Which oil is best for baby massage?
When you have a baby, you enter the land of baby product overwhelm, with hundreds of products that promise to improve a health outcome in your baby or make some part of your life easier. Thankfully, baby massage products are not that complicated and you might already have a suitable oil in your pantry.
Things to consider
Allergies and patch testing: Babies can be massaged from birth which means allergens probably wouldn’t have been tested yet. Be mindful of nut, seed and other allergens, and always speak with a qualified and registered health practitioner about doing a patch test of any oil on your baby’s skin before doing the patch test.
Production method: The production method matters (like the use of chemicals or heat to extract the oil) because it changes the nutrient content and shelf life.
Cost: Babies are expensive! Massage oils don’t have to be. Don’t let those beautiful but expensive baby brands tell you otherwise.
Storage: Store oil in a dark container or bottle in a cool, dry and dark space such as your pantry. Be mindful of the warmer months because even the coolest cupboard in your house might warm up enough to make the oil turn rancid.
Scent: Some oils have a strong scent which can be overstimulating for babies during massage. Fragrance free oils or oils that naturally have low or no scent are best.
Taste: Your baby is almost always going to put their hand in their mouth during or after massage which means they might get really small amounts of the oil in their mouth. It’s important to use an oil that is taste safe which is why vegetable oils are a good option. For babies who have started solids, the oil you use might already be used to cook the food they eat! Always be sure to keep allergens in mind as well.
Suitable oils
These oils aren’t the only suitable oils, but they’ve been recommended by nurses and hospitals for baby massage and they’re some of the more popular choices:
Cold pressed organic apricot kernel oil
Cold pressed organic sunflower oil
Cold pressed organic coconut oil (this oil has a stronger scent than the others)
Premature babies: Always check with the health professionals treating and caring for your premature baby as massage oil may need to be avoided for a period of time.
Allergies: Be mindful of nut, seed and other allergens, and always speak with a qualified and registered health practitioner about doing a patch test of any oil on your baby’s skin before doing the patch test.
Oils to avoid
We’re aware that olive oil, mustard seed oil and soybean oil, or any oil that is high in oleic acid, can impact the development of your baby’s skin barrier and increase the risk of developing a skin condition such as eczema.
More information
If you’re feeling unsure about putting any oil on your baby’s skin or you want more information or reassurance, we totally get that! Babies are such precious little people with delicate skin and developing bodies and systems. We encourage you to seek medical advice from a qualified and registered health practitioner like a child health nurse, paediatrician or GP.
