So you just had a baby and all elders have been telling you to include massaging the baby as a daily ritual. Massaging baby with almond oil has been suggested by many and you want to know more. Why, when having a baby is so much work already, you need to add a massaging ritual? Well, let’s tell you all you need to know.
A tradition religiously followed within Indian families after the birth of a baby is oil massages. The oil massages act as not only a therapy for the new born but also brings about positive influences like peaceful sleep, emotional bonding, weight gain- to name a few. Scientifically studies have proven that oil massages are healthy for the baby but there are lots of doubts regarding the best oil for baby massage.
If you are a parent who is confused regarding which oil to use for baby massages, then you are not alone. Oils like coconut oil, mustard oil, olive oil etc. have different properties and can have varied affects on the baby- so the choice has to be made wisely.
You know what? Instead of getting confused, you can easily pick almond oil for baby massage. It is conveniently available in the market; rich in essential nutrients; has low viscosity; is less greasy and has a pleasant smell.
12 Benefits of Massaging Baby with Almond Oil
Those who have legit concerns regarding the application of almond oil for massaging your baby, please go through the 12 benefits of the oil mentioned below. We are certain that after going through these benefits, you will think about switching over to a good brand of almond oil.
1. Almond oil has right combination of nutrients
The whole purpose of oil massage is to ensure that nourishment is provided to your baby. So the first criterion to pick the oil has to be the nutrients present in the oil. Almond oil for massaging a baby fits the bill perfectly.
The oil has the right combination of mineral and vitamins that have immense benefits. Minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc), fatty acids (ursolic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid) and Vitamins (E, D, A) make almond oil a desirable choice for massaging a baby.
2. Almond oil is considered to be a natural emollient
A baby’s skin is soft and supple when he is born. With time, the skin tends to lose moisture, especially because it is used to have a covering of water (amniotic fluid). To retain the moisture in the skin and to keep it hydrated, massaging is a great choice.
With the use of almond oil on the baby, a protective layer would be formed around the skin. This protective layer will not only retain the moisture but also nourish and soften the skin. All this is because almond oil has oleic and linoleic acids which make this oil a good source of emollient.
3. It helps counter dry skin in babies
Some babies tend to become prone to dry skin especially after they are born because of the change in environment. Some times skin dryness manifests itself into eczema, resulting in dry and red patches. Almond oil is loaded with Vitamin E and Vitamin A as well as appropriate amounts of fatty acids.
Massaging baby with almond oil can help counter dry skin problem in your baby.
4. It is extremely soothing massage oil
It is wrong to assume that babies do not get tired or their muscles do not get strained. A baby does a lot of hard work, and they get very exhausted trying all the new things. The new environment is challenging for the senses of the little being.
Using almond oil for baby massage is a good option to boost blood circulation in the baby’s body; and help with relaxing the breathing of the baby. All of this ultimately has positive and soothing effects on strained muscles and tired body of the baby. And a better sleep is guranteed!
5. Stomach issues are relieved due to almond oil massage
A common sickness that becomes a nightmare for both the baby and the parents during the first few years is stomach infection. A massage is also effective to relieve constipation in babies, which is a common issue.
If your baby is prone to stomach problems, then massaging your baby with almond oil regularly will provide relief to your baby. All you need to do is a simple tummy massage with the use of almond oil and your baby will be well in no time.
Related Reading: How To Use Orange Juice For Baby Constipation
6. Skin infections can be kept at bay with almond oil
Any sort of skin infection like psoriasis, eczema or allergy and itching that your baby might experience can create hassle for you. Once these infections start, your baby might suffer a lot with pain and irritation all over the body.
So to avoid such infections and protect your baby, you must utilize almond oil for massaging your baby.
7. Almond oil gets cradle cap under control
Inflammatory skin condition of the baby’s scalp is called cradle cap. In this condition, the scalp gets covered with flaky and dry patches. Sometimes, these patches can develop crusts, which can make you worried. Although cradle cap goes away on its own and is not painful, you’d be looking forward to getting rid of them as soon as possible.
Instead of letting this condition go out of hand, you can massage the scalp with almond oil. Massaging the baby’s scalp with almond oil gently can soften the crusts. They can then be washed away the next day with a gentle baby shampoo. The healing properties of almond oil (as it contains fatty acids) will definitely bring cradle cap under control.
Related Reading: 13 Baby Hygiene Tips – From Head To Toe
8. Healthy and thick hair with almond oil massage
Many mothers worry that their babies are not born with a thick mane. Just like adults’ hair needs care; even your baby’s hair and scalp requires pampering and nourishment. The best way to do so is by using almond oil for baby massage and scalp massage.
