Best massage oils for your baby

Most mums massage their babies with oil every day, either before or after bathing them. It's a nice traditional custom to continue because massage can benefit both you and your baby. Using an oil can make massage both easier for you and more relaxing for your baby. However, choosing the right massage oil according to your baby's skin type and condition is important. This ensures your baby's delicate and sensitive skin stays nourished and protected.

Which massage oil is safe for my baby?

This depends largely on your baby's skin type. Some oils suit your baby’s skin better than others. 

You can massage your baby with either a vegetable oil or a mineral baby oil. Unless your baby has a rash, or particularly dry or sensitive skin, there's no strong evidence to suggest that one type of oil is much better than the other. Though some oils are thought to be more easily absorbed by the skin. 

Some experts favour vegetable or plant-based oils that absorb quickly. They are easy to digest if your baby sucks his oil-smeared fingers. Pure, refined oils are best suited to your baby's delicate skin if you're using a vegetable oil. Refined oils have a milder smell, thin texture, longer shelf life and less chances of containing impurities such as yeasts, moulds, or fungal spores.

Mineral baby oils are another good option. They are derived from petroleum and have a long record of safe use. They are not harmful if your baby sucks on her fingers and are unlikely to go rancid even in hot, humid climate.

Which massage oil should I use if my baby has dry or sensitive skin?

The following oils are all thought to be good choices for massaging dry, sensitive skin:

Vegetable oils that are high in polyunsaturated fats

These oils are high in a substance called linoleic acid. Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid that helps to protect the skin barrier and is thought to be gentle on your baby’s sensitive skin.

Vegetable oils that usually contain high levels of linoleic acid include:

• pure, refined sunflower seed oil
• grapeseed oil
• safflower (kusumb) seed oil 

Not all vegetable oils are high in linoleic acid. Some are high in oleic acid, which is a monounsaturated fat. Vegetable oils high in oleic acid are harsher on your baby's skin than vegetable oils rich in linoleic acid or baby mineral oils.

However, labels on vegetable oils don't usually list the oleic or linoleic acid content. They do list the proportions of polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats, though. As a general guide:

• vegetable oils that are higher in linoleic acid are higher in polyunsaturated fats
• vegetable oils that are higher in oleic acid are higher in monounsaturated fats

Use oil that is high in polyunsaturated fats, if you are concerned. However, some vegetable oils have both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, so it is not always clear.

Unperfumed mineral oil (baby oil)

Unscented (perfume-free) baby mineral oils are another good option for dry, broken, or sensitive skin. It’s best to avoid perfumed products though if your baby has already damaged or dry skin.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is another oil that is widely available and used in India. Some research suggests that it may help to improve the moisture and appearance of dry skin.

Which oils are not good for my baby's skin?

If your baby has eczema, a rash, or dry, sensitive or broken skin, it's best not to use either mustard oil (sarson ka tel), clarified butter (ghee) or olive oil (jaitoon ka tel) to massage your baby.

Olive oil, ghee and mustard oil are high in oleic acid. Oleic acid can make some layers of your baby's skin more permeable. This means that applying oils containing oleic acid could make your baby's skin even more dry and tender.

Some experts argue that the effects of oleic acid are temporary and that there is no evidence of long-lasting harm. Others think that oleic acid may be harmful even to healthy skin. More research is needed to be sure about the use of oil for massage. The current research assumes that the oil is left on the skin and not washed off in the bath.

It is possible that you have already used ghee, olive, or mustard oil for your baby's massage and not seen any dryness or other reaction on her skin. These are very popular massage oils, and maybe, they have not affected your baby's skin badly because you have washed off the oil well during her bath. This might limit the effects of the oleic acid on your baby's skin.

Most research on oleic acid and how it affects the skin assumes that the oil stays on the skin for long. But watch your baby's skin carefully for signs of dryness or irritation. If you see any, try a different oil that is more suited to babies' delicate skin.

Don’t use peanut oil if your baby is sensitive to peanuts or has a peanut allergy. Peanut oil contains peanut proteins, which could cause allergic reactions or skin irritation.

Also, aromatherapy essential oils, such as tea tree oil or chamomile oil, should not be used. They are very concentrated and not suitable for your baby's delicate and sensitive skin. Essential oils must always be diluted before use, even for adult skin.

If you aren't sure about which massage oil to use, speak to your doctor. He can suggest the best option for your baby's skin type.

Should I massage my baby with oil before or after a bath?

In India, oil massages are often done before a bath. This is a good idea, especially if you are using thick oil that doesn’t seem to get fully absorbed or an oil that is high in oleic acid, such as mustard oil or olive oil.

However, some types of oil, particularly mineral baby oil, leave a thin film on the skin surface after they are massaged in. So, using mineral oil after a bath will help the skin retain moisture by slowing water evaporation. This is a good option to try if your baby has dry skin.

Should I use massage oil in hot and humid weather?

Some experts believe that if oil remains on the skin in hot weather, it can block pores and trap in sweat. They feel it works similarly to applying oil after a bath, it traps in the moisture. But if the skin stays moist with sweat in hot and humid weather, it can cause a prickly heat rash.

So, to be on the safe side, when the weather is hot, you might want to use oil for your baby's massage before her bath and then wash it off well.

Should I make my baby's massage oil at home?

