Incorporating a regular practice of delicately massaging your little one’s skin with natural oils holds great significance. For generations, those residing near the ocean have sought to promote baby wellness through the use of olive oil – employing it in both their routines and when tenderly massaging newborns since ancient times. In this blog, we list some of the advantages of olive oil for baby massage on their overall health.
- Moisturises and nourishes the skin
- Soothes sensitive or irritated skin
- Strengthens bones and muscles
- Relieves colic pain
- Enhances cognitive development
- Boosts the immune system
- Promotes better sleep
- Strengthens the bond between parent and child
- Loosens cradle cap scales
For your baby’s skincare, turning to olive oil is a natural choice. Packed with essential fatty acids, this ingredient softens and shields the skin. Regularly massaging your baby’s delicate skin with olive oil can effectively prevent dryness and irritation. Using this oil will keep your little one’s skin silky smooth and properly hydrated.
Also Read: Tips for Moisturising Baby’s Skin
Babies often get rash, red skin or irritation because of using diapers. Olive oil has a special ability to reduce swelling that can help calm these problems and lower redness. The soft rubbing action also helps blood flow better, helping to fix injured skin spots.
Using olive oil to massage your baby helps make their bones and muscles stronger. As you softly put the oil on their body, it gets blood moving to those areas. This helps take in nutrients better and makes muscles stronger. This can help them grow physically and reach important milestones like crawling or walking.
Gently rubbing your baby’s belly with warm olive oil can help soothe colic pain. This is done to make digestion easier and stop gas from building up. The light touch used in the massage also helps to lessen any tummy troubles.
A study in the Paediatrics Journal showed that babies who often had massages did better in thinking tasks than those not getting them. Using olive oil for a massage helps release oxytocin, a hormone linked with connection and brain growth. This hormone helps your baby feel calm and encourages better sleep, which is important for developing cognitive functions.
Also Read: Viral Rashes In Babies
Olive oil’s antioxidants enhance your baby’s immunity, shielding their skin from damage and decreasing the likelihood of allergies or sickness. Consistent olive oil massages can additionally improve their ability to combat infections.
Massaging with olive oil before bedtime can help calm babies, allowing them to fall asleep faster. The gentle touch and scent help relax their muscles and mind.
Applying olive oil to your baby’s skin enhances the unique connection between a parent and their child. This touch releases happy hormones like serotonin and dopamine, making you feel closer and happier. This enables an extraordinary bond to form that not only offers safety to infants but also strengthens the parental relationship.
Cradle cap causes rough patches on babies’ scalp. An olive oil massage helps in loosening the scales formed due to the cradle cap.
To use olive oil for the cradle cap:
- Use a small quantity of lukewarm olive oil on the impacted region.
- Massage the scalp with gentle hands, concentrating on areas that have scales.
- Allow some time for the oil to permeate and relax the scales before wiping it off after a short interval using a soft comb or brush.
Also Read: How to Raise a Friendly Baby
Tips for Baby Massage
- To ensure cleanliness and avoid added chemicals, opt for extra virgin or organic olive oil when using it for baby massage.
- Store the oil in a cool dry place.
- For a more soothing experience, warm the oil before application onto your baby’s skin.
- When massaging, utilise gentle circular motions so as not to be too forceful on their delicate skin.
- Selecting a secure and cosy spot is crucial to ensuring your baby’s comfort during their massage.
- Time the session for when they are awake, alert, and neither overly hungry nor full.
- A 45-minute wait post-feeding before commencing the procedure is recommended.
- Remain attentive to any potential signs of discomfort or allergic reactions that may arise before, throughout or following the process.
- Make gentle strokes towards the chest. Massage your baby’s arms by stroking from shoulders down towards wrists.
- Wash your hands and remove any jewellery before a massage.
- Before commencing with any new skincare routine always consult your child’s doctor first.
Also Read: Tips to Getting To Know Your Newborn
Using olive oil during your baby’s massage is a natural way to promote overall health. When used properly, it can make their skin soft and healthy and also aid in brain development in children. Additionally, it can strengthen the bond between parent and child. It is important to use this method correctly to reap the many benefits it offers.
