Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Baby Massage

Becoming a parent is a wonderful experience filled with moments of joy and a deep desire to provide the best for your little toddler. Those gentle baby coos and their soft skin are something that you cannot get enough of. 

But beyond all the cuddles, we, as parents, always worry about how to best protect their delicate skin. Instead of relying on store-bought chemical-infused products for premature newborns, toddlers or new babies’ health, our elders have always believed in one natural massage oil. 

You can moisturise your baby’s skin and also treat common skin problems such as dry skin, irritation, insect bites, dry scalp, and even diaper rash. Wondering how? Well, coconut oil for oil massage is your perfect rescue. 

 

Yes, we're talking about the oldest massage oil- virgin coconut oil. It's not only a healthy food ingredient but also a gentle, effective, and safe option for newborn massages. 

In a study of over 2200 preterm infants published in the Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, coconut oil application improved skin development and neurodevelopmental outcomes compared to a control group.

Would you like to learn more about how coconut oil can benefit your infant or baby's skin? Keep reading this blog to learn the numerous benefits of oil massage and why coconut oil massage for infants is what you need now.

 

Table of Contents: 

1. Benefits of Coconut Oil Massage for Infants
2. Why is Coconut Oil Highly Preferred for Baby Massage?
3. How to Choose the Right Coconut Oil for Infant Massage
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Baby Massage with Coconut Oil
5. What to Avoid When Choosing Oils for Infant Massage
6. Conclusion
7. Frequently Asked Questions 

Benefits of Coconut Oil Massage for Infants

“A Healthy Baby Is A Happy Baby!”

Coconut massage oil is excellent for skincare as well as to create a loving, comforting environment for your baby. There are plenty of coconut oil massage benefits if your baby is very young. 

Here’s why parents are advised to use this oil regularly for their newborn massage:

To create a sense of bonding with your baby

A gentle massage with coconut oil allows for magical moments of bonding. The giggles, eye contact, and closeness you share during these sessions help create a secure emotional connection, making your baby feel loved and protected. It’s a beautiful way to communicate without words, building trust and affection from an early age.

It helps babies relax and sleep better

Babies thrive on routine, and a soothing massage with vitamin-rich coconut oil can relax their muscles and calm their minds. This helps establish a smooth bedtime routine, allowing your little one to sleep soundly and peacefully through the night.

It gives them soft and hydrated skin

Coconut oil is packed with vitamins that deeply moisturize your baby’s delicate skin, leaving it soft, smooth, and well-hydrated. Regular massage also protects their skin from dryness, irritation, and common skin issues like eczema, promoting healthy skin development.

Keeps their tummy happy and healthy 

A tummy massage with coconut oil can help relieve colic and gas, keeping your baby's digestive system happy. It soothes discomfort and reduces fussiness, ensuring your baby has fewer restless nights and more cheerful days.

It helps cleanse and protect delicate skin

Coconut oil is gentle yet effective in removing dirt and dead skin cells from your baby’s skin without causing dryness. It acts like a mini-spa, cleansing their skin while maintaining moisture, leaving your baby feeling fresh and soft all day.

Treats diaper rash and skin irritations

Coconut oil’s natural antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent remedy for diaper rash and minor skin irritations. Applying it during massage not only soothes these discomforts but also provides a protective barrier, keeping your baby’s skin healthy and rash-free.

It supports the baby’s healthy hair growth

Massaging coconut oil into your baby's scalp promotes blood circulation and stimulates hair follicles, encouraging healthy hair growth. It’s a simple yet effective way to nourish their scalp and ensure even, thick hair development in those crucial early stages.

It helps soothe their gums during teething 

When teething starts, babies experience gum discomfort and irritation. Gently rubbing a small amount of coconut oil on your baby's gums can ease the pain and provide comfort during this challenging phase.

It relieves chest congestion 

Babies are not very immune to seasonal colds and respiratory discomfort. A gentle baby massage with coconut oil on the chest and back can help relieve chest congestion, making the baby feel more comfortable during cold spells.

It creates a bonding experience

When you use coconut oil for babies or newborn massage, you and your infant baby experience a special bonding time. This develops an emotional connection and gives them a sense of security.

So, grab that bottle of the best newborn oil- virgin coconut oil from AsmitA Organic Farms and enjoy those precious moments with your baby! If you are not sure how to start an infant or newborn massage, keep reading this blog. 

Recommended Article: Benefits of ghee for infants

 

Why is Coconut Oil Highly Preferred for Baby Massage?

   

It is the most natural moisturiser:

You don't have to spend hours looking for any fancy baby products. Newborn massage with coconut oil is the easiest way to keep your baby's skin soft and supple without exposing it to harsh chemicals.

It is completely safe & chemical-free:

It's gentle on sensitive baby skin, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and irritation in babies. 

It has healing properties:

Coconut oil has vitamins, natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that help in healing baby’s skin irritations.

It is rich in nutrients:

Coconut oil has essential fatty acids and vitamins that help nourish and strengthen your baby's skin.

It is easily absorbed:

Coconut oil absorbs quickly into babies’ skin, providing deep hydration without leaving a greasy residue, so you and your infant stay mess-free.

It is safe at all temperatures:

Coconut oil remains stable at room temperature and melts on contact with skin, making it easy and convenient to use on your baby.

Coconut oil has a long history of being the best newborn oil or the safest oil for newborn massage. Coconut oil adds a layer of natural protection and comfort for babies and infants.   

 

How to Choose the Right Coconut Oil for Infant Massage

As parents, we are extra careful when it comes to choosing baby products. Which is why getting coconut oil from the best organic brand in India gives your baby all the coconut oil massage benefits. 

