10 Best Baby Massage Oils – Which Oil is best for Newborn

A good massage can do wonders for your little one’s body. Here are the 10 best baby massage oils for your baby. All mums massage their babies daily by using baby massage oil. It is done before the bath or after the bath depending upon individual preferences. It is a great traditional custom that we have been following for years now. A good oil massage is very important and also has evidence that it helps in a baby’s growth and development. Massaging has many benefits such as it improves the digestion process, helping to make babies’ bones strong, improving skin tone, and also helping to give a sound and relaxing sleep. There are many newborn baby massage oil available in the market nowadays. You must choose the one which suits your baby and his skin. Always make a point to buy from trusted brands.

How to Massage My Baby?

New mommies do have many questions in their minds on how they massage the baby correctly. Because your baby can benefit from this entire process only if it is done right.

• Before you try any new baby massage oil make sure to dab some oil on his hand and check for skin compatibility. If the baby develops any kind of allergies, redness, rash, etc then stop using it.
• If it is compatible, then take some oil on your hand and pour it on their thighs and feet. Rub it gently, and massage giving soft strokes. Don’t put extra pressure while massaging.
• Now next move on the tummy area and massage in a circular motion.
• Do massage in the back area. This will help your baby to relax and soothe.
• Also pour some oil on the baby’s head and massage gently.
• Now massage the entire body gently so that the oil gets absorbed into the skin.

Massaging is believed to increase the bond between the mother and the baby due to higher skin-to-skin contact. As moms, we want the best for our babies and often get confused due to many options claiming to be the best oil for baby massage. Worry not!! We have come up with this list of 10 best baby massage oils if you are wondering which oil is best for newborn baby massage.

10 Best Baby Massage Oils –

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is the best choice for baby body massage, especially during the hot and humid summer season. This oil is present commonly in all Indian households. Not only in summer but it can be perfectly used during winters as well. It is very light in texture and gets easily absorbed into the skin. Experts also suggest using coconut oil as a newborn baby massage oil, as it has a very cooling effect on the body and also makes the skin soft, supple, and moisturized. It is also very effective to treat skin infections such as patchy skin, rashes, dermatitis, eczema, diaper rash, etc.

Use cold-pressed coconut oils since they are more pure. During the process of cold pressing, the oil present in coconut is mechanically pressed and maintains its nutrient content and originality. Secondly, it is not further processed, refined, or deodorized.

Coconut oil has the presence of caprylic acid, lauric acids, and antioxidants. They also have antifungal and antibacterial properties. It is a great choice for baby skin.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil is another ideal choice for baby massage oil. It is known as Til oil in India and is extracted from sesame seeds. There are generally two types of sesame seeds. Black and white. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

For massaging baby skin, select sesame seeds oil made from black sesame seeds.

Mustard Oil

This is one of the best baby oils during winters as massaging the baby using mustard oil provides them warmth. It is advised not to use this oil directly on babies’ delicate and sensitive skin since it is very strong. Always mix it with other oils such as olive oil.

In some parts of the country, mustard oil is mixed with fenugreek, garlic cloves, or Ajwain. This way it relaxes the baby’s body increases immunity and provides a soothing effect from symptoms of cough and cold. Head massage regularly using this oil to boost the growth of hair on the baby’s scalp.

Mustard oil has a strong and pungent odor due to which insects and mosquitoes will stay far away. Also, it provides relief from colic infections. Massage using mustard oil regularly to strengthen the bones and also improve blood circulation.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is very popular as the best baby massage oil. You can use it in all seasons. It is derived from olives and is a rich source of Vitamin E. This oil has many therapeutic uses and is ideally safe to use on baby skin as well.  You will find many brands selling this oil in the market. It keeps the skin healthy and also boosts skin regeneration. It can be used to treat diaper rash and also treat sun-damaged skin.

However, avoid using this oil if your baby’s skin is very sensitive. It increases the permeability of baby skin and skin loses its moisture quickly. This can lead to flaky and dry skin. Also if the baby’s skin has any kind of cuts, rashes, or eczema then olive oil is ideally avoided because it can enhance these skin issues.

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Almond Oil –

Almond oil is a rich source of vitamins A, E, B1, B2, B6, proteins, fatty acids, zinc, potassium, calcium, and minerals. It is extremely good for baby hair and skin health. Massaging your baby using almond oil will help in developing and strengthening bones and also improve blood circulation.

