Margaret Atwood, a famous Canadian writer, once wrote, Touch comes before sight, before speech; it is the first language and the last, and it always tells the truth.

Touch is a crucial part of human development, and especially for babies, it is essential. Baby massage oil and the idea of baby oil massages are not something new; they exist in various cultures and are still thriving. Baby care involves warm, caring touches from birth, which are essential for a child's health and emotional development. Medical research shows that touch is also beneficial for a child's emotional growth. Including baby massage in daily care routines can make infants feel safe, secure, and cared for, and it can even help calm fussy babies!

In this article, we are going to discuss the benefits of oil massages for your little ones.

The importance of touch

Many researchers believe that babies can feel touch even when they are in the womb!

Just after the delivery of your child, you might have noticed how medical professionals encouraged parents to hold the baby close to their bare skin. This is because the skin-to-skin touch gives the child the sensory input they need and comforts them. The unspoken language of touch is the most effective medium for you to communicate with your baby!

Baby massages have a long history of love, strength, and nourishment passed down through generations, but the benefits of baby massage oil go beyond that.

Benefits of baby massage oil

Positive research outcomes, changing lifestyles, and parents' desire to offer better care for their little ones have all contributed to the growing popularity of baby massage. Massaging babies is a significant source of stimulation through the sensation of touch, otherwise known as tactile stimulation, which improves development and well-being since early psychological and sensory input is critical for a baby’s development. Furthermore, this contact between your child and you will help you better understand your child, improve your parenting abilities, and benefit a baby's general health.

Bonding: Baby massage improves bonding between parent and child through eye contact, calming noises,  smiling, loving touch, caressing, and mutual engagement. According to studies, bonding strengthens a parent's attachment and desire to nurture and care for their child.

Breathing, hormones, and brain development: Oil massage can help increase the passage of oxygen and nutrients to cells, as well as improve breathing patterns and respiration. It can stimulate the production of hormones, including growth hormones, which are highly beneficial for a baby, and it can cause neurons in the brain to expand and branch out, improving the child's cognitive abilities. 

Muscle and bone growth: Baby massage oil can help your baby thrive! If you are wondering how that works, it's very simple to break down. The gentle strokes and deep-touch pressure during massage help promote blood circulation and relieve knots in the baby's body. When blood circulation improves, all bodily parts receive sufficient nutrients and proteins, which results in stronger muscles and bones and faster growth in newborns.

Skincare: Baby skin is sensitive and delicate; thus, it needs all the extra care it can get. Baby massage oil solves this problem by not only moisturising but also providing a moisture barrier to protect your baby from external pollution that could cause rashes or itching.

Sleep: Ayurveda says baby massage eases Vata Dosha and lowers tension in babies. If the parent is not present enough, the baby can suffer from nervousness and stress; this stress causes the hormone "cortisol" to be released, making it difficult for the child to sleep well. Baby massage oil can help your child feel relaxed and cherished, and thus, a soothing massage will help your little one sleep much better without suffering from tension and anxiety.

Digestion: Newborns have an underdeveloped oesophagus, making it difficult for them to burp when they have gas buildup. Babies don't always have digestive issues, even though they are fed regularly, but baby massage helps prevent any such discomfort with digestion by placing pressure on the baby's stomach and stimulating the digestive process. This stimulation helps improve digestion and bowel movements and prevents discomfort from indigestion in babies.

In conclusion, baby massage can improve the total health and development of your child. Apart from being an excellent bonding activity, it can actively aid the child's mental and physical development.

What baby massage oil should you use?

The baby massage oil market offers both synthetic and natural oils. While synthetic oils are cheaper, parents are increasingly opting for organic oils because, obviously, synthetic oils are not suitable for baby massages due to the sensitivity of baby skin. The chemicals in synthetic oil can have negative impacts on a baby’s skin barrier and cause reactions. Synthetic oils may contain artificial fragrances, which can cause other allergic reactions. Therefore, it is crucial to choose natural oils without preservatives and chemicals, such as Ayurvedic massage oils, which are safe and gentle for babies.

Coconut oil, olive oil, sesame oil, and basil oil all have anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties, whereas turmeric oil's antimicrobial qualities can help prevent skin infections, eczema, and rashes in newborns. Shea butter, on the other hand, is naturally rich in vitamins A, E, and linoleic acid. It will provide key fatty acids and nutrients required for the production of collagen, which is especially beneficial for infants. But if you are looking for an all-encompassing alternative, Qaadu’s soothing baby massage oil is an excellent choice. 

Baby oil massage is a traditional practice that has been proven to be beneficial for thousands of years, promoting healthy parent-child relationships and enhancing muscle strength, bone health, blood circulation, emotional bonding, and sleep. Choose a nourishing baby massage oil free from harmful chemicals, parabens, silicones, sulphates, and allergens, and you are good to go and create that magical bond with your little one!

Ingredients of Soothing Baby Massage Oil

• Jojoba oil: Rich in vitamin B complex and E, protects skin from dryness and damage, protects the skin’s moisture barrier.

• Almond oil: It has vitamin E and essential fatty acid, moisturizes and nourishes skin, protects from UV damage.

• Grapeseed oil: Contains oleic acid and vitamin E, nourishes skin, repairs skin’s lipid mantle, and keeps skin soft.

• Shea butter: Rich in omega 3 fatty acids and phytonutrients; helps to manage skin irritations, repair and nourish skin.

• Sandalwood oil: Has cooling and anti-inflammatory properties; cools redness, soothes dryness, brightens complexion, and calms the mind.

• Bhringaraj oil: Hydrating and can help quench dry skin.

• Amla oil: Loaded with vitamin C, and nourishes skin, protects from sun damage, and improves appearance.

• Coconut oil: Contains vitamins and essential fatty acids, repairs skin giving it smooth and soft texture.

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