Helping Your Newborn Release Tension: Gentle Techniques for a Relaxed Baby

Newborns experience a lot of change in a short period. After spending months in a snug, warm womb, they enter a world full of bright lights, new sensations, and unfamiliar movements. The birth process itself can be intense, leading to tension in their tiny bodies. This tension can manifest as difficulty latching, discomfort during sleep, excessive fussiness, or stiffness in their muscles.

As a parent or caregiver, you can support your baby’s well-being by helping them release tension through gentle techniques that promote relaxation, flexibility, and comfort.

Signs Your Baby May Have Tension

While every baby is different, some common signs that your newborn may be holding tension include:

• Frequent arching of the back

• Fussiness during feeds or difficulty latching

• Favoring one side when turning their head

• Tight fists or clenched toes

• Discomfort when lying on their back

• Frequent hiccups or gas

If you notice these signs, incorporating gentle bodywork into your baby’s daily routine can help ease tension and support healthy development.

Simple Ways to Help Your Baby Release Tension

1. Gentle Infant Massage

Baby massage is a powerful tool for relaxation. Using light, rhythmic strokes, you can soothe your baby’s muscles and encourage circulation.

How to do it:

• Use a natural, baby-safe oil (like coconut or grapeseed oil).

• Start with gentle strokes from their head down to their feet.

• Focus on areas where tension builds, such as the shoulders, neck, and lower back.

• Pay attention to your baby’s cues—if they seem uncomfortable, adjust the pressure.

2. Craniosacral Therapy (CST) for Newborns

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle hands-on technique that helps release restrictions in the body’s tissues, particularly around the head, spine, and pelvis. This therapy can be helpful for babies who experienced a fast or difficult birth, have feeding challenges, or seem generally tense.

A professional practitioner can provide CST, but you can also support your baby at home with gentle holding techniques:

• While your baby lies on their back, place your hand gently at the base of their skull for a few minutes.

• Allow your hand to soften and follow your baby’s natural movements.

• This can help their nervous system regulate and release tension.

3. Tummy Time with Movement Support

Tummy time is essential for strengthening your baby’s muscles, but for babies holding tension, it can feel uncomfortable. Making tummy time more enjoyable can help release built-up tightness.

Tips for a comfortable tummy time:

• Start with short sessions (a few minutes at a time) and increase gradually.

• Use a rolled-up blanket or a breastfeeding pillow under their chest for added support.

• Get on the floor with them to encourage eye contact and interaction.

• Try gentle rocking or swaying motions while they’re on your chest before transitioning to the floor.

4. Infant Movement and Stretching

Encouraging natural movement helps babies develop flexibility and release tightness. Some gentle movements include:

• Bicycle legs: Moving their legs in a pedaling motion can relieve gas and relax the lower body.

• Side rolls: Gently rolling your baby from side to side helps loosen their torso.

• Arms over chest: Bringing their arms together at the center of their chest can counteract the effects of being in a curled fetal position.

5. Skin-to-Skin Contact

Holding your baby skin-to-skin helps regulate their nervous system, reducing stress and muscle tension. This simple practice releases oxytocin (the “love hormone”), which promotes relaxation for both you and your baby.

6. Supporting a Relaxed Feeding Experience

If your baby experiences tension while feeding, consider:

• Ensuring a comfortable, supported latch during breastfeeding.

• Offering different nursing positions to reduce strain on their body.

• Using paced bottle feeding if bottle-feeding to allow better control.

• Holding your baby in a way that keeps their head, neck, and spine aligned.

When to Seek Professional Support

If your baby has persistent tension that affects feeding, sleep, or comfort, a specialist such as a lactation consultant, pediatric chiropractor, craniosacral therapist, or occupational therapist can provide additional support.

Final Thoughts

Helping your baby release tension is about creating a calm, nurturing environment where they feel safe to move and relax. Through gentle massage, movement, and mindful touch, you can support their body’s natural ability to release tightness and develop in a balanced way.

At Mama Milk, we specialize in infant wellness, including lactation support, craniosacral therapy, and baby movement classes. If you’d like to learn more about how to support your baby’s comfort and development, we’re here to help!

Would you like to book a session or learn more? Contact us today!