In this post, we have compiled the most beneficial natural oils for baby massage along with their properties and baby massage benefits.
Oil massage aka tel malish, to infants and young kids, facilitates the physical growth and development of the child and also develops their emotional health. Generally, new mothers proffer massage to infants in homes by a midwife or a dai-maa. Massaging strengthens the bond between mother and child. So, if you are a new mom and in a dilemma about how to massage and how to choose the right oil for massaging your baby, keep reading this post.
In This Article
Massaging the newborn in the morning, afternoon, evening, or more often, even though the baby is crying during massaging, signifies the importance of massage, and how massage is associated with the life and body of the baby. You will have to admit, that whether it an infant or an adult, everyone gets comfort from it.
Massage works like therapy. It is a kind of therapy of touch. Touch therapy has been advancing and in practice for years. The practitioners in therapeutic touch get an insight into your energy and heal through their hands. They transmit strong energy back to you, and you feel relaxed, warm, relief in pain. It is also effective in preventing many serious diseases. Talking about infants and children, massaging is similar to that of the therapy. It is crucial for the physical growth and development of their body. Apart from these benefits, massage brings a sense of security in the child. Many studies have also proved that massage is necessary in the development of the child. Moreover, it also reduces stress.
Traditionally, massage is done every day before taking the baby to the bath. Many new mothers are often confused about what massage oil should be used for their baby. Massaging with the right baby massage oil is essential for the physical development and well-being of the baby. Baby massage strengthens the bones and relaxes the baby’s muscles. It also provides baby comfort and allows him to sleep well. It provides nutrition for the baby’s skin.
A baby massage, in particular, has set guidelines as to when to start, however, some experts advise commencing massage after 10 to 15 days of birth. The newborn’s skin is sensitive to dryness and to respond to the oil that you apply to them during the massage. Thus, waiting for a few weeks before starting with oil massage allows them to develop a shield against skin sensitivity. It also allows the umbilical end to dry and fall, which usually happens within 5 to 15 days. Dry skin has chances to hold residual oil on your baby’s skin after a massage. This can increase the risk of skin infection.
Follow your doctor’s advice for baby massage and daily massage routines. Ask your pediatrician before using any natural oils, baby oil, or baby lotion to make sure if your child’s skin is suitable for the product you use and what type of ingredients and properties it contains. There is no age limit to give or stop massages. You can continue to massage your baby for as long as you want. For children up to 5 years, you can massage them occasionally. Choose a suitable time to massage when your baby is active and playful. Do not force yourself. Massaging when your baby is active and not hungry or tired, helps them feel safe and relaxed during the entire massage session. Moreover, they will quickly fall asleep as soon as the massage session ends.
Before using the oil, slightly warm the oil and check if it’s not too hot or too cold before applying it to the baby. Rub a little natural oil or baby oil between your palms and spread it on your child’s body, legs, thighs, arms, stomach, back, neck, face, head, ears, feet, ankle, foot, and fingers. Massage your baby with your palm and fingers in a circular direction. Be gentle, do not press or rub oil on the baby’s body. Remember, your loving touch is more important than massage. During the entire massage session, play with your baby, smile, and laugh with them, talk to them so they enjoy the whole session.
Seek advice from a doctor or an elderly person to learn the proper techniques for baby massage. This is the knowledge that is passed on from one generation to another and is also powerful. Massaging your child’s body with different massage techniques. Make sure your hands are dry and cleaned before beginning the baby massage.
Always consult your doctor regarding the usage of oils. Edible use oils or oil particularly made for children, that do not have a strong flavor or smell, so if it goes into your baby’s mouth, it will not harm them. You should never use mineral oil. If your baby’s skin is extremely dry or sensitive, then you should avoid products with high oleic acid content like mustard oil, ghee, soybean oil, palm oil, corn oil, olive oil, etc. These oils have the ability to make some layers of a baby’s skin dryer. Do not buy oils without checking their expiry date. Use oils according to the season and do not hesitate to consult your doctor on any problem.
Massaging techniques with the right baby massage oil remove the irritability of the skin, make the baby sleep well, balances body weight, reduces the risk of several skin-related conditions, make your child physical activity, and boost their immunity. Now the question arises that what is the best massage oil for babies? Many baby oils are present in the market but baby oil sold in the market does not guarantee its purity. So there are chances that it can prove harmful to the baby. An easy way to choose the right baby massage oil from the oils available in the market is to consult a doctor.
As an alternative, you can also choose natural oils which I am sharing in my today’s post. These natural oils can have no negative effect on a baby’s health and can be used in all seasons. Choose an oil that helps in the growth and development of your baby and also nourishes your baby’s skin.
