Parents give their babies regular oil massages for the first few months after birth. This is because massage therapy offers numerous health benefits to your little one and aids in their overall growth and development. Also, a massage session serves as a perfect bonding moment, where you can communicate with your munchkin through laughs and coos.
Since oil massage is fundamental to your baby’s strong bone and muscle development, and enhancing their skin health, you should pay careful attention to the kind of oil you choose for your baby. One of the most popular and loved massage oil for babies is almond oil, which is known for its vitamin-rich and nourishing properties, and other benefits like improved sleep.
But how safe is almond oil for baby massage? And why should you add it to your baby’s massage routine? Find out in this post!
Is It Safe To Use Almond Oil In Your Baby’s Skin?
Yes! Almond oil is safe for your baby’s skin, and you can use this therapeutic oil either before or after your munchkin’s bath. The oil not only soothes and nourishes your baby’s tired muscles but also relaxes them to sleep. It has healing properties which can alleviate your baby’s skin conditions like rashes and eczema.
Can You Use Sweet Almond On Your Baby’s Skin?
Sweet almond oil is also considered safe for your baby’s skin. In fact, it is often recommended as a suitable option for baby massage, as it is not harmful, and won’t affect your little one’s health, even if they accidentally ingest the oil.
Best Almond Oil For Baby Massage
You can use plain almond oil for the massage, or you can also opt for an almond baby massage oil infused with various other plant-based oils. For instance, you can use the nourishing baby massage oil from BabyChakra, which contains a unique blend of powerful oils like almond oil, moringa oil, and saffron oil that nourish and protect your baby’s skin, and also strengthen their skin barrier to prevent infections and rashes. They also have anti-inflammatory compounds, which help soothe your munchkin’s skin and reduce swelling.
Other features of this natural oil include:
- Made with 100% plant-based and organic ingredients
- Co-created with mums and paediatricians
- Contains USDA-certified ingredients
- No chemicals or toxins involved in the manufacturing process
- Nourishes and moisturises your baby’s delicate skin
In addition to almond, saffron, and moringa, the massage oil also contains natural vitamin E that protects your little one’s skin against sun damage, avocado oil that hydrates and strengthens your baby’s delicate skin barrier, and sesame oil that protects your munchkin’s skin thanks to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Benefits Of Using Almond Oil For Your Baby’s Skin
Almond oil is loaded with a host of goodness and is ideal for your munchkin’s skin. Some of its top benefits include:
- It is deeply moisturising: Almond oil has moisturising and emollient properties that help keep your little one’s skin soft and nourished for long hours. It also helps strengthen your baby’s skin barrier and prevents moisture loss and dryness.
- It is enriched with vitamins: Almond oil is rich in vitamins A, B2, and B6. It is also a good source of natural vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that nourishes and protects your baby’s skin against sun damage.
- It helps relax your baby: A soothing massage with almond oil can help relax your baby. Massaging your baby’s skin with almond oil before bedtime can help soothe their tired muscles, and improve blood circulation, thereby enhancing the breathing process. This helps your baby sleep calmly and also boosts blood circulation.
- It strengthens their muscles: A massage with almond oil is especially beneficial for your baby as it helps tone their muscles and strengthens their joints.
- It reduces indigestion: Massaging your baby with almond oil reduces the chances of an upset stomach and indigestion. This oil can also manage conditions like body aches and colic with a good massage. Colic is a common problem in babies that cause discomfort and pain. Use this oil to gently massage your baby’s tummy and relieve cramps.
- It protects against dryness: As your newborn’s skin is quite sensitive, it is prone to dryness, soreness, eczema, and inflammation. The risk of these skin conditions is even greater in environments where the air is dusty and dry. The application of almond oil can prevent such irritations, and also protect your baby from developing rashes. Since this oil is toxin-free, it can also be used to apply on your baby’s chapped lips to keep them soft and nourished.
- It helps soothe cradle cap: Many babies suffer from cradle cap in the first few months after birth. This is a condition that generally affects the scalp and causes dry and flaky patches. Massaging with almond oil on the affected area or the entire scalp can help relieve dryness and also allow the flakes to gradually heal.
- It reduces inflammation: While almond oil does not treat skin rashes and infections completely, its topical application can aid in soothing skin inflammation and redness.
- It makes your little one’s skin smooth and glowing: Regular massage with almond oil can result in smooth and glowing skin in your baby. It can also improve your little one’s complexion to some extent.
- It is great for winter care: During the colder months of the year, the air becomes extremely dry, and that can make your baby’s skin flaky and chapped easily. Since almond oil is a rich emollient, it is considered an excellent winter skincare ingredient that helps keep your little one’s skin nourished for long hours and prevents skin irritation.
- It is good for your baby’s nails: Due to its rich nutritional content, almond oil can also be used to strengthen your baby’s delicate fingernails.
- It boosts immunity: In addition to the above benefits, almond oil also helps boost your little one’s immunity and eliminate toxins from their body.
How To Use Almond Oil For Babies?
- First, pour a few drops of almond oil into your palm and rub it thoroughly to warm it. Then, start massaging your baby’s leg by placing your hand on one of their thighs and gently pulling your hands down to their feet. Switch to the other leg after some time and repeat the same movement. Make sure to massage their soles as well, and use the same technique to massage their arms and hands.
- Next, move to massage your baby’s chest. Place your hands at the centre of your baby’s chest, and then move your palms outward toward their shoulder. Then, place your hands over the centre and massage slowly toward their tummy.
- For a back massage, make your baby lie on their tummy. Now, place your palms just below their neck and stroke down slowly with one hand and another one toward their waist.
Tips To Keep In Mind While Massaging Your Baby
While there are many advantages of oil massage for your baby, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind to ensure it doesn’t harm your little one in any way.
- Since your baby’s skin is sensitive, you need to be extra careful while massaging. Be gentle and only use soft strokes. Start from the arms and then move to the chest, legs, belly, and back.
- Do a sensitivity test on your baby’s skin before applying the oil for the first time. Put a drop of it on their arm and massage. Observe how their skin reacts to it.
- Do not apply oil near your baby’s eyes, ears, and nostrils as there are chances of infection if the oil enters these parts.
Almond oil for baby massage is considered safe and even highly recommended by doctors. Its super-light texture absorbs into your baby’s skin instantly, and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties keep your little one’s skin nourished, moisturised, and well-protected.
Also read:
When to start oil massage for newborn baby: Here’s everything you need to know about starting oil massage for your baby and the best products to choose from.
Best baby massage oils: Choose from this list of the best baby massage oils to keep your little one’s skin soft and nourished.
Winter baby skin care: Here’s a definitive guide on how to care for your baby’s skin in the winter.
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