Benefits Of Using Baby Massage Oil And How To Choose The Right One

In today's busy schedules and endless parenting responsibilities, it's easy to overlook one of the simplest and most effective ways to nourish a baby’s mind & body - touch. That’s why massaging your baby with baby massage oil is more than just a luxurious treat. It helps promote healthy skin, encourage relaxation, and support development while strengthening the bond between you and your little one. ¹ 

So, let's dive into the wonderful world of baby massage oil and discover its numerous benefits. Before that, let’s understand the basics of baby massage. 

Baby Massage - Understanding The Term

Massaging the baby is a common practice that almost every parent focuses on. It refers to gently rubbing, stroking and pressing the baby’s various body parts including arms, legs, tummy, head, etc. Many cultures worldwide participate in this tradition, which serves as more than just a way for parents to bond with their little ones. It acts as an alternative therapy that may significantly support your baby's growth and development. ^{1 2}

5 Benefits Of Baby Massage

Massaging your baby has several benefits:

1. The baby’s muscles become stiff and rigid because they are tired of lying down. Massaging gently with a baby massage oil that’s infused with natural herbs and oils may help relax their stiff muscles and bones. ³
2. A newborn doesn’t move much; they lay down most of the time, and due to this, they may have problems with digestion. Here, massage can be beneficial in relieving gas, easing constipation and reducing colic-related problems. ^{4 5 6 7}
3. Studies suggest that around 33% of infants face sleep disturbances, worldwide. Fortunately, baby massage can enhance sleep quality and improve sleep duration. ⁸
4. Another benefit of baby massage is that it helps increase body weight. It improves blood flow to vital organs, stimulates the growth process and supports the baby’s overall health. ³
5. Baby massage strengthens the connection between you and the baby by giving you that alone mom-baby time. Furthermore, It helps reduce stress, strengthens bonds & makes you feel relaxed. ^{1 3}

When Can You Start Baby Massage?

While there's no specific minimum age for starting baby massage, it's essential to consider your baby's individual needs and sensitivity. Although a gentle, nurturing touch can be beneficial from birth, some newborns may find formal massage techniques too overwhelming in the first few weeks.

It's crucial to wait until your baby is ready, usually around 4-6 weeks, to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience for both of you. Also, while you start massaging your baby, don’t rush the process, indulge in sweet talks with your baby to develop that bond over massage.  ^{9 10}

Steps To Massage Your Baby

1. Choose a quiet, warm, and comfortable space for the massage.
2. Ensure your baby is relaxed and properly fed.
3. Use a gentle, fragrance-free baby massage oil.
4. Begin with gentle strokes on your baby's head, face, and neck.
5. Massage your baby's arms and legs with long and flowing strokes.
6. Use gentle, circular motions to massage your baby's back, and chest.
7. While massaging your baby’s tummy, follow the same pattern of circular motions in clockwise directions.
8. End the massage with gentle, soothing touches on your baby's head, face, and neck. ¹⁰ 

Tips To Choose The Right Baby Massage Oil

• Check The Ingredient Lists

While shopping for a skincare product, we barely flip the bottle and read the ingredients list. Do you? Very few of us do that but has it ever occurred to you how important it can be? Since it’s about your little one’s sensitive skin, make a habit of checking the formulation of the baby product. For example, while picking a baby massage oil, look for options that have natural ingredients like sesame oil, grape seed oil, almond oil and others. All these natural oils ensure deep moisturisation and impact your baby’s overall well-being. ^{11 12 13}

• Go For Reliable Brands

Choosing a well-recognised and trusted brand is crucial. Many brands today take the time to closely examine their products and conduct thorough tests before they are sold. These brands are reliable because they support their claims with scientific research. 

• Look For Certifications

While picking a baby massage oil, it's essential to check for certifications that ensure the product meets rigorous safety and environmental standards. You can look for certifications such as Ecocert Certified, EWG Verified, hypoallergenic and other certifications that suggest this product has been thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy. By scrutinising labels and seeking certifications, you can ensure the baby massage oil you choose is safe, effective, and gentle on your baby's skin. ^{14 15 16}        

• Pick Non-Greasy Oil

This is one of the most important aspects of massage oil. It should be non-sticky and non-greasy. The texture must be so smooth that it spreads on the skin evenly and gets absorbed easily. Pick baby massage oil with natural oils like sweet almond, sesame and others. They possess good penetrating properties and ensure deep nourishment. ^{17 18 19}

The Takeaway!

Choosing the right baby massage oil can be overwhelming, but don't worry, we’ve got you covered. Have you tried AreoVeda’s Baby Massage Oil yet? It is cellularly proven safe & effective. It contains a blend of 5 natural oils and herbs that intensely moisturise and nourish your baby’s skin. Consistent massage with this oil helps strengthen baby’s bones, improve blood circulation and enhance sleep quality.^{3 8} 

Want to learn more about natural, toxin-free and cellularly-proven products curated especially for moms and babies? Then, Stay tuned for our upcoming updates!