Packed with a variety of useful properties such as Vitamin A and E, minerals and fatty acids, almond oil is one of the most favoured options among parents to massage their little angels with. But is almond oil safe for babies?
Available in two types, sweet almond oil for the baby is the safer choice when compared to its counterpart, bitter almond oil. This is because sweet almond oil is edible and thus offers no danger if accidentally consumed by your baby.
However, the wise step would be to take certain precautions while massaging, which we shall talk about further ahead.
Benefits of Almond Oil for Babies
While almond oil for baby massage remains the gold standard, it is quite understandable if you’re still wondering ‘Can almond oil be used for babies?’. To put your doubts to rest, here are a few of the several benefits of massaging your little ones with almond oil.
To Care for Your Baby’s Skin
Almond oil is great to keep your baby’s skin smooth and supple, as it contains loads of vitamins like A, B6 and E, which play a vital role in preventing skin problems such as rashes and eczema. Moreover, clinical research conducted in 2020 concluded that almond oil greatly improves the thickness and strength of baby skin.
To Nourish Your Baby’s Hair
Massaging the scalp nourishes your little one’s hair and ensures that they grow to be strong and healthy, and can also nip hair fall in the bud. Massage tenderly in a circular motion with your fingertips.
Helps in Relaxation
A gentle massage just before bedtime is an amazing way to make your angel sleep peacefully. It relaxes their weary limbs and helps enhance essential processes like breathing and blood circulation.
Makes Bones Stronger
Almond oil contains important properties such as vitamin D, potassium and calcium. This makes almond oil good for the overall growth of your baby and also helps in developing the bones of your little one.
Good Moisturiser
Sweet almond oil has a delicate texture, which makes it very easy to use. Applying almond oil for baby massage is essential to soothe their sensitive skin and keep dryness at bay, especially during winters.
Relief from Indigestion
Infants are highly susceptible to stomach problems that can be the cause of lots of pain and discomfort. A calming massage with sweet almond oil serves to improve your little one’s digestive system and helps remove gas, so remember to tenderly massage your baby’s tummy before feeding time.
How To Massage Baby Using Almond Oil
Now that you’re aware of the remarkable benefits of almond oil for baby massage, let’s read up on the best and safest way to massage your little one. Note that to yield the finest results, the steps involved require proper care and use of the best almond oil for baby massage.
Firstly, warm the sweet almond oil. Then, lay a clean towel on your lap or a comfortable surface like the bed and place your baby on top of it.
After pouring a little oil onto your palm, massage your baby by placing it around one of their thighs and gently running it down to their feet and soles. The same method is ideal for massaging their arms as well.
While massaging your baby’s chest, you must keep your palms together over the centre and slowly massage outwards, covering their shoulders. Follow the same method downwards to massage the tummy. You may repeat this 2-4 times.
Then, turn your angel over to make them lie down on their tummy. Placing your palms below the neck, move them toward the waist gently. As we have to be mindful of the little’s one spine, remember to not rub the baby’s back.
Precautions to be Taken During Baby Massage
We must take certain precautions while and before massaging to ensure our baby’s safety and comfort. Let’s take a look:
- Always checking the expiry date before applying the oil helps keep you and your little one safe from any infections.
- Before massaging your baby, find out if your family has a history of nut allergy, as there is a possibility of it being passed down. In case of an allergy, consulting an expert is strongly suggested.
- Using excess oil can result in rashes, so refrain from applying a dollop onto your baby’s skin, and wipe off the excess oil with a clean napkin or a bath.
Being incredibly beneficial and safe for your little ones makes almond oil good for baby massage. It is also an accessible and convenient option for many as it can be found in the market or online with ease.