Due to the presence of magnesium, Omega-3 fatty acid, potassium and Vitamin E, almond oil strengthens baby’s hair and also combats hair fall.
9. It is a good substitute for sunscreen lotions
Sunlight especially direct sunlight can be harmful for the baby’s skin. So you might think about investing in a sunscreen lotion for your baby. But instead of that, why not opt for a natural sunscreen? That’s true, almond oil can prevent damage from the sun’s harmful UV rays, claims studies.
Almond oil for massaging a baby is a very good substitute for sunscreen lotion because it has SPF5 which will protect your baby’s skin.
10. Almond oil contributes to muscle and bone strength
Oil massages are supposed to promote more movement within the muscles and the bones and also enhance blood circulation in these areas. The oil you utilize is supposed to help develop the muscles and bone of the baby’s body. Studies have been done in this regard that support the claim.
Almond oil is one such oil that serves the purpose of strengthening bones and muscles. Almond oil promotes bone development and bone formation. This is because it contains the correct proportion of calcium, potassium, Vitamin D, copper, phosphorous and magnesium.
11. Utility of almond oil is all throughout the year
Would you not prefer to opt for massaging oil that can be used all through the year? Would it not make your life a whole lot easier? Well, almond oil is that massaging oil which can be used in any season. In this way, you do not have to switch the oil from one to another.
For summer months, it is suitable because it is not greasy and in winter months, almond oil helps combat dry skin.
12. Almond oil nurtures nail growth
Apart from having positive influences on the bones, muscles, skin etc., nails are another part of the baby’s body that reap benefits of almond oil massage. This is because of Vitamin E, Vitamin D, potassium and zinc present in the right quantity in almond oil. So when you use almond oil for massaging a baby, nail growth and strength is also nurtured.
How To Choose The Right Almond Oil For Baby Massage?
Now that you are aware of the myriad benefits of using almond oil for baby massage, it is time you learn how to rightly use the oil for such massages. First of all, you must be wondering whether almond oil is safe for your baby or not? Let us help you with this.
Almond oil has two variants, sweet almond oil and bitter almond oil. Sweet almond oil is edible and perfectly safe for your baby, while the bitter variant is more for medicinal and aromatherpay purposes. This is because sweet almond oil is a non-evaporating carrier oil whereas bitter almond oil is an essential oil that is volatile in nature.
Always go with sweet almond oil for massaging your baby.
How To Use Almond Oil For Baby Massage?
Massaging a baby basically involves gentle strokes across all body parts. Warming the oil a little is always advised, and before your apply it on your baby check that it is not hot for your little one’s skin.
You can massage your baby with almond oil every day either before a bath or after a bath, as per your preferences. A lot of people prefer massaging twice, once before bath and once before sleeping in the night, as massaging helps babies sleep better.
For massaging the scalp, circular motions can be used. While for massaging baby’s body, take few drops of almond oil on your palm; rub it and then start with the arms moving to shoulder, chest, legs and back accordingly.
What Are The Risks Of Massaging A Baby With Almond Oil?
Since almond oil is extracted from a nut, there is high possibility of an allergy cropping up. This is because your baby might be allergic to any kind of nuts or products made out of nuts. The nose, the eyes and ears are the parts of the baby’s body which have to be kept away from almond oil. The reason behind this is that, oil in these parts can lead to serious infections.
Apart from that, excess of almond oil for massaging a baby can cause itchiness and rashes. So always ensure that the excess is wiped off by you using a cloth. Regardless of the little risks associated with almond oil, it is one of the best massaging oils.
Give almond oil a chance, especially the sweet oil variety and you will notice tremendous development in your baby’s body. Do not forget to share the experience you had with the use of almond oil for baby massage.
FAQs
Usage of almond oil has been a part and parcel of the Ayurveda praxis and even traditional medicines in India. Therefore, it is considered to be having exceptional healing and soothing properties. Due to these properties and rich nutrients, it has been used traditionally as baby massage oil as well.
During the summer months, your baby might be feeling hot due to the weather. Your might wonder if almond oil is safe. Actually, it is safe to massage a baby with almond all all through the year.
Absolutely not, it does just the opposite. It can help restore your baby’s natural complexion. It can remove tan and protect your baby from sunlight as well. It actually enhances the skin tone because it contains Vitamin E.
Some of the good brands of almond oil for baby massage that are a definite hit among the parents are: Forest Essentials, Blue Nectar, Ryaal, Johnsons, Ancient Living and Indus Valley.