Natural products will surely come into play when it is a matter of your baby’s care. Hence, a baby’s skin is extremely tender for them, only gentle and pure ingredients are required. Oil massage is one of the best ways to soothe and nourish your baby’s skin, but not all oils are appropriate for delicate skin. Therefore, the selection of oil is essential.
In recent times, wood-pressed oils have gained immense popularity. The extraction process of these oils retains a great deal of the nutrients from which they are extracted and is free from chemicals also safe to use with babies. Let us go deeper into why wood-pressed oils are perfect for baby massage and what are the benefits they bring.
Why Wood-Pressed Oils are Best for Babies?
Wood-pressed oils are known as cold-pressed. In other words, it will not apply heat to extraction. This preserves the nutrients, thus giving the more beneficial oil. Cold-pressed oils have a lot of vitamins and minerals, so they make the skin healthy.
Natural oils do not contain chemical additives or preservatives. The extraction process is done naturally, and thus their purity is assured. For new babies, natural oils must be used because these pose fewer chances of irritation.
Benefits of Using Wood-Pressed Oils for Baby Massage
Nourishes and Softens Skin
Wood-pressed oils give the baby’s skin the deepest nourishment. They contain a large supply of vitamins which moisturise and soften it. Regular massages with these oils hydrate the skin.
Improves Blood Circulation
Massaging with oil causes blood circulation in the bodies of babies. There are particularly good cold-pressed oils to do this. Good circulation leads to better growth and development for the babies.
Calms and Soothes the Baby
A gentle massage with the use of cold-pressed oils leaves your little one relaxed. It soothes any discomfort and might even help improve qualities of sleep. After all, a relaxed baby is a happy baby and massaging is one way of achieving that state.
Aids Development of Muscles
Massaging with oils further aids in muscle development. Some delicate movements in massage make one’s muscles stronger and more flexible.
Enhances Bonding
Massaging your baby assists in creating bonding. The direct skin-to-skin contact creates a special feeling between parent and child. It can be a soothing, relaxing experience for both parents and babies.
Types of Wood-Pressed Oils for Baby Massage
Now that you know the benefits, let’s discuss some excellent wood-pressed oils.
Cold-Pressed Groundnut Oil
One of the best massage oils used for babies is cold-pressed groundnut oil. It’s light and non-greasy in nature and thus absorbs into the skin very easily. Rich in Vitamin E, it protects and nourishes it. Oils from this result keep the baby’s skin very smooth and soft but do check if there is any nut allergy.
Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil
Another good oil for baby massage is kachi ghani mustard oil. One anti-inflammatory herb is used to soothe the skin; thus, warming nature, making it perfect for cold weather. Such oil can even ease colic discomfort when rubbed very mildly over the tummy. But you will have to use it diluted by a carrier oil because it’s too harsh on sensitive skin.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil happens to be one of the well-known moisturisers. Because it is non-irritating and gentle, you can apply it daily on your baby’s skin without damaging the same. Apart from being a moisturiser, coconut oil also possesses antifungal and antibacterial properties. This prevents infection to the baby’s skin. This oil also works really well in the treatment of diaper rashes.
Olive Oil
Another safe baby oil is olive oil. This is antioxidant and rich in Vitamin E; it also helps moisturise and protect the baby’s skin. Moreover, avoid olive oil for babies who have eczema because it can irritate their skin.
How to Choose the Right Oil?
Choose the best oil suitable for your baby. First, cold-pressing is essential when choosing oils as it retains all-natural nutrients and keeps away from all poisonous chemicals. Secondly, do a patch test on the skin of your baby. All babies are allergic to certain things so a gentle introduction should be made. Third, it’s always better to ask your paediatrician about which oil needs to be applied.
Steps to Give a Relaxing Baby Massage
Warm the Oil
Take an amount of oil and warm it in your palms. It helps smooth out the oil easily on the body of a baby and avoids discomfort for the baby.
Start Cuddled Massages Very Gently
Begin by gently massaging the legs and arms, stroking them upwards to stimulate your blood circulation.
Massage the Tummy
Gently massage the tummy in a clockwise motion to alleviate the buildup of gas and colic.
Focus on the Back
Turn the baby on its tummy and massage the back in circular motions. This will help to develop muscles that can ease and calm him.
Be Gentle on the Head
Massage the baby’s scalp with light pressure using your fingertips in circular motions to soothe the baby.
Conclusion
Massaging your baby with oils, which have been pressed from wood is an activity of great beauty. These oils are nontoxic, natural, and rich in nutrients, which nourish the baby’s skin. Therefore, the best oil options for baby massage include cold-pressed groundnut oil, kachi ghani mustard oil, and coconut oil. Beyond this, oil massage promotes better flow of blood circulation, proper muscle development, and nourishment of the skin. Additionally, it also builds up attachment between the parent and the baby.
Remember to use the best quality cold-pressed oils when massaging your baby. Don’t forget to do the patch test and consult a doctor if needed. However, the use of natural oils means all proper nurturing for your baby without chemicals involved. Enjoy the soothing delight of massaging your baby with nourishing oils!