Sometimes, you just want to use a few massage strokes to send your baby off to sleep in your arms. Massage can be done with or without oil or lotion and even over your baby’s clothes. Communicating your nurturing, loving touch is the main idea here. Skin to skin contact is a delightful and meaningful part of the massage experience between a caregiver and child. Many commercial baby massage oils and lotions exist to help your hands slide gently on your baby’s delicate skin. There are studies showing that babies will tolerate massage better when some type of lotion or oil is used. Seems obvious enough. But how do you choose?
In my classes, participants receive a small bottle of oil. It doesn’t come in a fancy container and it doesn’t smell pretty. Actually, it has no scent at all. It’s grapeseed oil and it can be purchased at most grocery stores right beside the olive oil you would purchase to dress your salad. In fact, you can use some of that same olive oil to massage your baby. It has more of a scent than grapeseed oil and it’s a little heavier, but it is very warming and feels great in the winter on dry skin. You’ll find some other ones there to boot! Apricot oil, coconut oil and jojoba oil are great too!
I like to encourage the use of natural, vegetable or fruit based oils for massaging your baby. A baby’s new skin cells will absorb more than an adult’s, so it’s important to know that what you are using is chemical and additive free. Mineral and petroleum based products will sit on baby’s skin and they tend to clog pores. Oils will stay on your hands longer than lotions and they are generally more warming. Eventually, tiny fingers and toes will make their way into your baby’s mouth during the massage. In fact this is your baby’s way of saying “I like this, keep going!” So if you’re using an edible oil, there are no worries about what your baby is licking off. Look for oils that are cold pressed, since this is a chemical free method of extraction. And although most of us love the amazing smell of lavender based products, unscented oils are best, since a baby can easily recognize a caregiver’s scent and this contributes to bonding and attachment. As well, remember that young infants are easily over-stimulated. And while you and I would relish at the thought of a great massage with a wonderfully scented oil and some beautiful music in the background, involving all your baby’s senses may just prove to be too much for your little one. Keeping it simple and natural is always a good idea.
What’s one more added bonus to using natural fruit/vegetable based oils on your baby? Your own hands will thank you too!
What do you use to massage your baby? Do you use it on your own skin as well?
