[sg_popup id=”2″ event=”onload”][/sg_popup]Giving an oil massage to your baby is very important, during the first six months after the baby is born. But what is more important is choosing the right oil.
Market is flooded with numerous brands for baby oil like Pigeon, Johnson & Johnson, Himalaya which can be tried. Pure sesame, mustard and olive oil are all time favorites.
Mustard oil – can offer numerous health benefits for infants and kids. Some of which are that it is very good for baby massage, it can keep the body warm during winters and open up sweat pores on skin, it can help reduce cold and cough, it is good for controlling asthma, it is good for scalp massage and stimulate hair growth, has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It can also act as an insect repellent.
Olive oil – is known to make baby skin smooth, shiny, and healthy. It is a pretty good manicure lotion and a perfect moisturizer for baby’s skin. Olive oil can be used in both cold and hot weather.
Sesame oil – Although the dominant oils for infant massage are olive oil and mustard oil. But, sesame oil too can be used for this purpose. Applying sesame oil on baby’s skin promotes growth. Babies massaged with sesame oil have been known to have an increase in height, weight and circumference of their arms. It also helps babies to sleep post massage.
Coconut oil – has literally become the go-to treatment for most anything. It is an all-natural healer that is affordable and readily available. Use coconut oil as a massage oil – it melts on contact with skin, so you don’t need a lot, and it will leave baby’s skin feeling soft and smelling lovely.
Almond oil – contains vitamin E in higher proportion as compared to coconut oil. It is very good for skin of your baby. Using almond oil for massage ensures glowing and soft skin.
Here are some tips to help you try baby massage at home:
- Before trying any baby oil on your baby’s skin, just apply a little bit on the hand to see if it is compatible with your baby’s skin.
- If your baby develops rashes on the applied patch then avoid the kind of oil. But mostly, almost all the baby oil brands suit the baby skin.
- Avoid using oils with strong scents and prefer natural edible oils only. While massaging your baby the oil may enter baby’s mouth. Therefore, it is extremely important to use edible oil.
- Avoid mixing two three oils together for massaging your baby. Do not change the oil used for massaging frequently without consulting doctor.
Here are some infant massage techniques to help you start.