Here’s how you can spot pure quality coconut oil: 

Look for Cold-Pressed Oil

Choose Cold-pressed coconut oil for your baby as it preserves the vital nutrients and antioxidants that nourish and protect their delicate skin, giving them the purest and most effective care possible.

Choose Organic Brands

Organic coconut oil is free from pesticides and chemicals, ensuring your infants or babies get pure, natural nourishment from the baby oil. Don’t forget to read the labels because tags can be deceptive. 

Buy Virgin or Extra Virgin Oils

Virgin or extra virgin coconut oil is less processed, preserving its beneficial properties and ensuring maximum effectiveness.

Check for Purity Signs

Always make sure the babies’ coconut oil is 100% pure and free of additives, fragrances, or preservatives that could irritate your baby's skin. It’s important to choose certified organic products over regular ones. 

Read Reviews by Users

Look for baby products with positive reviews from other parents to ensure safety, quality and effectiveness. 

Test a Small Area of Skin

Before regular use, patch test a small area of your baby’s skin to ensure there’s no allergic reaction or irritation. You can also consult with your infant’s pediatrician for the best baby oil.

Check the Smell & Texture

For good quality coconut oil massage for babies, you should buy one that has a light, pleasant scent and a smooth, non-gritty texture.

Always Read the Certification

Check the label for reputed certifications like India Organic, Jaivik Bharat, etc, so you know your baby’s coconut oil massage is all about quality. Always choose certified organic products for best benefits of oil massage. 

Recommended Article: Benefits of Almond Butter for Babies

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Baby Massage with Coconut Oil

Many new parents find themselves wondering how to look after the baby. If you are a parent wondering how to massage your precious little one, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you. 

As per Indian Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines for Pediatric Skin Care, “Babies massaged with oil showed less stress behavior and lower cortisol levels than those who were given massage without oil.”

When used correctly, coconut oil works wonders for newborn massage. To get the best coconut oil massage benefits, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Ambience

Choose a warm, quiet room where both of you can relax for your newborn massage. Have a towel or soft blanket ready to lay your baby on. 

2. Warm the Coconut Oil a Little 

Pour a small amount of coconut oil into your palm and rub them together to warm the oil. Coconut oil melts easily at body temperature, making it best for newborn massage.

3. Start with their Legs 

Gently rub the oil between your palms. Start with the baby’s leg, using long, gentle strokes from the thigh to the ankle. Use circular motions around the baby’s thighs and knees.

4. Massage the Tummy

Gently massage your baby’s tummy in clockwise circles to help with digestion and gas relief. Be gentle and avoid pressing too hard.

5. Move to the Arms

Apply more oil if needed, and use long strokes from the baby’s shoulders to the wrists. Use gentle circular motions around the shoulders and elbows.

6. Focus on the Back

Gently turn your baby onto their tummy. Use long strokes from the neck down to the buttocks, and then move to circular motions on the back.

7. Massage the Face and Head

Use your fingertips to gently massage your baby’s forehead, cheeks, and scalp. Be extra gentle around the soft spots on your baby’s head.

After the coconut oil massage for the body is done, wrap your baby in a soft towel and cuddle them close. This is a great time to enjoy some quiet bonding time. Pay attention to your baby’s reactions. If they seem uncomfortable or fussy, stop the massage and try again later.

Try to make coconut oil massage a part of your daily routine, such as before bedtime or after a bath, to help your babies relax and sleep better. Choose only high-quality ingredients from organic brands like AsmitA Organic Farms. 

 

What to Avoid When Choosing Oils for Infant Massage

There are a few things you’ll want to steer clear of to ensure their delicate skin stays safe and healthy:

Artificial Fragrances and Perfumes

While scented oils might seem appealing, they can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. Always opt for fragrance-free or naturally scented oils to avoid allergic reactions.

Mineral Oils or Petroleum-Based Products

These oils may create a barrier on your baby's skin, trapping moisture but also preventing it from breathing properly. Choose plant-based oils like coconut or olive oil for a more natural option.

Harsh Chemicals and Preservatives

Avoid oils with added chemicals, parabens, sulfates, or synthetic ingredients, as they can disrupt the skin’s natural barrier and lead to dryness or irritation.

Unrefined, Low-Quality Oils

Always choose cold-pressed, high-quality oils to ensure they retain all their beneficial nutrients. Lower-quality oils may be less effective and could even introduce impurities onto your baby's skin.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can ensure your baby’s massage routine is safe, soothing, and beneficial!

 

Conclusion

Every baby’s skin has its own unique needs, so it’s important to find an oil that works best for your little one. Always watch how your baby's skin responds and choose an oil that keeps them comfortable and nourished.

Each coconut oil massage session with your newborn babies is a bonding experience filled with giggles and coos. With regular baby massage, you're nurturing their physical health and also strengthening their emotional connection with you. Our virgin coconut oil and all our cold-pressed oils are filled with nutrients in every bottle. 

You can also find a range of nutritious ready-to-eat snacks, hand-churned A2 Ghee, and other healthy products that new moms and expectant women can enjoy while nourishing their precious babies and infants early on. Explore our chemical-free range of products on our website.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I massage my baby?

 It's generally recommended to massage your baby once a day, preferably before bath time or bedtime, to help them relax and sleep better.

2. Which oil is best for baby massage?

Natural oils like cold pressed virgin coconut oil, olive, and almond oil are great choices. They are gentle, nourishing, and free from harmful chemicals.

3. Can I massage my baby if they have sensitive skin?

Yes, but always do a patch test first. Apply a small amount of coconut oil to a tiny area of your baby's skin and wait for 24 hours to check for any reactions.

4. At what age can I start massaging my baby?

You can start coconut oil massage for your baby in the first few weeks after birth. Just be gentle and use light, soothing strokes.