Massaging baby helps in proper growth and development of baby's body. Baby's massage is a crucial aspect of newborn care. There are lot of varieties of baby massage oils available in market. However, you need to make a right choice for your baby's sensitive skin. You need to follow some guidelines to choose right oil for massaging your baby. Read on and find some tips for choosing right oil for infant's massage.
Massage plays an important role in the growth and development of baby's body. Massage makes baby's bones strong and develops healthy body. It also helps baby to have a sound sleep and remain active and cheerful. At the same time this process brings the mother and baby closer. It enables baby to remain in mother's warmth for a longer time. It also helps baby to feel fresh as it improves the in baby's body. In India the concept of massage is popularly known as 'Tel Malish'
Choosing right oil for massaging your baby is very crucial. As oil is an important aspect of massage, you need to be verywhile choosing oil for baby's sensitive skin. There are several oils available in market for massaging baby. It is good to prefer branded baby oils for massaging your baby. However, you need not go only by brand name. You also need to consider some other aspects while choosing right oil for your baby's massage. Read on to know more about the baby massage oils.
How to choose right oil for baby's massage?
Here are some tips which you can follow while choosing right oil for baby's massage.
The first and foremost thing which you can do before buying oil for massaging your baby is consulting doctor. Your doctor will be able to guide you buying right oil for your baby.
Avoid using oils which are meant for adult use or adult massage. Such oils can prove to be harmful for your baby.
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.
Stop using those oils immediately to which your baby's skin is allergic and consult doctor.
Avoid mixing two three oils together for massaging your baby. Do not change the oil used for massaging frequently without consulting doctor. Continue using that oil to which your baby's skin becomes used to.
Avoids using oils containing minerals and mineral oils.
Different Types of Oils Used for Massaging Baby
Have a quick look at the oils which are commonly used for massaging baby.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is considered to be the finest oil for massaging your baby. It is widely used in southern parts of India for baby's massage. It contains antibacterial and antiseptic properties which help to prevent skin infections caused to baby's skin.
Almond oil
Almond oil is also known as 'Badam Tel' in India. It 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.
Mustard oil
Mustard oil is used on a large scale in Northern parts of India. People also attach a lot of traditional values to this oil. It is also used for massaging babies in these parts of India. Mustard oil is good to be used during winters. Mustard oil is edible oil and it is used in many food items in Northern part of India. Mustard oil is good for hair as well as it is beneficial for preventing skin infections.
Pure Ghee
Pure ghee is also used for massaging babies. However, it is not used on very large scale. Massaging body with ghee helps to protect body from cold. It is used especially during winters when the climate is too cold.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used mainly in Western countries. However, it is available and used in India also. You can prefer olive oils specially packed for massaging babies.
You can start massaging your baby with any of the above mentioned oils. You may probably start your baby's massage once the baby is 10 to 15 days old. Try to avoid branded oils as much as possible and use the oils in their purest forms. At the same time, consult your doctor about which oil will suit the needs of your baby's skin.
For best results massage your baby regularly till your baby becomes a year old or two. Follow proper way of massaging your baby or you may also appoint an experienced maid to massage your baby. You may learn massaging your baby from other mothers of toddlers or grown up babies. In India, grandmothers are basically in-charge of the newborn baby's and mother's massage. However, it is better to massage your baby on your own to make him feel your touch and warmth.
