What Massage Oil is recommended for my Baby?

When massaging your Little One the oil that we use in our Baby Massage Classes is Organic Sunflower oil.

Organic Sunflower Oil

Organic Sunflower Oil has benefits that can be for you and Little One. I have included some below:

• Easily absorbed into the skin
• Fragrance free
• Allergen free
• Using oil stops friction on the body
• Leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth with its excellent moisturising properties
• A natural oil that is safe if ingested by Baby

When using oil, we usually say use about a 10p sized amount, rubbed into the palm of your hands.

Other oils to use

The best type of oils to use while massaging your baby are Organic, Cold-Pressed Vegetable oils. These are natural and safe if ingested.

• Grape Seed Oil – This is a stable oil.
• Fractionated Coconut Oil – This oil is good for babies that have a suppressed immune system or allergies.

Oils you should avoid

There are some oils that should be avoided during message, like:

• Emollients (like those creams/oils used for eczema) – This type of oil should be applied in the direction of the hair growth, and could possibly cause an infection in the hair follicle if used with massage.
• Nut & Wheat Germ Oil – This type of oils may cause an allergic reaction.
• Olive Oil – Research has shown that this can have a potentially damaging effect in adults with unmanaged skin.
• Mustard Oil – This can have the same effect as Olive Oil.
• Mineral Oil – Mineral Oil stops the skin from breathing and can lead to dry skin if used often.
• Essential Oils – Essential oils, can mask the smell of the parent which is particularly important for bonding and ensuring that Little One feels comfortable. There is also currently no research to prove that this type of oil is safe for baby massage. Essential oils should be recommended trained professionals.

Patch testing the oil beforehand

Before using any oil or lotion a patch test should be performed on the baby and you to ensure that no one will have any allergic reaction.

This can be done by placing a small spot of oil and the inside of your wrist and the wrist of the baby, rubbed in and then left for 24 hours to ensure that no reaction has occurred. If no reaction has occurred, the oil is safe for massage.

If for any reason that a reaction occurs, wash the area with warm water and pat dry, then try another oil and repeat the process.

Storing your oil

The oil should be kept in a cool, dark place or the fridge. Discard the oil if you have any concerns that the oil has gone rancid.

Aftercare

Please ensure that the oil has been washed off throughly before entering any sunlight.