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Many mothers opt to use baby oil for their newborns daily, either before or after bathing them. This is a beneficial practice as massaging can help relax the baby, making it easier for them to fall into a deep sleep.
You can use natural vegetable oil or mineral oil specifically designed for infants to massage your baby. Except for babies with rashes or exceptionally dry and sensitive skin, all these types of oils can be used for infants as there is no evidence showing which oil is the best, although some types may be easily absorbed through the skin.
Should You Use Baby Oil for Massaging?
Additionally, some experts advocate for natural vegetable oils or fast-absorbing vegetable oils. Among these, refined oils with a light scent, thin texture, and longer shelf life are preferred, with minimal risk of fungal or bacterial contamination.
Mineral oil is also an excellent choice for massaging infants. It is formulated from petroleum and can be used safely for extended periods while ensuring safety. This type of oil is not harmful to babies if used in moderation and is also resistant to hot and humid climates.
Types of Massage Oils for Newborns Suitable for Dry or Sensitive Skin
The following oils are the best choices for massaging babies with dry and sensitive skin:
Vegetable oils rich in polyunsaturated fats:
These oils have high levels of Linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is a fatty acid that can protect the skin barrier, and the gentle formula is very suitable for the sensitive skin of babies.
Vegetable oils with high levels of Linoleic acid typically include:
- Sunflower seed oil
- Grape seed oil
- Castor seed oil
However, not all vegetable oils contain high levels of Linoleic acid. Some contain high levels of Oleic acid, which irritates the skin more than oils with high Linoleic acid content for infant massage.
On vegetable oil product labels, specific amounts of Oleic or Linoleic acids are usually not listed. Instead, they only list the ratio of polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats. Therefore, to choose safe oil for your baby, just remember:
- Vegetable oil with high Linoleic acid content is oil with polyunsaturated fats.
- Vegetable oil with high Oleic acid content is oil with monounsaturated fats.
Choose massage oils from reputable brands to ensure safety. Using unbranded oils can lead to skin infections and potentially stomach infections.
Avoid applying massage oils on sensitive areas like the nose, eyes, scalp, or ears of the baby as they are prone to injury and infection.
Use a small amount and gently massage all over the baby's body to test for any allergic reactions.
Vegetable oils can go rancid over time. Therefore, if making homemade oils, only prepare a sufficient amount and use within the recommended timeframe.
Be cautious with oils containing herbs, additives, or other ingredients as they may not be safe for infants.
