The journey of pregnancy is one of the most beautiful experiences a woman can go through in her life. As exciting as it can be, it also comes with its own challenges such as physical changes and pain that causes stress and anxiety. Doctors usually recommend different methods to help with any kind of discomfort during your pregnancy. One of those includes massaging your body using oils – which benefits you and your baby in many ways.

According to studies, it has been proven that oil massages help pregnant women reduce stress and anxiety, alleviate pain or discomfort like backaches, help reduce stretch marks, improve mental health, and lift the mood. So, if you’re feeling good during this relaxing activity, your baby will, too. 

The use of massage oil extends up until the birth of your baby, too. They can also be used directly and all over your baby’s skin. If you’re curious about what kind of massage oil to use, how to use it, and how it benefits your baby, read on further to find out more.

When to Use a Baby Massage Oil

Your baby’s skin which is tender is sensitive and during the growing stage can be exposed to harsh environmental factors. Your baby and his/her skin need TLC (Tender Loving Care), too.  When your baby’s skin becomes rough, dry, and flaky, massage oil is a great remedy. Since your baby thrives in nurturing touches and skin-to-skin contact, using a massage oil enhances relaxation and at the same time, increases bonding. The best time to apply massage oil for your baby is during the following occasions:

  • When your baby is awake, content, and active
  • After a bath
  • Before bedtime
  • When your baby has dry, irritated, and skin problem.

It’s best to start these massages after your baby’s checkup and when they are 6 weeks old. During the checkup, it can help your paediatrician to check for any developmental issues, to avoid any type of discomfort or pain that might occur during the massage. Parents are also advised to take massage classes to know the best techniques to give their babies.

Benefits of Using Baby Massage Oil

A baby’s mood may be unpredictable at times, and when they start getting fussy, some parents may struggle with calming their baby. To help reduce crying and fussiness, massages are done to help them sleep better by relaxing their muscles and reducing wailing behaviour caused by discomfort. Doing so will help your baby be more relaxed, lessen stress, increase their appetite, aid in digestion, reduce gas, and improve blood circulation. Studies have also shown that it will help in developing stronger bones, unclogging the sinuses, and improving breathing. Your baby will wake up in a better mood while feeling good. 

In addition to the health benefits, massage oils are made with skin-nourishing benefits that will help soften their skin while reducing skin irritation. It also helps strengthen their skin barrier, moisturise their skin, and promote overall improvement of the baby’s wellbeing.

How to Use Baby Massage Oil

Once you and your baby are ready for a massage and make sure you’re both comfortable, you can prep and grab the massage oil to be used. You can start by asking permission from your baby to start the massage and, doing so, will help them familiarise themselves with what’s going to happen next. It serves as a cue that the massage will start and will help the parent gauge their reaction from the baby if they are okay with it or not. If your baby is still comfortable and does not seem to struggle, you may start with the massage. 

First, you want to slowly heat up the oil in between your palms. Depending on the area you want to massage first, use large circular motions to massage the oil gently. Move to the stomach, back, and other limbs and do the same. Make sure to wrap your hands around your baby’s skin while massaging. Stroke with your fingers or thumb in gentle circular motions for smaller areas. Additional tips include humming, singing, or talking to your baby to keep the whole experience light, relaxing, and beneficial.

Best Ingredients To Look for in Massage Oils for Babies

The best massage oil to use for your baby is in the ingredients it’s made of. Here are the commonly used oils and ingredients used in massage oils for babies: 

Almond Oil

Almond oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids that help moisturise and strengthen the skin.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil helps improve and strengthen the baby’s skin. It also has moisturising effects on their skin.

Shea Butter

A popular ingredient known for its natural hydrating factors. It’s also known to help soothe problem skin and soothe a sore nose.

Plum Kernel Oil

This oil is rich in vitamin E to help strengthen the skin while protecting against free radicals.

Safflower Oil

Another oil-based ingredient that’s rich in vitamin E and antioxidants that moisturises, protects, and strengthens the skin barrier.

Jojoba Oil

Rich in vitamins A and E and valuable lipids to improve the skin barrier and keep it healthy.

Chamomile 

Chamomile is known to help decrease fussiness, gas retention, improve sleep, and ease constipation. 

Borage Seed Oil

Rich in fatty acids that help reduce itchiness, provides hydration, prevent irritation, and maintain the softness, suppleness, and radiance of the skin. It also helps soothe your baby’s skin.

Grapeseed Oil

Filled with antioxidant properties like vitamins C,D,and E, as well as polyphenols, Antioxidants protect against free radio damage, grapeseed oil is great for nourishing and repairing the skin.

Rosehip Oil

This oil helps improve skin condition and is pretty effective at keeping the skin soft, smooth, and moisturized, it is also rich in vitamin A and essential fatty acids.

Chia Oil

Rich in vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids 3-6-9, chia oil promotes skin regeneration and prevents moisture loss to the skin.

We Recommend: EUBOS Haut Ruhe Caring Oil, Made from Plant-Derived Ingredients that are safe for Sensitive Skin

Eubos is a brand that specialises in creating skincare products made specifically for different skin types and issues using natural essential ingredients. They’ve developed the Haute Ruhe line specifically for babies to give the best basic essential care they need to soothe dry, sensitive, and easily irritated skin. It’s made free of perfume, colourants, preservatives, lanolin, and mineral oil. 

Our top pick from the Haute Ruhe line is their Caring Oil that’s produced from plant-derived components. It delivers instantly soothing and calming effects on the baby’s skin while alleviating skin issues such as itchiness, and scaling due to skin dryness. Aside from that, it helps nourish the skin by keeping it soft and supple while strengthening it at the same time. It’s developed with Defensil, a highly effective combination of ingredients to hydrate, nourish and address common sensitive skin issues. 

It’s also made with a mixture of essential oils such as jojoba oil, almond oil, chia oil, and plum kernel oil – all of which are rich in vitamins and minerals to moisturise, protect, and regenerate the skin. Not only that, it’s the massage oil that’s ideal for daily intensive care that keeps your baby’s skin glowing and healthy. Kids and pregnant mothers can also use this massage oil for its awesome benefits.

Price: RM56.00
Where to Buy: You may purchase it in Eubos’ official online store here