Best Oils for Baby Massage
Various oils have a beneficial effect on your baby’s skin. They are mild and have a moisturising effect.
Let’s have a look at a few options:
1) Coconut oil
Virgin coconut oil may help strengthen and improve newborn babies’ skin. It is a safe and effective option for moisturising and massaging older babies.
2) Almond oil
Almond oil is rich in vitamin E that aids in improving the strength and thickness of the baby’s skin.
3) Safflower and Grapeseed oil
These cold-pressed oils are also rich in vitamin E. They are less processed than other oils and a safer option for your baby.
4) Jojoba oil
This cold-pressed oil is effective for massaging babies. It is especially for babies with eczema. Its regular use helps in skin healing.
5) Borage seed and Rosehip oil
Rich in fatty acids, these oils promote healing and soothing of your baby’s skin. They are also safe for use in babies suffering from eczema.
6) Baby Oil
It is a mild and delicate massage oil, dermatologically tested for sensitivity. It soothes the baby’s skin and is extremely gentle on all skin types.
Here are few more options:
- Best baby massage oil for fairness: Studies have shown that almond oil improves complexion and tone
- Best oil for baby massage for bones: Sesame and coconut oils are more beneficial for bone health.
Before selecting the best oil for baby massage keep the following points in mind:
- Select a massage oil that is 100% chemical-free
- Avoid oils with a strong scent
- Prefer natural edible oils as they are safe even if the baby may swallow it
- Avoid mineral oils
- Avoid mixing multiple oils for massaging
- Avoid frequent changing of oils
- Do a patch test before using any new oil
Besides, many prefer adding water to the oil. While it is a good practice, the water should be lukewarm and added in equal quantities as the oil. Water aids in opening the pores, allowing deeper penetration of the oil.
Also Read - Sesame Oil For Hair- Til Oil Benefits, Uses & More
Olive Oil for Baby Massage: Is it Safe?
Olive is a healthy cooking option, but is it safe for massaging your baby?
This oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E that may heal damaged skin. It may also kill harmful microbes and is non-toxic to the skin. It aids in hydrating dry skin and may be effective against diaper rash and eczema.
However, it may result in cracks in some skin types.
Which Oils You Should Avoid
Some natural oils may harm your baby’s skin, and it is best to avoid them for massaging your baby, including:
- Peanut oil: It contains peanut proteins. Babies allergic or sensitive to peanuts may develop skin irritation or reaction to the oil.
- Avocado oil: Avocado oil may not be the best option for massaging. It is rich in oleic acid that may result in skin breakdown and irritation.
- Soybean oil: It may interfere with the functioning of the skin’s glands, resulting in redness and irritation.
- Mustard oil: It may heat up or irritate the baby’s tender skin.
- Tea tree oil: It can cause skin irritation.
Benefits of Massaging Baby
To begin with, massaging strengthens the bond between you and the baby. The touch and movements aid in comforting both you and the baby.
Let’s look into other benefits of massaging baby:
- Boosts brain and emotional development of the baby
- Strengthens the baby’s bones and muscles
- Prevents gas formation and other digestive problems
- Improves sleep and blood circulation
- Strengthens the functioning of the nervous system
- Protects and moisturises the baby’s delicate skin
- Soothes muscle aches
- Aids in the release of hormones that supports growth and the brain’s functioning
- Supports the development of motor skills
How to Massage a Baby
- For the body and limbs
- Take a few drops of oil between your palms.
- Start with massaging their legs and feet. Start with the thighs, working down the ankle. Carry out milking action to massage.
- Now reverse, and work upwards from the ankle towards the thigh.
- Use circular motions with your thumb for massaging the baby’s feet. You can stretch and uncurl each toe.
- Follow similar steps while massaging the arms and hands.
- Massage the baby’s scalp in circular motions around the temples. Slowly proceed towards the ears and neck.
- Gently massage your baby’s face.
- Start from the middle of the forehead and stroke outwards and downwards.
- Massage the cheeks using your thumb from the bridge of the nose towards the ears.
- For massaging the chest, start from the centre of the chest towards the sides. Digestion takes place clockwise and thus makes clockwise circular motions for massaging the stomach. Start from the navel, working towards the sides of the stomach.
- Now, gently turn your baby and make up and down motion on either side of their spine. Make circular motions using thumbs on each side of the spine.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5239787/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31059673/
