Using oils on baby skin have long been proven to be beneficial for the baby and the bonding of a mother and child. Did you know that more often than not, oils are used as the first line of protection for baby skin.
How? Well for starters, babies’ skin are far more sensitive than adults’ skin which is why their skin needs an additional layer of protection that will serve as barrier for the germs to stay out and for the moisture to stay locked in. Applying oil on baby skin will in turn keep the skin’s natural moisture locked in and can prevent a lot of problems like dryness, rash, irritations, and itchiness.
On another note, the use of oils on babies is also proven to be beneficial when used to massage their legs, feet, arms, and hands. It relaxes the baby and provides them with a deeper slumber, which they need to grow healthy. It also helps the mother to calm and soothe the baby especially when he’s throwing a crying feat. It is also believed to enhance the baby’s muscle tone and bone development.
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Types of Oils to Use for Baby
Because there have been an abundant of choices that are now made available in the market, it is understandable that choosing for the best oil to use for your baby can be a bit daunting and confusing. And admittedly, there are really a lot of good natural oils available out there so zoning in into just a few selections is kind of a hard task. To make the task easier, let us not the different categories of oil first.
Mineral Oil
Mineral oils are based on the component called petrolatum that is highly effective in acting as a barrier for the skin to protect it from outside elements like dirt or infection. Because it is based on petrolatum or liquid paraffin, the risks of it going rancid is significantly lower than oils produced from plants. It does not have any taste, odor or color, and is widely known to be hypoallergenic. The downside of using this type of oil is there is a large debate from the different organizations whether it is, in fact, safe to use or not, or if it causes occlusions on the skin. Right now, the common direction for most baby products manufacturers is to not include mineral oil in their formulas.
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oils are oils that come from plants – with it coming widely more from seeds and fruits. They also naturally contain Vitamin E that is good for overall skin health. Because they are natural and plant-derived, vegetable oils can sometimes contain pesticides and they include some type of preservative to make it last longer in the shelves. But because it is natural and plant-based, a lot of users resort more to this oil type.
The most common oil used by a lot of mothers is coconut oil because it is natural and offers a lot of benefits to the skin. Another variant of it is virgin coconut oil that is known to offer a lot of benefits to the body especially on baby’s skin. It is called virgin because it is extracted from a single press only from the meat of a fresh coconut. It is known to be filled with healthy lauric acids and antioxidants.
Another popular vegetable oil that is believed to provide babies with a lot of benefits is almond oil. Almond oil is used for the Vitamin E that it offers and is easily absorbed by the skin. It moisturizes the skin well and is also ideal to use for baby massages.
For sensitive skin, sunflower oil is highly recommended by professionals. They are very safe to use as they are edible and can also be used topically, so mothers do not have to worry if their baby suckles on their fingers after the massage. Sunflower oil is also loaded with Vitamin E and good fatty acids that help the skin moisturized.
How to use Oils on Baby skin
- Ask your pediatrician which oil is best to use for your baby’s skin and for massage.
- It is important to test your baby’s skin for allergies or harsh reactions from the oil. Put a small amount of the oil at the inner part of your baby’s forearm and observe that part for 24 hours. If no redness, irritations, or itchiness arise, then it is safe for use.
- When massaging your baby, it is important to schedule it properly. Best time for a good relaxing massage is when they are up for a nap.
- Put a little amount of your chosen oil and on your hands and dab a little on the part where you will massage your baby. Only a very soft amount of pressure will do, and continue in uniform, gentle strokes. After a few repetitions, move on to another part of his body.
- Your baby’s comfort is always the priority when giving massages. If it makes their bodies stiffen, or they cry, or they are just overall uncomfortable, it means they do not like to be massaged and you should stop immediately.
Top 15 Oils to Use for Baby
#1. Burt’s Bees Baby Nourishing Baby Oil, 100% Natural Baby Skin Care
This 100% natural Burt’s Bees Nourishing Baby Oil is a top choice for oils for babies. It is infused with grape seed oil and apricot oil to ensure a calming relief to baby’s dry skin. It can be used directly on baby’s skin for massages or can be mixed with your little one’s bath water for instant moisture after bath.
#2. Johnson & Johnson Baby Oil Original
This baby oil from the babies’ brand giant Johnson and Johnson’s has been in the market for decades and still making waves as one of the originals in the baby oil category. It is dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic that is gentle to baby’s sensitive skin. It does not contain parabens or dyes.
#3. Mustela Baby Oil, Moisturizing Oil for Baby Massage, with Natural Avocado Oil
Mustela is big baby brand company known for formulating products using only the gentle and safe ingredients for the baby’s skin. This Mustela Baby Oil acts as a moisturizer and has natural avocado oil, pomegranate oil, and sunflower seed oil, all of which are known to be beneficial to baby’s skin health.
