Have you ever tried to research what oil is best to use for massaging a newborn? If so, you'll know that it's difficult because there is a lot of conflicting information when it comes to what you should or should not be using. So what do you do? Many parents have seen great results using natural, edible oils. But there are a few things you should know before you buy an oil for baby massage to ensure it won't be doing your baby more harm than good. This post will tell you what you need to know to make sure you select a safe, natural option that will let you provide the best care for your baby's skin.
If you're looking for a newborn massage oil, the best method to ensure you end up with something that is safe and effective is to look for these things:
- Make sure you find a pure, cold-pressed product that will be easily absorbed and lets your baby's skin breath. If it isn't, you'll have trouble with a film of excess grease left on the skin, blocking pores and staining clothes.
- Ensure the product is organic and has a fruit, nut, vegetable or seed base so you can remain clam when your baby puts their hands (or feet) in their mouth during massage time.
- Any good massage oil should have an extremely basic ingredient list that is easy to understand. This is important because you don't want any alcohol, fragrances or sulphates that could damage the skin's natural protective layer.
- Be sure to avoid peanut oil and olive oil. Olive oil damages the skin's natural protective layer, causing the skin to dry out, possibly causing or exacerbating eczema.
- Protect your baby from allergic reactions by patch testing before covering them from head to toe in any new product. Place a drop of oil inside the crease of the elbow and another behind the knee of a morning and monitor those areas over a 24 hour period. If you notice any irritation, wash the oil off with warm soapy water and seek medical attention if you feel concerned.
While not necessary, some great bonus features of a good quality oil are high levels of vitamin E, antioxidants, and some organic oils even have antibacterial properties.
Now that you know what to look for, you're ready to find the perfect product for massage time without worrying whether it will be safe to use.