Top 11 Baby Massage Oils: Know What's Best For Your Baby

Most parents massage their babies for the first few months after birth. However, to ensure their baby gets the full benefits of the massage, they should pick the best oils for baby skin to keep their little one’s skin healthy and glowing.

Research suggests that massages are more beneficial when performed using a medium such as essential oils. In addition, massage therapy helps promote neuromotor development, emotional connection, a healthy sleep-wake pattern, and weight gain (1).

So read on to know more about massaging babies with oil, including its safety, how to select the right massage oil, and tips to keep in mind while massaging the baby.

Is Oil Massage Safe For Babies?

Massage therapy is considered to be a safe practice, and there are no significant harmful effects if it is performed appropriately. But if your baby has any underlying health issues, consult a pediatrician before you try oil massages for the baby. The pediatrician can help determine the safe and appropriate way to massage the baby to address their specific needs (2).

Research finds

A study found that when infants in intensive care were massaged, they spent less time in the hospital, performed slightly better at developmental tests, and showed slightly fewer postnatal complications (19).

Measures To Take While Selecting A Massage Oil

1. The wrong selection of massage oil may cause adverse effects such as skin rashes and bacterial colonization (1). Thus, it is wise to consult a pediatrician to select an appropriate oil for your baby .

2. The use of thick massage oil in hot and humid weather is not ideal, as the same may clog the pores of the skin, trapping dust and dirt.

3. The baby oil should have moisturizing properties, which will start to work when it is absorbed into the baby’s skin.

4. The oil should be non-allergenic and free of chemicals. So, the selection of unprocessed natural oils can be good, provided you have checked on their safety and efficacy.

5. The list of natural plant oils includes both vegetable and essential oils. Essential oils cannot be used on the skin directly and need a carrier oilⁱXPlant-based oil that dilutes the essential oils as they are highly potent . Check about this with the doctor before you try combining the essential oil with a carrier oil.

6. The oil should have a mild fragrance.

Consider the above points to select a massage oil for your baby, and discuss in detail with your pediatrician, before purchasing one.

In addition to selecting the right kind of oil, you should also learn about how to massage the baby safely. There are no fixed guidelines describing the exact methodology of neonatal massage. However, the improper technique could be detrimental to the baby’s well-being, which makes pediatric consultation a must.

Point to consider

Begin massaging your baby after the six-week check so any developmental issues, such as hip dysplasiaⁱXA condition where the hip socket doesn’t cover the ball of the upper thigh bone, causing dislocation , might be identified (19).

Tips To Keep In Mind While Massaging Your Baby

You may have many thoughts in your mind on how to massage your baby. Here are some tips you can follow while you are all set to give the massage (2).

• Before you try any oil on your baby’s skin, just dab a little on her hand and see if it is compatible with her skin. If your baby’s skin develops any rash, then avoid using that oil.

• Establish a conducive environment before initiation of massage. A room with soft light, warm temperatures, and low noise levels are ideal.

• Massage should be given between the feeds, ideally 45 minutes to one hour after a feed to avoid regurgitation or vomiting of the food.

• It should involve the entire body starting from the head and neck to the trunk and extremities.

• A firm stroke with fingertips should be used during massage therapy. Avoid applying too much pressure. Remove your jewelry to prevent scratching your child.

• Give a massage only when your baby is content. The comfort level of the baby is more important.

• Generally, babies sleep after the massage, so keep a check on your baby’s sleep cycle and decide to give a massage accordingly.

Next, we talk about the various massage oils you can consider using for the baby.

Quick tip

Talking softly, humming, or singing to your baby during massage may help create a sense of calm and reassure your baby (19).

Uses of Massage Oil For Babies

Massage for babies has been in practice for long and is considered important too. Yet, most of the available evidence is methodologically limited, demanding further research in the domain. However, if you want to try a massage after consulting a pediatrician, here is a list of the best massage oils for a baby.

For Normal Skin

1. Coconut oil

Coconut oil is suitable for topical use during hot and humid climates. It has a light texture owing to which it gets absorbed into the skin easily during a massage. It contains nutrients, such as vitamin-E and bioactive compounds like polyphenols, which help nourish the skin. The oil also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that aid in treating eczemaⁱXAn inflammation of the skin accompanied by itchiness and dryness commonly triggered by an allergen , rashes, patchy skin, dermatitisⁱXSkin inflammation commonly characterized by itchiness and redness , and cradle capⁱXA self-limiting scalp rash in babies characterized by white or yellow scaly patches . Two types of coconut oil – copra and virgin coconut oil – can be tried for massaging babies.

Alyssa Paxson, a mother, shares how coconut oil helped her treat her baby’s cradle cap. She says, “Coconut oil helped with his cradle cap. I’d simply rub it on his scalp a little bit before bathing him and just wash it off when I wash his hair. Slowly, his cradle cap went away (i).”

2. Sesame Oil

A research study involving 125 healthy full-term infants showed that massage in infancy could improve growth and induce sleep, especially when sesame oil was used (3). Sesame oil has antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antipyretic properties (4). Massage with sesame oil could reduce inflammation and the severity of pain. It may also help protect from the UV radiation of the sun when applied topically (5).

3. Mustard Oil

Mustard oil is commonly used for cooking, but its use as a massage oil is also prevalent in some communities. Some research studies show that the use of mustard oil for massage may improve thermoregulationⁱXThe mechanism by which the body maintains an optimum internal body temperature irrespective of the external environment , skin texture, and skin barrier function (2). Yet, recent evidence suggests that this practice may have detrimental effects, especially for preterm infants or for those whose skin barrier function is sub-optimal (6).