#4. Cetaphil Baby Moisturizing Oil
If you are looking for a highly moisturizing baby oil that is also good for massage use, and one that comes from a reputable company, then this Cetaphil Moisturizing Oil is the one for you and your baby. It is gentle on baby’s skin as it is hypoallergenic and tested by dermatologists, too.
#5. Johnson’s Baby Gel Oil with Aloe & Vitamin E
This Johnson and Johnson’s Baby Gel Oil is a different variant as it comes in gel formulation. Compared to pure oils, this particular product can be lighter to the feel and non-greasy. Because it has aloe vera, it calms irritated skin. This product is free from harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, or colorants.
#6. Honest Organic Body Oil
Some mothers prefer using organic baby products on their babies, if you are one of them then this Honest Organic Body Oil is the one you need. It is gentle and safe for infants even for everyday use. Its ingredients include organic sunflower oil, olive oil, jojoba, and avocado oil.
#7. COCONUT BABY OIL Organic Moisturizer
Coconut is not only popular for its delicious water but also its pure oil. This organic Coconut Baby Oil product by Coconut Essentials is best use for babies with cradle caps as it works like a natural conditioner for babies’ head and hair. This product also has grape seed oil and sunflower oil.
#8. California Baby Body Oil – Super Sensitive
This Organic Body Oil from California Baby is a vegan quality oil and is USDA certified as organic. It does not contain gluten or nut oils and promises to be perfect for super sensitive baby skin. it does not have scent masking agents and is not greasy when applied to the skin which makes it also a good carrier for other essential oils.
#9. Cocobelle Baby Pure – Perfect for Dry Skin,
This Cocobelle Baby product is an organic coconut oil that is carefully crafted using only the most premium virgin coconut oil. It does not contain harsh chemicals that can cause rashes or irritants to baby’s skin. Its packaging is also baby-friendly because it does not have BPA that can cause complications to one’s health.
#10. Ellie Bianca Luxury Oils – Extra Light Skin Care Oil for Babies and Kids
When it comes to luxury oils, the Ellie Bianca name is the brand to go to. This all-natural body oil contains oils from these natural ingredients: shea, almond, jojoba, sunflower, olive, and coconut. Its unique blend promises to give luxurious moisture and unclogging hydration to your and your baby’s skin.
#11. Mykel + Violet – 100% USDA Certified Organic Baby Massage Oil
Made with pure, organic ingredients like avocado oil, lavender essential oil, and cedarwood essential oil, to name only a few, this baby massage oil from Mykel and Violet is the brand to turn to. With its powerhouse formulation, it is safe to use everyday for baby’s massage as it soothes and heals baby’s dry and irritated skin.
#12. Weleda Baby Calendula Oil
Calendula is known for its calming and soothing components. This is especially good for use on babies as massage oil or simply as moisturizer. It readily calms babies and offer antiseptic effects for baby’s infected skin. This Baby Calendula Oil is best and safe for babies’ sensitive skin even for everyday use.
#13. Natural & Organic Baby Oil With Calendula & Sunflower Oil
This Baby Oil from the brand Elizabeth Parker Naturals is now making waves in the market. It is not only 100% natural, but it is also formulated using only select natural oils like calendula, apricot, and lavender that are especially great for soothing a restless baby and calming skin irritations.
#14. Himalaya Nourishing Baby Oil, Lanolin Free & Mineral Oil Free
The Himalaya brand has been around since 1930 and they are best known for creating baby products that remain true to its promise – gentle and safe for everyday use. This Nourishing Baby Oil is hypoallergenic making it safe for use on baby’s sensitive skin. It is dermatologically tested and is vegan, too.
#15. Baby Oil Olive Oil & Wheatgerm Oil
This Baby Oilve Oil and Wheatgerm Oil from the brand WBM Baby Care is an organic product made only with the rich oils from olives, sunflowers, wheatgerm, and jojoba. This product is loaded with Vitamin E, which is safe for babies to use everyday, and promises to be free from mineral oil.
Summing Up
Using oils on babies for massages and for hydration and as a moisturizer has been known ever since time immemorial. A lot of benefits can come out from this mother-baby bonding such as better muscle and bone development for babies, improvement on overall skin health, reduces skin discomfort, reduces pain from teething and even nasal congestion. The list can go on and on. The ultimate goal here is to make sure that the baby grows up healthy and develops properly. There’s no harm in trying this practice out if you are a first time mother, and hopefully the array of products provided in this article will guide you well. It is up to you which one to choose for your precious little one.
Resources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby_oil
- https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/what-baby-skin-care-products-do-you-need-your-newborn
- https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/baby-massage
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