do not replace medical intervention but are an adjunct. If you are concerned about your baby, or symptoms persist, please seek medical advice.)
1.The Waterfall
Press fingers gently at top of nose at the corners of eyes and downwards to the nostrils, gently press under nostrils.
This massage technique is really effective in clearing snotty and congested noses!
**If your baby is extremely congested, use saline drops to loosen the mucus before performing the stroke**
2. Open Book
Spread thumbs out across the forehead to the temples
This massage stroke helps relieve sinus pressure, and relieves the ‘head cold’ feeling!
3.
Sunglasses
Circling outwards on the chest with the fingertips using 2 or 3 fingers
This stroke is great for opening up the airways and promoting deeper breathing and improving breathing capacity.
**If your baby is chesty or has a cough, try applying snuffle babe (from 3 months) before performing the strokes**
You can incorporate little circles under the armpits too as this promotes lymphatic drainage which aids in boosting the immune system!
4. Pitter Patter Raindrops
Allow wrists to go loose and finger tap on chest .
This helps to loosen any mucus on the chest which makes it easier for babies to clear.
5. ‘Press for Calm’
Allow thumbs to drop down from ball of foot to natural resting position and press gently on both feet.
A magic reflexology spot for calming, promoting sleep and relaxation and opening up the airways
Wishing you a happy and less snotty Autumn / Winter!!
Karen x
Stockport Mumbler would like to thank Karen for sharing these great tips.
Karen Mayes Paediatric Physiotherapy offers specialist paediatric Physiotherapy in York and the surrounding areas.
Karen has vast experience in treating a wide range of Paediatric conditions and runs fortnightly under 5’s developmental drop in sessions for those who have concerns about their child’s gross motor development, and is a qualified baby massage instructor. For more information visit http://kmpaediatricphysio.co.uk/
