One of the most common questions parents have about infant massage is “Which is a good oil for baby massage?”. Do you know why? Because massaging babies has many benefits if the techniques are practiced correctly. However, the medium used to massage the babies is equally important.
Babies are born with a very sensitive and immature system. They live in amniotic fluid for 9 months. After their birth, it takes time to get accustomed to the new environment around them. Hence it is imperative to choose a good massage oil suitable for the babies’ sensitive skin.
Why choose a good oil for baby massage?
We need to be careful about what we apply to our babies’ skin because of the following reasons:
- Neonatal skin matures by the age of 3 months and it is sensitive and permeable.
- Skin is the largest organ of our body and it has the ability to absorb any substance applied on it.
- A newborn baby is easily susceptible to allergies and adverse reactions. Their natural defence systems are immature making them less capable of dealing with any allergic reaction.
- Newborns tend to suck their fingers and toes. If the baby accidentally puts their hand in their mouth and ingests the baby oil, it shouldn’t have an adverse effect on their health. So, one needs to choose a safe baby oil for massage.
For all the above reasons, you must pick up massage oil that is specially formulated for babies. Products made for adult skin are not advisable as they can harm the baby’s sensitive skin.
Which is a good oil for baby massage?
Pure oils free of paraffin, toxins, and fragrances are considered to be good for baby massage. Natural oil and ayurvedic oil which can be used in all seasons are considered to be the best massage oils.
1. Natural – Coconut oil
It is natural, light and safe for your baby’s tender skin. Coconut moisturises and hydrates the skin while letting it breathe properly. It is also known to heal the skin and provide therapeutic effects to the baby. It has a cooling effect and should be used for massage by people staying in warm regions with warm climatic conditions. If used in chilly winters, coconut oil can be responsible for mucous build-up in babies leading to cough.
2. Ayurvedic Oil
Ayurveda is a science that evolved over 5 thousand years back. According to this science Sesame oil/ Til Oil can be used for baby massage from as early as 2 weeks after birth. Ayurvedic oil is any natural oil infused with herbs to enhance the benefits of baby massage oil.
Dabur Lal Tail is the best baby massage oil in India. It is a unique combination of 5-time tested ingredients that are safe and efficacious for the growth and development of the baby. It has Urad, Til and is enriched with Ratnajyot, Shankhpushpi, and Karpura. It gives 2x faster physical growth in babies as compared to normal oil.
The first 40 weeks after a baby’s birth are crucial for laying a strong foundation of bones and muscles. As ayurvedic oil aids in the faster development of bones and muscles, it should be a preferred choice for all parents from the first day you start massaging your baby.
Massage oil you should never use for your baby
1. Mineral oil
It is derived from petroleum. It doesn’t get absorbed in the skin because of its bigger molecular size. As a result, it stays on the surface of the skin and gives a smooth, silky texture to the skin. This property of mineral oil makes it a popular choice in the skincare industry but it is detrimental for babies’ skin.
Mineral oil clogs the pores, suffocates the skin, and damages the skin barrier. The thin film of mineral oil on the skin becomes a reflector of the sun. In India, it is a tradition to massage the baby while giving him/her a sunbath. If you use mineral oil for baby massage, then the baby’s skin traps the heat and becomes susceptible to heat rashes, and gets discolored too.
A good moisturiser is one that gets easily absorbed by the skin. However, mineral oil superficially moisturises the skin while damaging the skin’s function. So, mineral oil should be avoided for a baby massage at all costs.
2. Olive oil
Olive oil is yet another baby massage oil that should be avoided. Olive oil is low in the fatty acid called linoleic acid, which is responsible for strengthening the bay’s skin barrier function. On the other hand, olive oil has high oleic acid which makes the skin more permeable.
The higher the skin permeability, the higher the chances of the baby losing water and moisture through the skin. Also, the permeability hampers the skin barrier function and it is unable to provide protection against allergies and infection. This can lead to severe dryness and eczema in babies. Hence, olive oil is not a good oil for baby massage.
3. Sunflower oil
A research lead by The University of Manchester has stated that ‘ Using olive or sunflower oil on newborn babies’ skin damages the barrier which prevents water loss and blocks allergens and infections.’ According to Alison Cooke, lecturer in midwifery, the lipid lamellae is like the mortar that holds the wall of skin cells together and makes the skin function stronger. However, if the lipid lamellae is damaged then cracks develop in the skin. These would let out water and foreign bodies in.
It is believed that sunflower oil damages the lipid lamellae making it unsafe for newborn babies. For older babies, research is still underway to find if sunflower oil is good for baby massage.
4. Essential oils
These days, essential oils are gaining a lot of popularity among parents. But essential oils have a very strong fragrance and should be avoided for newborns less than 3 months of age. The strong fragrance is an overdose for the baby’s olfactory system and can be overwhelming him/her. Also, the strong smell will distract the baby from exchanging the smell imprinting with his/her parents.
It is believed that babies identify their parents and loved ones by their smell. Massage oil with a strong smell will confuse the baby and hamper the bonding process during massage times. It can even disrupt the hormonal balance of babies. Essential oils should be used only in the diffuser and not topically.
Read more about baby care here.
5. Mustard oil
Though mustard oil is considered a good oil for baby massage in many parts of India, it should be avoided if your baby has sensitive skin or eczema. Mustard oil is strong and may cause an allergic reaction. It is also very thick and sticky which leads to clogged skin pores. Using too much of this thick oil can even lead to rashes and redness of baby skin.
It has a pungent odour and taste. If the baby accidentally rubs his eyes while being massaged or licks his hands, then it will lead to irritation and burning sensation. So mustard oil is best avoided. However, if you are using it then make sure you take necessary precautions to keep the baby’s eyes safe. After a massage, bathe the baby with warm water and remove all the excess oil properly.
Massaging and bonding with the newborn is a beautiful experience. Make sure you use the right medium too. Hope this article helped you to learn a few things on how to choose a good oil for baby massage.