Babies love to be touched. In fact, they thrive on it, and it's a critical part of growth and development. All that skin-to-skin contact not only helps you and your baby bond, it can comfort your baby when he or she is upset and help ease colicky behavior.

Find a warm, flat surface to lay your baby on — a blanket on a carpeted floor is fine. Pour a little baby lotion into your palms and rub your hands together to warm them up. Try to look into your baby's eyes, and sing or talk to him or her as you do the massage. Pay attention to your baby's response: Try a lighter touch if your baby doesn’t seem to be enjoying it, or simply stop.

1. While facing your baby, use two or three fingers to trace the letter "I" on the right side of his or her abdomen with firm, but gentle movements. Start under the ribs and go straight down to the joint, using the oil to smooth your way.
2. Next, stroke from left to right across your baby's abdomen, forming the long side of a sideways "L."
3. Use a short downward stroke on the right side of your baby’s stomach to complete the "L."
4. To begin the last letter, the upside-down "U," stroke up from your baby's hipbone, on the left side of the tummy.
5. For the middle segment of the "U," move your fingers along the top of your baby's tummy.
6. And for the final part of the "U," stroke down your baby's right side.

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