Baby Massage Oils
A baby’s skin is porous as well as being very sensitive so it’s important to use an appropriate oil. This will cleanse the skin’s pores of dead cells. The oil that you choose should be specifically intended for baby massage. Oil prepared for cooking, for example, is not recommended although it’s probable that no harm would come to anyone (baby, child or adult) using this. Any oil for baby massage, should not be highly perfumed or too sticky or greasy and wherever possible, cold pressed and organic. It should enable your hands to glide easily over your baby’s skin and allow a deeper touch without discomfort.
The oils that we use for baby massage are called base or carrier oils.
Base oils or carrier oils
These are so named because other constituents can be added to them such as essential oils. They are unperfumed and do not evaporate with heat or light although it is recommended that they should be stored in a cool dark place to maintain their properties and extend their shelf life. The best quality oils are derived directly from nuts, seeds or kernels. Oils derived from the kernels of fruits such as peaches or almonds are less likely to be contaminated by pesticides or pollution.
Appropriate oils to use include:
Coconut
A fine oil with a light aroma. Antibacterial and antifungal properties. A good moisturiser containing vitamin E.
Grapeseed
Used to treat skin disorders for thousands of years as it has hypoallergenic properties. A fine oil – pure and easily absorbed. A good moisturiser containing vitamin C, D and E. It keeps well.
Jojoba
A good moisturiser containing vitamin E and B complex. Creates a barrier against allergens and dust pollution.
Sweet Almond
A good moisturiser containing vitamin A, B, D and E.
Vegetable
High in polyunsaturated fats. Gentle on your baby’s skin.
Always ‘patch test’ the oil you intend to use first. Rub a little onto the inner side of your baby’s forearm from the elbow to the wrist. Leave for one hour to see if there is any allergic reaction. An allergic reaction may appear as red blotches on your baby’s skin and look similar to a heat rash. If this happens, wash the area thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry. The blotches will disappear after a couple of hours. Use a different oil next time.
If your baby suffers from any kind of weeping skin condition, do not use oil as it can spread the condition. Consult a qualified practitioner for a suitable emollient or alternative.
Oils to avoid
It is best to avoid nut-based and wheat-based oils such as peanut, ground nut, arachis and wheat germ in case of allergies as well as olive oil and sunflower oil which some research suggests may damage the top layer of a baby’s skin. It is also best to avoid mustard oil which can have a toxic effect on the skin barrier and cause irritation.
Essentials oils
Essential oils are aromatic oils that are extracted from various parts of a plant including the leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, bark, wood, balsam and peal. They are not recommended for babies under 3 months and should be used with caution and in consultation with a qualified aromatherapist for babies under 12 months.
Mineral oils
Mineral oils are a very cheap, highly processed derivative of crude petroleum. They contain potentially harmful chemicals and preservatives and are not absorbed through a baby’s skin but create a barrier of film. This prevents the skin from breathing and therefore the release of heat and toxins through sweating and the secretion of sebum by the sebaceous gland to keep the skin moist and waterproof. It also prevents the skin from absorbing oxygen to keep it healthy.