4. Olive Oil

Olive oil is recommended for neonatal massage as it is known to improve skin hydration. Yet, olive oil contains around 55-85% of oleic acid and is considered to have the potential to disrupt the skin barrier, leading to dryness. Increased risk for atopic dermatitis has also been reported with the use of olive oil (7). So, if your baby has sensitive skin, talk to a pediatrician or dermatologist before using olive oil for massaging them.

5. Almond Oil

Almond oil has emollientⁱXRelated to chemical or natural substance that have the ability to keep skin soft and moisturized and sclerosantⁱXA solution that is primarily responsible for the treatment of lymphatic and blood vessel disorders properties, which have been used to improve complexion and skin tone. The topical application of almond oil has also been shown to prevent the structural damage caused by UV irradiation. However, previous research on plant oils have demonstrated that almond oils applied topically, mostly remain at the surface of the skin (1).

For Sensitive Skin

If your baby’s skin is sensitive and prone to eczema or dryness, do not use vegetable oils like olive oil or high-oleic sunflower seed oil. Oils containing oleic acid make your little one’s skin more tender and drier. Instead, look for vegetable Oils containing linoleic acids. However, it is wise to consult a pediatrician before you select the oil for a baby’s massage.

Below is a list of oils that contain high amounts of linoleic acids and are considered to be suitable for sensitive skin.

6. Sunflower Oil

A research study has claimed that the topical application of sunflower seed oil provides protection against nosocomial (hospital) infections in preterm very low birth weight infants (2). On the contrary, another study led by The University of Manchester claimed that sunflower oil used on a healthy newborn baby is likely to damage the skin barrier exposing it to water loss and infections (8). So, talk to your pediatrician to determine whether this is good for your baby.

7. Chamomile oil

Chamomile oil is an essential oil used widely for aromatherapy, as it is known to provide therapeutic benefits. The FDA has regarded chamomile as GRAS (generally recognized as safe). Though, it is possible that some reports of allergic reactions may be due to contamination of chamomile by “dog chamomile,” a highly allergenic plant of similar appearance (9). A research study conducted on infants showed that the topical application of chamomile oil had the potential to alleviate the infantile colic symptoms.

8. Tea tree Oil

This is an essential oil tested positive for its antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro on topical application (10). So it is used for babies in a few communities, although recent research presented at ENDO 2018 (the Endocrine Society meet) that essential oils possess a diverse amount of chemicals and should be used with caution because some of these chemicals are potential endocrine disruptors (11).

9. Calendula Oil

Calendula oil can be safely used after bath as it is known to have a soothing effect on the skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties that might be effective in treating diaper rashes, inflammatory skin lesions, and other skin issues (12).

10. Castor Oil

The use of castor oil for baby massage is largely anecdotal. As the consistency of the oil is thick, it is generally used as pre-bath massage oil. If you are using it, be careful not to apply the oil around the eyes and mouth. Castor oil is also used for hair growth in babies. However, it is wise to use castor oil for babies after a pediatric consultation.

Quick fact

Mineral oil and petroleum-based ointments may be used for massage if the baby has dry skin. These oils may effectively treat skin problems such as dermatitis and eczema (19).

11. Grapeseed oil

Grapeseed oil, also known as Vitis Vinifera, comes from grape seeds left over from making wine. It contains omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E, and linoleic and oleic oils, which could be considered safe with no reported side effects (13). It’s said to absorb well without leaving a sticky feeling, which might be helpful for treating your baby’s dry skin (14). This makes it a good choice for babies’ delicate skin. Grapeseed oil is known for its anti-dandruff, anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti-fungal properties (15). Additionally, using this oil on your baby’s hair and scalp might address issues like cradle cap. Applying it to your baby’s skin not only contributes to overall skin health but also possibly prevents conditions like baby eczema.

Besides the above, oils such as jojoba oil, rosehip oil, and sweet almond oil also offer numerous benefits for the skin. Alternatively, if you run out of oil, you may use pure warm shea butter to massage your baby or you can also use some fresh aloe vera gel as it is known for its hydrating property that can keep your child’s skin supple. However, use these alternatives only after seeking approval from your pediatrician.

Which oil have you used for your baby’s massage? Share your experiences with us in the comments section below.

Infographic: Tips To Keep In Mind While Massaging Your Baby

Regular oil massages help strengthen your baby’s muscles and relax them. But there are certain points that you need to remember and abide by while giving a massage to a tiny tot. In the following infographic, you will find a list of points to remember. So, do give it a read and keep it handy.

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Jenni JohnsonRN

Jenni Johnson is a registered nurse, psychiatric nurse and midwife. She has been looking after new parents from her practice in Durban, South Africa for the last ten years. Her ante and post-natal clinic set the foundation for parenting and is known to be available to parents at any time. Her passion is with the individual mother - each with...more

• Dr. James WalkerMD PhD

  Dr. James Walker is a clinical doctor with over 10 years of experience managing patients. He currently works as an assistant professor of Clinical Medicine at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans. He did his MD from the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
  
  Dr. James Walker is a clinical doctor with over 10 years of experience managing patients. He currently works as an assistant professor of Clinical Medicine at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans. He did his MD from the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA

Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children. Then she worked as a nutrition faculty and clinical nutrition coach in...more

Rohit GarooBSc, MBA

Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University. Also, he holds a certificate in Developmental Psychology from The University of Queensland and loves to expand his knowledge through certifications in various...more

Anindita GhatakB.Tech

Anindita Ghatak holds a B.Tech degree in Biotechnology from Amity University, Kolkata. During the course of her studies, she has worked on different research projects in the fields of Microbiology and Bioinformatics. Anindita has over three years of experience writing medical articles for journals. Her interest in writing on different health-related topics and their accessibility to people have led her...more