We all have heard from our moms that we got nice “champi” – Oil Massage as babies from them or our grandmoms.

Our grandmothers must have been so intelligent that they included oil massage as a routine before bath for us as it offers numerous health benefits, and studies have proven that.

Here, we will cover the rationale behind the oil massage, its benefits, and the recommended baby massage oils for your babies.

What is the rationale behind the oil massage?

As per the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, the newborn’s skin is thinner, and it has reduced levels of Natural Moisturising Factor. Therefore, their skin is clinically dry, but it may not appear so.

Dry skin leads to the formation of micro and macro fissures, which allows easy penetration of bacteria as well as allergens.

So, the application of oils is highly recommended to restore the skin barrier integrity and prevent damage and infections.

Oil massage is a systematic application of touch, where you slowly and gently rub and press the newborn’s body with regularly repeated movements.

Benefits of oil massage:

• It keeps babies’ skin soft and supple and protects it from dryness and damage.
• It improves blood circulation and relaxes their muscles, which improves flexibility.
• It reduces stress hormones and calms babies, which in turn helps babies sleep well.
• It helps in enhancing food absorption, and thereby improving digestive health.

The recommended Baby Massage Oils:

Coconut Oil

• It is a very effective moisturiser. It strengthens the baby's skin barrier and prevents water loss.
• It has anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties, which protect the baby’s skin from pathogens.
• It tackles inflammation caused by skin eczema and helps soothe and calm babies’ skin.
• Therefore, it is recommended for babies as they have very sensitive skin.

Sweet Almond Oil

• It provides deep hydration to babies’ skin, especially in colder months. It absorbs quickly from the skin.
• It helps in relieving Cradle Cap in babies. Cradle Cap is a condition in which babies’ scalp develops flaky and dry patches. Massaging with almond oil on a regular basis helps remove these patches.
• It soothes babies’ skin and protects babies’ skin barrier.
• It has a great texture and has a very mild and pleasant odour.

Sesame Oil

• It is especially recommended for sensitive skin as it has antibacterial properties, which protect babies’ skin from infection.
• It soothes and nourishes babies’ skin, and protects it from dryness.
• It has anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which protect babies’ skin from external damage.

At Equals Two, we have formulated Baby Massage Oil, which has 100% natural ingredients.

It is a blend of 4 enzymatically activated oils, which provides deep penetration to keep your babies’ skin hydrated.

It contains 100% natural coconut-based oil with sesame, sweet almond, and linseed oils. It offers complete nourishment to your babies’ skin and is a perfect addition to their pre-bath routine.

Baby massage with oil is an age-old, time-tested practice, which our grandmoms rightly incorporated in our routine. It's time that we pass that on to our babies as well, and benefit from the numerous benefits it offers.

Baby massage oil needs to be selected carefully, as babies’ skin is extremely sensitive, and we do not want our newborns to get any reaction from any of the products used.

Therefore, it is recommended that parents discuss various options of baby massage oil with their babies’ paediatrician, and select the one that is best suitable for their newborn.