Almond oil for baby massage is a popular choice among mothers. Though different oils can be used to massage your little one, some mothers prefer almond oil because it is a good source of multiple vitamins.
Babies gain many health benefits from regular body massages, such as improved sleep and relaxation. However, if you’re still debating on which oil to use on your baby, you may want to know more about the benefits of almond oil for your baby’s skin.
Read this post to learn more about the benefits of using almond oil for your baby’s massage and some precautions to keep in mind while doing so.
Almond Oil For Baby Skin
A regular oil massage, either before or after a baby bath, is great for the infant’s skin. Almond oil is one of the many commonly used in therapeutic massages for babies. The baby oil not only nourishes skin and soothes tired muscles but also relaxes your baby to sleep. Its healing properties make it one of the ideal choices. However, you need to follow certain safety measures while massaging your baby to avoid any adverse reactions and to soak in all of its benefits.
Sweet Almond Oil For Baby Skin
Before you select the oil for a baby’s massage, you need to make sure that it will be safe for the baby’s skin. Sweet almond oil is often recommended by dermatologists and doctors as a suitable option for baby’s massage as it is not harmful even if the baby accidently puts their hand in the mouth, provided it is a natural and organic oil.
Benefits Of Using Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is loaded with a host of goodness that is perfect for your infant’s skin.
1. Rich in vitamins
The oil is rich in Vitamins A, B2 and B6. It is also a good source of Vitamin E, which is essential for healthy skin (1) (2).
2. Moisturizing
Sweet almond oil can be used as a baby moisturizer as it also possesses moisturizing, nourishing and emolliating properties (3). These keep the baby’s skin soft for long hours.
3. Relaxing
A soothing massage with this oil will help relax your baby. Massaging a baby before bedtime is a great way to soothe those tired limbs. It improves blood circulation and helps in the breathing process. This will help your little one sleep calmly. It also helps in improving muscle tone and blood circulation in the muscles. This is especially helpful when the baby starts to crawl.
4. Reduces indigestion
Massaging your baby with sweet almond oil reduces the chances of indigestion and upset stomach. Conditions such as colic and body aches can be managed with a good massage (3). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), approximately one-fifth of infants experience colic, typically emerging within the second to fourth weeks of life. Parents can use sweet almond oil to gently massage their baby’s tummy to manage colic.
5. Protects against dryness
As newborn babies have sensitive skin, it is quite often prone to dryness, eczema, soreness and inflammation. The risk is even greater in environments where the air is dry and dusty. Application of sweet almond oil prevents such irritations.
- It also protects babies from developing rashes. Since the oil is safe for babies, it can be applied to chapped lips to make them soft.
- Many babies tend to suffer from cradle cap in the first few months after birth. This is often the dry and flaky patches that you may see on the scalp. Massaging sweet almond oil gently on the affected area or the entire scalp is beneficial in relieving dryness (4). You can leave the oil for about half an hour before washing it off. Your baby’s scalp will gradually heal from the same. In case the condition still persists, make sure you take the baby for a checkup immediately.
Caution While Using Almond Oil For Baby
While there are many advantages of using almond oil or sweet almond oil, there are certain things you need to keep in mind to ensure it does not harm the baby in any way.
- A baby’s skin is highly sensitive and you need to be extra careful while massaging. Be very gentle and use soft strokes. Start from the arms and move to the legs, chest, belly and back.
- Use only a few drops of almond oil, so that the skin absorbs it entirely. Many infants develop rashes because of excess oil that is left on the skin for a long time. If you are massaging before bath, make sure that all the extra oil is washed off.
- You must never apply oil around the navel, eyes, ears and nostrils, as there are chances of an infection if the oil enters these parts. Many Indian parents put oil in their baby’s navel, ears, and nose. This may be harmful for the baby (5). Remember to not put oil on any of these areas.
- Do a sensitivity test on the baby’s skin before applying the almond oil for the first time. Put a drop of oil on the arm and massage. Observe for a day how baby’s skin reacts to it.
Most new moms might want to try almond oil for babies to massage them. Sweet almond oil is ideal for infant’s skin care as it is light in texture and will not lead to clogging of the pores. Moreover, this oil is vitamin-rich and has moisturizing and relaxing properties. If you are keen to use almond oil for your baby, it is ideal to do a patch test on the baby’s arm and check for the reaction. However, it is best to take a doctor’s opinion before using any new product on your baby’s skin. Also, remember to check the date of manufacture and other details on the product label before purchasing.
Key Pointers
- Almond oil nourishes and relaxes baby skin with vitamins and nutrients.
- Massages with almond oil soothe tired muscles, decrease indigestion, and relieve dry skin.
- Use the appropriate amount of oil to prevent rashes caused by excess oil.
- Do not apply almond oil on the baby’s navel, eyes, ears, or nostrils.
- Sweet almond oil is safe for babies who may put their hands in their mouth.
Learn about the right way of massaging your baby with the help of this video. It will not only help them feel relaxed but will also foster a bond between you and your little one.