There are probably as many recipes for baby massage oil as there are households. You can mix oils known to be safe for baby skin to get one you feel happy with. If you are mixing natural oils, remember to choose oils that are higher in polyunsaturated fats.

Some home-made massage oil recipes require the oil to be heated with spices. For example, mustard oil (sarson ka tel) for a massage is often heated with a few garlic cloves (lehsun) and fenugreek (methi) seeds. Garlic is said to have antiviral and anti-bacterial properties. It is also believed to boost the immune system. Fenugreek is also thought to relax the body. In some regions, mustard oil is tempered with carom seeds (ajwain). It is believed this mix can soothe colicky babies.

The potential benefits of these home-made oils and their effects on a baby's skin is still unclear. So it's difficult to say if this is recommended or not. If you're considering using home-made oils it's important to speak to your baby's doctor first. Also, keep the following in mind to keep your baby safe:

• Choose edible oils from brands that follow Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) guidelines and have the ISI and AGMARK certifications. Loosely sold or unbranded oils may not have passed stringent quality checks and could be harmful for your baby's delicate skin.
• Use a base oil that is known to be gentle enough for your baby's skin.
• Test the oil on a patch of your baby's skin the first time you make it. You can test it on the inside of your baby’s elbow or on a small area of her tummy. Watch that area for at least 24 hours to see if your baby reacts to any ingredients in the oil. If there is any redness, irritation, rash, or dryness, don't use that oil for your baby's massage and consult your doctor.
• Avoid using spices that might cause a burning sensation on the skin such as black pepper (kali mirch) or cloves (laung).
• If you're warming the oil, test its temperature before starting the massage. Put some warm oil on the inside of your wrist, just like you do for bath water. The oil should feel pleasant and slightly warm, not hot, before you use it on your baby.

Some families add fresh cream (malai), gram flour (besan) and turmeric (haldi) to oil to make a paste. Using raw milk may not be a good idea as there's a risk of infections from it. Raw milk can carry bacteria which cause diarrhoea or TB. Also, the coarse nature of gram flour may cause slight scratches and abrasions.

If you've hired a japa maid or maalishwali for your baby, speak to her about these things. Some maalishwalis may also make their own oils and insist on using them, but it's best to be cautious. Some of these home-made oils may have herbs, spices, additives or ingredients that may not be safe for babies.

Can the massage oil I use change my baby’s complexion?

Your baby's skin colour, whether dark or fair, is determined by her genes at the time of conception.

You may be advised by some family members or japa maids, to use natural oils or herbal preparations that are thought to change the skin tone. Herbal or traditional remedies are generally considered "natural", but it's sometimes hard to know the strength or quality of the herbs or ingredients. Some ingredients can cause unpleasant side-effects and may not be suitable for a baby's tender and delicate skin. So, it's best not to use these.

Some mums feel their baby's skin tone gets darker if they leave their baby in direct sunlight right after an oil massage. Environmental factors such as sun exposure may play a part.

Keep in mind that young children's skin is very thin and very sensitive. It tends to get tanned or burns quickly, making babies and toddlers more prone to sunburn and skin damage. Excessive sun exposure, especially during the peak heat hours, could also cause overheating and heat stroke. So, always take precautions and keep your baby safe in the sun.

That said, sometimes the appearance and texture of your baby’s skin could change if she reacts to certain oils depending on her skin type. You might notice rashes, redness, itchiness, and dry, patchy, and flaky skin with some massage oils.

On the other hand, the right products can make your baby's skin smooth, well-moisturised and supple. So, always use products that are suited to your baby's skin type and condition.

What precautions should I take while using oil for my baby's massage?

• Before starting, it's a good idea to try the product on a small patch of your baby's skin to test for sensitivity or allergies. Always keep an eye on your baby's skin after an oil massage. If your baby's skin becomes red, itchy, sore, flaky or develops a rash after using a particular oil, stop using it immediately.
• If you have a family history of eczema or your baby has dry, sensitive skin, it's best not to put anything on it that could trigger a problem. Speak to your doctor, who can recommend the right oil or medical emollient for your baby's skin type.
• Experts advise using only just enough oil, cream or lotion to produce a glisten on your baby’s skin. Applying oil in a thick and heavy layer can make your baby uncomfortable, particularly in hot weather, and could stain her clothing as well.
• Don't put any oil in your baby's nose, eyes, navel or ears. Although it is a common practice in India, putting oil in these places can be harmful. Also, if your baby accidentally ingests any oils, it may cause an upset tummy, vomiting or nausea. Some oils can also be toxic for babies and could cause serious problems that need urgent medical attention.
• Whichever oil you choose, read the label and store it carefully. Check the 'use-by' or 'best-before' date. Mineral oils may have a use-by date, whereas vegetable oils may have a best-before date. This refers to their use for cooking rather than skincare, but may give you some idea of how long they keep for.
• If you use vegetable oil, buying a small bottle of vegetable oil specifically for baby massage may be better than buying a large bottle. Or, you could buy a large bottle for cooking and decant a small amount into a clean bottle to use for baby massage.
• If you use emollient to massage your baby, it's best that you use a pump dispenser or decant the amount of emollient you need into a small bowl or katori with a spoon. This is more hygienic than scooping out the emollient from the container or jar with your fingers, which may contaminate the emollient over time.

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