To get the maximum benefits of a baby massage with natural oil, consult your pediatrician before you choose to apply any oil on your baby’s skin. You can also take a hint from our compilation of some of the best baby massage oils as mention below. While all oils have their own unique properties, you should use specific oils depending on the season. Still, there is no evidence which oil is the best for babies.
Read below to know about some of the best natural baby body massage oil with their properties and their benefits, which you can use for your baby.
Virgin coconut oil is one of the best oils to use in any season. The consistency of this oil is light and thin which makes it easy to absorb into the body. Due to the anti-fungal, antiseptic, and anti-bacterial properties of coconut oil, certainly, baby massage with this oil is highly beneficial for your baby’s skin. This oil helps in inhibiting skin infections in children. Moreover, it does not have any side effects on the delicate skin of your baby. Researchers also claim coconut oil to be better than olive oil. Coconut oil is suitable for all skin types. Coconut oil is widely used in South India for cooking purposes. The antibacterial and antiseptic properties present in it help in heal skin infections and keep the skin moisturized. Massaging the body, skin, hair, and bones with coconut oil benefits greatly.
Almond oil contains plenty of vitamins E as well as vitamin D. Massaging the baby with the almond nutritious oil in winter not only strengthens its bones but also makes the skin soft, supple, and bright. It is also great for children’s brains, as it increases intellectual power. Use virgin almond oil without fragrance. This oil can also be used in any season.
Olive oil has regenerative and health-enhancing properties protecting skin tissues and it also helps in keeping the skin tone. If your baby has less hair in the head, then applying olive oil daily will increase hair growth. This oil is also exceptional for hair growth in adults. Olive oil is used worldwide for baby massaging, mainly in western countries. However, remember that if your child has a skin disease, do not use this oil due to its high oleic acid content, it is not advisable to use olive oil for children with extremely dry and sensitive skin. Consult your doctor before using it.
Mustard oil is one of the most preferred baby oils for baby massage, thereby helping to strengthen your baby’s bones and guard children against colds. Mustard oil also lightens the appearance of unwanted body hair. It helps maintain the body warm in winters. Its massage on the baby’s body helps to protect your baby’s skin from infection. Mustard oil also enhances blood circulation in the body. Do not use mustard oil in summer and if your baby’s skin is sensitive, it can cause itching on the skin.
Castor oil is also a better option, but it is right to use it before bathing because it is very sticky. Messaging gently every day with castor oil will remove the dryness of baby skin and irritation. It helps keep their skin moisturized and supple. This oil is good for children who have dry skin, hair problems, fewer hairs, and fragile nails. Take care of the baby’s eyes and mouth when massaging with actor oil.
If your baby has no reactions to massage with ghee, use ghee (purified butter) to massage your baby’s skin. If your baby has skin problems, eczema, dry or sensitive skin, do not use ghee to massage your baby. Ghee protects the body from cold. Ghee is especially used in the cold parts of the country during winter. It is a rich source of fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin A, D E and K. Ghee is an excellent moisturizer to soften dry and rough skin.
Sesame and sesame oil is very popular in Ayurveda. Sesame oil is especially suggested for sensitive skin as it is high in linoleic acid. It has high antibacterial properties, that can help the baby’s skin fight against bacterial infections and strengthening the baby’s bones. This oil is good for massaging your baby in winter as it can provide warmth and great comfort to your baby.
Sunflower oil has plenty of vitamin E and gets easily absorbed into the skin. Massaging your baby’s skin with sunflower oil protects their skin from infection especially in premature babies. Do not massage with this oil if your baby’s skin is too sensitive.
Chamomile Oil is traditionally used to treat insomnia in adults and babies. This oil is beneficial to heal skin rashes and other skin related disorders in children.
Tea Tree is available as an essential oil form. Dilute tea tree essential oil with almond, or coconut oils and then use it on your baby. It has high antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help the baby relieves skin allergies.
Massaging a baby with natural oil is one of the oldest practices in India. It not only helps in their healthy growth and development but also strengthens the bond between mother and baby. Make sure you use virgin oil because your baby’s skin is extremely delicate. Make sure to consult your doctor before selecting oils. Regardless of what oil you use, you should first check its effects on your baby’s skin. Apply oil in a small quantity first to do a patch test first. If you do not notice any adverse effects in the next few hours, then you can safely use that oil. I hope this article will be helpful to all new moms out there. Don’t forget to share your massaging tips and massaging oil ideas in the comments down below.
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