Infant Massage Guide

Relief routine · up to 10 minutes

Gas Relief Routine

An interactive gas relief guide for babies 0–6 months.
Work through each step until your baby finds relief.

Before you start

The room

  • Warm and comfortable
  • Any lighting is fine

Your baby

  • Showing gas cues — squirming, pulling legs up, arching
  • Not immediately after a feed (wait 45 minutes)

You

  • Slow your breathing first
  • Relax your shoulders
  • Your calm energy helps them settle

Optional

  • A small amount of unscented, baby-safe oil on your hands
Skip this routine if: your baby has a fever, has just had a full feed, has diarrhoea, or has been vaccinated in the last 48 hours. If discomfort persists, consult your health visitor or GP.

Use your phone with one hand. We'll guide you.

Step 1 of 7
1
Settle & connect

Containment Hold

Warm, steady contact helps your baby settle before gentle tummy work.

  • Place both hands on your baby's chest and tummy
  • Hold completely still, no pressure
  • Take a few slow breaths together
  • Hold for five to seven seconds
  • Let your baby feel your warmth and calm
2
Loosen the hips

Leg Warm-Up

Slow strokes loosen the hips and belly, making space for gas to move.

  • Wrap both hands gently around one thigh
  • Stroke slowly down toward the foot
  • Keep the pace slow and steady
  • Repeat three times on each leg
  • Use gentle pressure, no squeezing
Reps
3
Gentle movement

Bicycle Legs

Slow, even motions help the lower belly shift and release.

  • Bring one knee gently to the chest
  • Keep the other leg flat or softly supported
  • Alternate slowly, one leg then the other
  • Each cycle takes two to three seconds
  • Repeat three to four times per leg
Reps
4
Guide the gas

Tummy Circles

Gentle circles follow your baby's digestive path, helping trapped gas move toward relief.

  • Place flat hands on your baby's tummy
  • Make gentle clockwise circles
  • Follow the path: up the right, across, down the left
  • Surface pressure only — never press into the abdomen
  • Repeat five to six circles
Reps
5
Gentle compression

Knees to Tummy

You're not pushing gas out — you're helping the hips relax and creating gentle pressure.

  • Gently straighten your baby's legs
  • Bring both knees slowly toward the tummy
  • Hold for three seconds, then release
  • Stay well below any resistance
  • Repeat three to five times
Reps
6
Position change

Tiger in the Tree

This position helps gas move without any belly pressure. Many babies love it.

  • Place your baby face-down along your forearm
  • Support their head in the crook of your elbow
  • Your hand supports their bottom between their legs
  • With your free hand, stroke from shoulders to hips
  • Repeat five to six times, or stay if baby is settling
Reps
7
Final position

Side-Lying Release

Side-lying helps the digestive system settle.

  • Place your baby on their side on your lap
  • Rest your hand gently across their body
  • Use tiny, slow rocks — or simply hold still
  • If rocking overstimulates, just hold
  • Stay as long as feels right

That's the full routine

Every baby responds differently — if one step didn't help today, it might tomorrow. Short sessions work best. You can always come back.

Questions, feedback, or just want to say hello?
hello@nanishands.com