Best oils to use for massaging your baby

Massaging your baby with oil is very important. It provides innumerable benefits and is very crucial for a baby’s physical development. The challenge however, lies in choosing the right oil for your baby’s massage.

Not every oil is suitable for a baby’s massage. If you a new mom and confused about the type of oil to use for your baby’s massage, then here is a quick run-down for you. However, if your baby has any underlying health or skin issues, then consult your pediatrician before trying any of these oils. Your pediatrician will be able to help you select the oil that will be best suited for your baby’s needs.

WHY SHOULD YOU MASSAGE YOUR BABY?

There are multiple known benefits of massaging a baby. Some of them are:

• It helps to relax your baby and calm them
• It improves the blood circulation
• It helps strengthen their bones and muscles
• It can also help improve their digestion at times and in turn help with issues such as gas, colic and constipation
• It can help your baby sleep well

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU MASSAGE YOUR BABY?

You can massage your baby as often as you would like. It totally depends on your baby and her health. You can massage your baby every day, or every other day. 

You can massage your baby either in the morning or in the afternoon. If your baby is not sleeping well, you can also massage her at night before bedtime. This will help your baby sleep peacefully.

Do not massage your baby when she is sick, extremely irritated or right after feeding.

WHICH IS THE BEST OIL TO USE?

The type of oil that can be used to massage your baby will depend on certain factors such as the weather, your baby’s health and skin condition, and skin type.

FOR SUMMER SEASON: NORMAL SKIN

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the best oils that can be used for massaging your baby. It has a slightly cooling effect, which is why it is best to use during the summer months and should generally be avoided during winters. Coconut oil can get easily absorbed by the skin and has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which is extremely beneficial for a baby’s delicate skin. If you are going to use coconut oil, opt for virgin coconut oil.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is another lightweight oil, which provides babies with a host of benefits. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, which can protect your baby’s skin from inflammation. It also helps strengthen their bones and help them sleep well.

FOR WINTER SEASON: NORMAL SKIN

Mustard Oil

Mustard oil is a warm oil and hence works best for winter months. It can help strengthen a baby’s bones as well and keep them warm. Mustard oil should be warmed up before using it as a massage oil. Do not massage with raw mustard oil. It can also be mixed with another carrier oil to make it milder.

Almond Oil

Almond oil can help improve the skin quality of a baby and can help protect the baby from the harmful effects of the UV rays. It’s rich in Vitamin E and is considered to be one of the best oils that can used to massage a baby with.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is also used in many parts of the world to massage a baby with. However, if your baby has any skin issues, then do not use olive oil. It is known to interrupt the skin barrier and cause dryness.

OVERALL: FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Chamomile Oil

Chamomile is a gentle essential oil and is often used in aromatherapy. Due to its nature it is often used to help treat insomnia in adults and likewise can help babies go to sleep easily. It is also known to help alleviate symptoms that can arise due to colic, gas and digestive problems. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties chamomile has been known to reduce red skin, itching or generally irritated skin conditions. Likewise with conjunctivitis, it can help reduce the irritation in the eye. Since it is an essential oil, it should be mixed with a carrier oil before use.

Calendula Oil

Is another essential oil that can have a soothing effect on the child’s skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It has been particularly known to be effective against diaper rashes. Again, if you are using this oil, make sure it is mixed with a carrier oil.

KEEP IN MIND

• TRY using a plant based oil, instead of mineral oil for your baby
• TRY using cold pressed oils and organic oils
• DO NOT use olive oil, mustard oil or clarified butter (ghee) if your baby has sensitive skin or is suffering from eczema.
• DO NOT use essential oils for new born babies. Best used under the guidance of a pediatrician and for babies over the age of 2 years
• ALWAYS check the expiry date of the oil
• ALWAYS do a patch test before using any oil on your baby. If your baby develops a rash within three hours of applying the oil on a small part of the body, then avoid that oil.
• KEEP your baby’s massage oil separate and use it only for massaging.
• DO NOT buy massaging oil in bulk/big bottles.

The one we use for our baby is called Max Care Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil. You can click the link below to see the product on Amazon. Please note this is not a sponsored link or advertisement. We used the product, we liked it and hence we recommended it. Let us know if you prefer some other products in the comments below.

Coconut Oil Link

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