Oil massages have been a part of Indian baby care traditions for a long time, and for good reasons. Originally performed by grandmothers, baby massages offer multiple benefits. They nourish your baby’s skin, improve skin texture, and moisturize it. Regular oil massages also promote the overall growth of your baby, strengthen their bones, and help in calming down your baby. Choosing the right oil for baby massage is of utmost importance to get all the benefits of this age-old practice.
For how many months should I oil massage, my baby?
While some experts recommend that you wait for 10-15 days before starting with oil massages for your newborn so that the umbilical stump dries and falls off, there are no hard-and-fast rules for when you should stop! Most parents give their babies regular oil massages for the first year. Some parents continue until their baby is a pre-schooler. You can also choose the frequency of the massages at your convenience. A daily massage might be possible for some mothers while you may feel more comfortable with a massage every other day, or every 3 days. When it comes to oil massages, all you need to ensure is that both you and your baby feel comfortable and enjoy it.
Which oil is the best for baby massage: Olive, Coconut, or Almond?
When choosing an oil for baby massage, your first consideration must be safety. All natural oils have different properties. Your baby’s skin is thin and delicate and can react differently to each. You should steer clear of known skin irritants like thyme, lemongrass, cumin, clove oils, and undiluted essential oils. For babies younger than 3 months, topical use of essential oils must be completely avoided. After 3 months of age, if you do feel there is a need for any particular essential oil in your baby’s skincare routines, you should dilute the oil in a safe carrier oil, such as Sunflower oil, and only go ahead after consulting with your paediatrician.
After the consideration of safety, nourishment and texture are two other criteria you can use to select the best oil for baby massage. The best massage oil for your baby is one which can provide deep nourishment and has a non-sticky texture that absorbs easily into your baby’s skin. Natural oils like Coconut, Almond, and Olive offer unique benefits in oil massage for your baby.
Coconut oil works as a great natural moisturizer for your baby’s skin while also fortifying skin and fighting dryness. It also has anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties, which can help to protect your little one’s skin from infections. Sweet Almond oil is a rich source of multiple vitamins which help to soothe skin issues like rashes, eczema, soreness, and dryness. Olive oil protects and hydrates your baby’s skin, and offers multiple other benefits which we shall discuss further in the article.
Which oil should you choose for baby massage? A blend of the most nourishing ones! A blend of carefully selected multiple natural oils, such as our Nourishing Baby Massage Oil, allows you to get the advantages of each without losing out. Along with Coconut, Olive, and Almond oil, it also has 9 other natural oils such as Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Turmeric, and Basil to provide your baby with all-around nourishment and care.
Is Olive oil massage good for babies?
Olive oil has a very high nutritional value. It contains phenolic antioxidants, which protect your baby’s skin from the damage caused by free radicals. It is also rich in squalene which helps to deeply hydrate your baby’s skin. Squalene is also known to reinforce the skin’s protective barrier, which is much needed for your baby’s developing skin.
Apart from this, Olive oil is also a natural moisturizer. The moisturizing properties of Olive oil help to keep your baby’s skin soft and supple. As such, massaging your baby with Olive oil can do more than just nourish your little one’s skin – it can help to deeply moisturize, hydrate, and protect your baby’s skin.
Not just the skin, Olive oil massage offers many benefits for your baby’s hair too. Massaging your baby’s head gently with Olive oil can also help to soften and loosen their cradle cap scales. As it contains Vitamin E, it also promotes hair growth and keeps them healthy.
Does Olive oil help babies sleep?
Oil massages are an excellent way to calm down your baby and help him/her fall asleep! This is why many parents incorporate it into their baby’s bedtime routine. Olive oil contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and calm down your baby. Using a massage oil containing Olive oil along with other calming oils can help babies sleep.
What are the side effects of Olive oil massage?
Although Olive oil massage offers multiple benefits, there are some precautions you must take before considering it for your baby. Olive oil contains Linoleic acid and Oleic acid, out of which Oleic acid is present in a higher proportion. While Linoleic acid is helpful in improving the skin’s natural barrier, Oleic acid may irritate sensitive skin. While more research is needed in the area, it is recommended to not use Olive oil exclusively or extensively on your baby’s skin if he/she has extremely dry skin or skin issues like eczema.
Also, you should follow some basic precautions before starting with any new product for your baby’s skincare, be it a new massage oil or a moisturizing balm. Always do a patch test by applying a small quantity on the elbow. Different skin types can react differently to products. Your baby’s skin is unique, what suits most babies might not be suitable for your little one’s specific needs. After conducting a patch test, observe for 24 hours. If you observe any irritation or uneasiness in your baby, discontinue the usage and consult your pediatrician. With any oil, be careful to avoid the ear, nose, and naval areas of your baby to avoid any infections. You should also ensure that you are buying only the best quality products which are free of harsh chemicals like parabens, sulphates, silicones, allergens, mineral oils, and toxins, and gentle on your baby’s skin. Read the ingredients on baby care product labels carefully before making any purchase.
Olive oil is a highly nutritious ingredient. Including it in your baby’s diet when they start eating solids is a great way to obtain its nutritional benefits. When it comes to their skincare and haircare too, it offers many benefits. But since every baby’s skin is unique, you will need to consult with your paediatrician before using Olive oil exclusively for your baby’s massage. We hope this article helps you to make a conscious decision when it comes to your little one’s delicate skin.
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