Baby massages are relaxing and good for them, and you might even find them enjoyable.
The appropriate oil can make all the difference when massaging your baby. Massage oils hydrate and safeguard the sensitive, silky skin of your infant.
But not all oils are created equal, and not all are healthy for a baby’s skin. A baby massage oil may not be safe to use just because it is “natural.”
Baby massages on a regular basis might promote parent-child communication. Both adults and babies can understand the language of touch. Massages for the baby can be soothing and calming for both of you.
You and your infant should be facing each other and making eye contact when giving a baby massage. Your infant will absorb your facial expressions and improve their communication skills as a result.
Regular massages for your infant can also benefit their developing nervous system and brain. One advantage is that it can improve your baby’s sleep quality by reducing the stress hormone cortisol and raising “happy chemicals” like serotonin and dopamine.
Several oils are available that are often safe for a baby’s delicate skin. Use these oils to moisturise a baby’s skin and for massages. Some may work better on your baby’s skin than others.
The greatest oils to use when massaging a newborn are, in no particular order:
Cocoa butter
According to a 2020 medical study, giving premature babies virgin coconut oil helped strengthen and enhance their skin. It functions similarly as a massage oil and moisturiser for both newborns and older babies.
Almond oil
Clinical research from 2020 demonstrates that almond oil is safe to use as a baby massage oil and is high in vitamin E. The researchers discovered that applying almond oil to premature babies increased the thickness and tensile strength of their skin without having any negative side effects.
petroleum glycerin
Your mother may have chosen petroleum ointment or jelly for your infant, also known by the brand name Vaseline, and for good reason: this tried-and-true treatment helps seal existing moisture into your baby’s skin.
Shea butter
Shea butter is a rich, natural moisturiser that is suitable for the delicate skin of your infant. Look for pure shea butter without any additional chemicals or fragrances. More study is required despite several studies suggesting the advantages of shea butter.
Oil of safflower
Safflower oil is a type of cold-pressed vegetable oil that offers moisturising qualities for the skin due to the presence of vitamin E. Being cold-pressed indicates that it has undergone less processing than other types of oils, making it a desirable option for use as a baby massage oil.
Hope it helps!