How to choose oil for Baby Massage
Skin is the primary conduit to touch which is critical for comfort, development, good health and well-being for baby and parent. Massage nurtures touch, and the process for attachment of baby and bonding for the parent. Skin, as well as a sensory organ, acts as a temperature regulator, hydration manager, waste eliminator and protective barrier – baby’s first line of defence.
Baby's skin is precious so I want you to make the best and most appropriate choice of oil for massaging your baby. I have gathered information from various sources in order to help you decide which oil to use both in class and at home.
There are several options for you and there is varying research available into the safety of each for you to consider. You may also have cultural or medical reasons, such as eczema, for choosing the oil which you use to massage your baby.
Please choose carefully.
Why use oil?
Oil in massage is used as a lubricant to help your hands glide over baby's skin without drag or friction. However, you can massage your baby without oil, and even over clothing.
For babies under 4 weeks old the NHS recommends to massage without oil. This is because at birth, the top layer of a baby's skin is very thin and easily damaged. Over the first month (or longer in premature babies), a baby's skin matures and develops its own natural protective barrier.
What oils are generally considered safe to use?
Make sure you use oil that is safe for your baby’s skin and if it was to get into their mouth. Babies will tend to chew, suck and gnaw on their hands, feet and the hands of their caregivers. They end up eating the oil. So the use of natural, edible and food-grade fruit or vegetable oil, ideally organic, virgin and cold-pressed are recommended as they has fewer impurities, and are more digestible for your baby’s sensitive tummy.
Please note if your baby has special needs, consult your doctor on your choice of oil, or massage without oil.
Safest oils indicated by research to date:
Grape seed oil
Organic virgin/fractionated coconut oil
Vegetable oils can go off, so please throw them out if you notice a smell or if they are out of date.
Other botanical/edible oils and why you should think carefully before using them:
Cold pressed, organic sunflower oil - until recently organic cold-pressed sunflower oil has been recommended for baby massage but a randomized control trial on infant skin indicates sunflower oil delays the development of the crucial skin barrier function, damaging the integrity of the superficial layer of skin (Cooke et al. 2015) this was a small trial and more research is needed to establish the exact risk.
Almond oil - botanically, almond is a fruit related to the plum & peach family. It is a tree nut, so do be aware of allergies.
What oils should you avoid?
Mustard oil can have a toxic effect on the skin barrier, causing irritation and potential damage to delicate baby skin. (Darmstadt GL, 2008)
Olive oil is not recommended for baby massage because of its high oleic acid content. recent research indicates that olive oil should not be used on a baby's skin as it could cause delays to skin barrier recovery on damaged skin (Danby et al 2013)
Peanut oil contains proteins that may sensitise a baby to an allergic reaction to peanuts or cause a reaction on a baby's skin.
Mineral oils or petroleum-based ointments are inedible and might damage baby’s tummy if ingested. They also leave a greasy layer which can create an ‘extremely slippery baby’ safety issue. In addition the added essential oils which many of us grown-ups find enticing, can disrupt babies’ subtle hormonal balance (Fergie, 2010). (If a mineral or petroleum based oil has been prescribed by your GP as an option for treating skin problems, such as dermatitis and eczema, use the oils as prescribed).
Cosmetic baby massage oils, fancy brands and essential or aromatherapy oils Whilst as adults we may find these scented oils pleasing, baby loves best the smell of their carer. Masking your smell is arguably a hindrance to the natural bonding/attachment process, clouding the pheromones which mingle with natural odours released through the skin for both parent and child, which under natural circumstances weave the magical bond of familial love. (Fergie, 2010) And added perfumes can also mask oil that has gone off.
Patch testing
Generally, a patch test is advised before you use any new product on your baby. Here's how:
Rub a small amount on an area that your baby cannot further irritate (if irritation occurs) such as the thigh.
If no redness and/or bumps appear after about 20 minutes and/or if your baby does not seem to be having any systemic reaction (check respiration and skin & muscle tone), then you're probably doing fine with the chosen oil.
What oil should I use in class?
I don’t provide massage oil in my classes. I prefer to leave the choice up to each individual.
Please bring your oil of choice with you. Or use no oil at all. However, should you wish to use a nut based oil please use this at home but don't bring it to class in case any of the babies or parents are allergic.
Research and further information:
There is ongoing research into massage oils for Baby Massage. The research is of varying size and quality. Some research into the use of oils on a baby’s skin has not focussed on their use for baby massage but for skincare issues, such as dry skin or eczema. This is important to note because there may be a difference in the effect of using oils in baby massage once a week compared to every day for skincare reasons or for more frequent massage. The most important thing is to ensure that you have enough knowledge to feel confident in your choice of oil.
My research began here:
http://www.tobabyandbeyond.com/for-parents/baby-massage
https://birthlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Birthlight-nurture-and-infant-massage-oils.pdf
