Gentle tummy massage can help move gas and stool through your newborn’s digestive system, easing discomfort from colic, gas, and constipation. The key is following the natural path of the large intestine (clockwise on your baby’s belly) with slow, rhythmic strokes. Most sessions last just 5 to 15 minutes, and you can do them two to three times a day.
Why Direction Matters
Your baby’s large intestine is shaped like an upside-down U. It runs up the right side of the abdomen, across the top, and down the left side. When you massage in that same direction, you’re helping push gas and stool the way the body already wants to move them. Stroking the wrong way can work against that flow, so always move clockwise when you’re looking down at your baby’s belly: right side up, across, left side down.
Before You Start
Wait at least 30 minutes after a feeding before massaging your baby’s tummy. A full stomach pressed on too soon can cause spit-up or discomfort. Choose a time when your baby is calm and alert, not hungry or overtired.
Keep the room warm. A comfortable range for babies is about 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C), since they lose body heat quickly when undressed. Lay your baby on a soft, flat surface like a blanket on the floor or a changing pad. Dim harsh overhead lights if you can, as softer light helps keep your baby relaxed.
If you want to use oil to reduce friction on the skin, choose an edible, food-based oil. Sunflower, coconut, olive, almond, grapeseed, and safflower oils are all good options. Do not use mineral oil or commercial “baby oil,” as research shows these are not ideal for newborn skin. Warm a small amount between your palms before touching your baby.
If your baby’s umbilical cord stump hasn’t fallen off yet, avoid the area around it entirely. The stump needs to stay dry and exposed to air. You can still massage the lower belly gently, but steer clear of the navel until it has fully healed.
The I Love You Technique
This is the most widely recommended method for infant tummy massage, used by children’s hospitals across the country. It breaks the path of the large intestine into three progressive strokes, each one covering more of the colon. You’ll use the flat pads of two or three fingers, pressing gently but firmly enough that you’re not just tickling the skin.
The “I” Stroke
Start on your baby’s left side, just below the ribcage. Stroke straight down toward the left hip. This follows the descending colon, the last stretch before stool reaches the rectum. Repeat 5 to 10 times at a slow, steady pace.
The “L” Stroke
Start on your baby’s right side, just below the ribcage. Stroke across the belly from right to left (following the transverse colon), then turn and stroke down the left side to the hip. You’re tracing a backwards capital L. Repeat 5 to 10 times.
The “U” Stroke
Start near your baby’s right hip. Stroke up the right side to the ribcage, across the top of the belly from right to left, then down the left side to the left hip. This traces the full path of the large intestine in one continuous motion. Repeat up to 10 times.
The progression is intentional. You clear the “exit” first with the I stroke, then work backward to push material through the full tract. Each stroke builds on the last, creating a wave-like movement through the intestines.
Other Helpful Strokes
Between rounds of I Love You strokes, you can add a few simple movements to release trapped gas:
- Bicycle legs: Hold your baby’s ankles and gently move the legs in a cycling motion. This compresses and releases the abdomen rhythmically, helping bubbles shift.
- Knees to belly: Gently press both knees together toward your baby’s tummy, hold for a few seconds, then release. Repeat several times.
- Paddle strokes: Using alternating hands, stroke down from the ribcage to the lower belly in a continuous, hand-over-hand motion, like you’re scooping sand toward you. This helps move contents downward through the intestines.
How Long and How Often
For abdominal massage specifically, 5 minutes per session is a reasonable target. If you’re doing a full-body massage that includes the tummy, 10 to 15 minutes total is typical. You can massage two to three times per day. Some parents build it into the routine after diaper changes or before bedtime.
Consistency matters more than duration. A study examining abdominal massage for infant digestive issues used three 5-minute sessions per day. You don’t need to commit to long stretches. Even a quick round of I Love You strokes during a diaper change can help keep things moving.
How to Read Your Baby’s Cues
Not every baby enjoys tummy massage at every moment. Watch for signs that your newborn wants you to stop: turning their head away from you, arching their back, clenching their fists, crying louder than usual, or making jerky, frantic movements. These are signs of overstimulation, not stubbornness.
Babies between about 2 weeks and 4 months old are in a developmental phase where touch itself can sometimes be the source of overstimulation. If your baby pulls away from your hands, that’s a clear signal. Lay them on their back in a safe spot and sit nearby until they settle. You can try again later when they seem more receptive.
On the other hand, a relaxed baby will make eye contact, have open hands, and may coo or become still. These are green lights to continue. Over time, you’ll learn your baby’s specific signals quickly.
Pressure and Touch
Newborn bellies are soft, and you don’t need much force. Use the flat pads of your index and middle fingers rather than your whole palm. Press firmly enough that the skin moves with your fingers rather than your fingers sliding over the surface. If you’re barely grazing the skin, the light touch can feel ticklish and unsettling rather than soothing.
Move slowly. A common mistake is stroking too quickly, which can overstimulate rather than calm. Match your pace to a slow exhale. If your baby tenses up, lighten your pressure slightly and slow down before deciding to stop. Sometimes a small adjustment is all it takes.