Massaging baby’s nails with almond oil makes them look shiny and become stronger. It will promote hair growth due to increased blood circulation in the scalp and enhance the growth of eyelashes.

Massage your baby using almond oil every day which will provide relief and heal any strained muscles. And also promote a soothing and relaxing sleep.

Sunflower Oil –

When your baby has a sensitive skin which is prone to dryness or eczema you must never use vegetable oils such as olive oil to massage baby’s skin. Generally, vegetable oils have the presence of oleic acid. It makes the skin more dry and tender.

However, the presence of Linoleic acid in oils is suitable for sensitive skin such as sunflower oil. It is also used in cooking and is completely safe for baby skin. This oil has the presence of vitamin E and nourishes the skin from within.

Calendula Oil –

It is an essential oil that is very good to massage your babies. Use it post-bath for a moisturizing and soothing effect on the skin. However, you must never make use of essential oil on a baby’s skin as it is. It is advisable to mix them with any carrier base oils and then use them. This oil has a very mild fragrance and is pleasing to babies.

Chamomile oil –

This oil is also good for newborn babies since their skin is very sensitive. It can heal breakouts if any and is also good to treat rashes. Chamomile oil is used for babies having colic problems. It relieves the symptoms and puts them to sleep.

Tea tree Oil –

Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antiseptic properties. It is also an essential oil that should be used after mixing with carrier oil. It soothes and calms down the baby thereby promoting good sleep. Also useful to treat skin allergies.

Ghee or clarified butter –

Ghee is used in all Indian kitchens commonly. It can be used on the skin during the winter season for extra moisture. It is important for healthy skin and body. When the baby is growing, they need more content of fat in their food. You can give them ghee since it is one of the healthiest sources of fats in your diet.

Massaging the baby’s chest with some warm ghee helps relieve chest congestion symptoms. Baby’s cold symptoms can also be relieved using ghee. Just rub some clove-infused ghee on their nose and ears. Make use of homemade ghee since you can be sure about its quality.

This was the list of the 10 best baby massage oils for newborns. Many such oils are available in the market, especially for baby massages. But keep one thing in mind, the best and healthiest options are pure oils. Massaging your baby with these oils helps in their overall growth and development and also gifts them soft skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I massage my baby before or after a bath?

 It completely depends upon what type of oil is being used in massage. If you are using oil that doesn’t get absorbed fully or is thick such as olive oil or mustard oil then massaging is done before the bath. Furthermore, oils such as mineral baby oil can be used post bath too as it leaves a thin layer after massage which helps in moisturising the skin.

Can I massage my baby in a hot climate?

Experts say that after massage the oil remains in the pores and can block them along with sweat trapped inside. This can cause rash, itching, and other skin infections. Although it doesn’t have any scientific backup. However, to be on the safe side, when the climate is hot and humid, massage your baby with oil before bath so that the oil gets washed away.

Can I make my massage oil at home?

Yes, you can make these 10 baby massage oils at home. There are many recipes for making massage oil running in families for ages. Choose oils that have a high content of polyunsaturated fats. Also, use base oils that are gentle and safe for baby skin. Some homemade massage oils include heating the oil along with spices. E.g. In North India mustard oil is heated by adding a few cloves of garlic and fenugreek seeds. Garlic boosts the immunity of babies and fenugreek is believed to relax them.

There is also another recipe that involves tempering carom seeds in mustard oil. This can also soothe colic problems in babies.

Do consult your doctor about the recipe before experimenting. Avoid spices that can cause a burning sensation. Also, do a patch test of the oil on your baby’s skin to check for any kind of allergic reactions.

What safety precautions to take?

• Choose oils from trusted brands having ISI certification or else it can cause skin-related infections.
• Don’t put oils in the baby’s nose, navel, ears, or eyes. It can cause infections and is harmful.
• Never apply pressure while massaging. Use gentle and soft strokes.
• If you have hired a ‘Malishwali’ for the baby you must brief her on these things. Some of them make their oil and force you to make use of them.

Baby massage time is the best time to share moments and bond with your little one. Spend some time every day massaging your baby. Hope this post reduces your confusion about what is the 10 baby massage oils you should choose for your baby. Let us know which oils you are using right now and also share your stories with us in the comments section below.