Which Olive Oil is Best for Baby Massage? It requires you to know a little about Olive Oils to determine which the best for your baby massage is. Olive Oil is a very good option for massaging the baby.
It has many properties that your baby can benefit from. Besides, the fragrance is pleasant and is easily attainable.
Massaging the baby is a traditional practice that had been carried on by generations of mothers in the family. Different types of oils had been in use in different parts of the world.
But, many researchers have now revealed many shortcomings. It is even hard to say that there is any one kind of oil that is the best and the most safe in every way.
In India, mustard seed oil was largely used for massage, but later was shown to be potentially damaging to the skin.(Darmstadt GL, 2008).
Types of Olive Oil
Olive oil can be found in two different variety- Virgin Olive oil and Extra-Virgin Olive oil. The difference is that Virgin oil is produces mechanically and typically includes external chemicals and Extra-Virgin Olive oil comes straight out of the natural Olives from the tree.
Extra virgin olive oil is by far the purest of different variants due to no manipulation and natural extraction process. Some sellers dilute olive oils with other oils.
Buy from genuine and reputable sellers to ensure you get the pure Extra-Virgin Olive oil.
Properties
Olive oil is made up of several kinds of fats like:
Omega-6 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids
Linoleic acid
Oleic acid- makes olive oil a poor choice for skin care
People recommended Olive Oil it for cradle caps. But, Researchers have concluded that that oleic acid, which is contained in olive oil, delays skin barrier recovery on damaged skin (Danby et al 2013).
Thus, Olive oil isn’t the right choice to regularly use on your baby’s skin. Don’t use it at all if the baby has dry, cracked skin or eczema. It is now widely avoided for use on newborn babies.
How pick the right Olive Oil for Baby Massage?
Allergies to olive oil are rare, but as with all things, try just a tiny bit first to see if your baby likes it. Wait for a few days and notice if the baby is having any reactions.
Natural oils are the safest choice for massaging the baby’s soft and delicate skins. Olive oil definitely is good for the heart health when used in food.
On the skin, Omega-3 fatty acids help soothe inflammation, and Linoleic acid can improve the skin’s natural barrier.
Use only the Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO). Extra-virgin olive oil is the purest form of olive oil and isn’t made with any harmful chemicals.
Also, it has greater nutrients than other kinds of olive oil. It is the recommended type of Olive oil if you want to use it on baby hair or for body massage.
Note: If your baby’s skin is damaged or is prone to eczema, olive oil may not be the best choice for the baby’s massage. Consult with your doctor before using olive oil to massage your baby.
7 Benefits from Olive Oil for Baby Massage
- It is an oil that can be used for baby massage all year round in any weather conditions.
- It helps loosen the Cradle Cap Scales. You can apply it on the baby’s head and let it sit for 10-15 minutes and clean it with baby shampoo.
- Olive oil mixed with a little Eucalyptus Radiata oil can provide symptomatic relief from cold-cough in the winter. Messaging the baby’s chest with it is the prick.
- It can be a good remedy for Diaper Rashes. Lukewarm Olive oil is the best to apply in the diaper region.
- It helps the baby sleep better and comfortable
- Olive oil Strengthens and softens the baby hair.
Precautions for Using Olive Oil for Baby Massage
- Don’t apply if your baby has skin allergies/eczema.
- Stop using it if the baby has developed a rash after using it.
- Avoid olive oil with preservatives as it may be harmful to the baby’s soft skin.
A small 2013 study found that adults who used it for 4 weeks had mild redness. This might be because olive oil can thin or break down the outer layer of skin. 20 percent of children under 2 years old may have baby eczema at some point.
A 2019 study showed that using oleic acid on the skin can make inflammation worse. Olive oil is rich in Oleic acid.
Using olive oil and other natural oils with oleic acid on the skin might cause or worsen eczema. Stick to natural oils that have been proven to be healthy for the skin even if you or your baby have dry, irritated skin and especially if the baby have Eczema.
Another 2016 study found out that babies who were massaged with olive oil had better moisturized skin than those who were given dry massages. But, The same study found that using these oils topically broke down the natural fat barrier in the skin.
And while the antioxidants can calm inflammation, oleic acid may worsen it. Hence, don’t use Olive oil regularly and notice for signs of skin problems.
To tie it up
Olive oil is a good choice for baby massage. It’s the Extra Virgin Olive Oil that is the one you are looking for.
Now, you know a little about what you should notice when picking the best Olive oil. So, go ahead. And trust us, we want the best for you and your baby.
Body massages will help you both bond joyfully. Take care of the tender and lovely baby skin. See your Doctor if you notice any problems at all. That’s all.