It’s a well-known truth that massages are incredibly healthy for your baby! But you know what else the truth is? You might actually enjoy it just as much too! After all, is there a better sight than watching your baby smile with glee as the two of you bond over a baby oil massage session? There really isn’t!
However, picking a good baby massage oil can feel like a battle at a supermarket counter. With so many options now, how are you supposed to know which one is good for your baby? How can you know the good from the bad and the ugly? Bad jokes aside, that’s what this guide is here for, so let’s jump straight to the point!
Benefits Of Using A Baby Massage Oil
One of the primary benefits of massaging your baby is the ability to form a deep connection with them during the exercise. Studies show that bonding with your baby this way can support their emotional stability and growth, helping them stay regulated and secure.
Moreover, regularly massaging your baby can also provide a host of other benefits, including improved sleep and blood flow. According to research, this simple act can put your baby in a calm state of mind, thereby reducing the production of the stress hormone cortisol, while increasing the secretion of happy hormones such as serotonin and dopamine. In turn, the release of these hormones promotes sound sleep and better sleep patterns.
Lastly, another major benefit of massaging your baby includes improved digestion and support for the overall growth and development of your child.
How To Choose A Baby Massage Oil
A couple of factors can influence your choice of a baby massage oil. Keep these in mind to ensure the one you get ticks all the right boxes:
- Cost: The price of newborn baby massage oils can range from incredibly low to premium prices. Make sure you choose one that fits in your budget.
- Oil type: The market offers two major oil types – one with safer formulations from the first to the last ingredient on the list; and the second where only the base oil is safe, making it likely to contain harmful additives.
- Quality of ingredients: The baby massage oil you ultimately pick should make use of high-quality natural ingredients while being free of parabens, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals.
- Expert recommendations: Opting for an EWG-verified oil is smart, as they are generally devoid of anything that can harm your baby, be it in terms of texture, scent, or formulation.
- Manufacturer’s reputation: Always opt for baby care brands that are known for their use of safe, reliable, and high-quality ingredients, such as AreoVeda’s Baby Massage Oil, for example.
Best Ingredients In A Baby Massage Oil
Now comes the million-dollar section of this article – which ingredients should you look for when narrowing down a baby massage oil for your newborn? Traditional wisdom and modern medicine will have you know that a couple of ingredients are actually highly beneficial when condensed into massage oils. These include:
Sesame Oil
As mentioned before, regularly massaging your baby can improve their blood flow, and the ingredient responsible for that is Sesame Oil. Not only does it enhance circulation but also helps your baby sleep better by lowering their stress levels. The result? Uninterrupted sweet sleep for your baby and more rest for you!
Almond Oil
Oiling your baby with Almond Oil can prevent their skin from drying out. This natural emollient improves your baby’s skin barrier, thereby keeping it hydrated all day long. In fact, when combined with other useful natural oils such as Hemp Oil and Grape Seed Oil, this powerful concoction transforms into a super hydrating blend that has no match!
Calendula Extract
A potent antimicrobial ingredient, Calendula protects your baby against bacterial infections. It may even be effective against diaper dermatitis, soothing irritated skin to provide some much-needed relief to your baby.
Ashwangandha Extract
Ashwagandha has taken the world by storm for its stress-busting properties, and its effect on babies is no different! Not only does it calm them down, but it can also support the development of strong bones and joints, thereby contributing to the overall health and well-being of your precious bundle of joy.
Conclusion
On the surface, choosing a baby massage oil for your newborn might seem like a small task, but it carries a lot of weight. The wrong oil can result in rashes, allergies, and discomfort. Conversely, the right one can offer all the wonderful benefits we have talked about in today’s article. That is why it is best to do your research before reaching out and grabbing just about any oil bottle. Pick the right one and every single massage session will turn into an incredibly enjoyable time for both you and your baby.
