Benefits Of Coconut Oil Massage For Newborn Babies
Irrespective of age, coconut oil is a go to option for many. That said, babies can benefit from it in abundance. Here are a few benefits of massaging your newborn with coconut oil:- Keeps Skin Barrier Intact: According to the Indian Academy of Pediatrics, vegetable oils such as olive oil and mustard oil, are detrimental to the barrier function of the skin. Hence, using oils like coconut oil is great to keep the skin barrier intact and lock in moisture for good hydration.
- Reduces Pain: Babies too go through their fair share of pain, be it insect bites or vaccines. With a good massage, babies are more likely to sleep well and cry less.
- Antimicrobial & Anti-inflammatory: There has been a rich tradition and various studies supporting the use of coconut oil for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It soothes the skin when applied to rashes, bruises, and other skin irritations like eczema. Its anti-inflammatory properties along with the right form of massage can give increased bone strength, better sleep, and nourish hair.
- Clears Cradle Cap: The best coconut oil for baby massage in India can help in sealing moisture in the skin, hence it is great for babies with a cradle cap.
- Increases Weight: Research says preterm infants and full-term newborns who received massages with coconut oil gained weight and length much more quickly.
Top Rated Coconut Oils For Baby Massage
1. Best for Baby Rash: Luvlap Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Baby Massage Oil
Using this virgin coconut oil to massage your baby brings your baby much needed relief and prevention from rashes. Rashes are a common phenomenon because of diaper usage. The presence of anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and moisturising properties softens your baby’s skin helping it remain rash-free. Furthermore, it includes medium-chain fatty acids that can aid in protein-rich hair. This coconut oil is also unrefined and unbleached, making sure your baby’s skin and scalp receive nutrients in their purest form. Lastly, it aids in loosening the cradle cap of your baby.
Key Ingredients: Virgin coconut oil
Unique feature: Medium-chain fatty acids
Pros: Cold-press, non-sticky
Cons: There could be leaks if not handled with care
Our Rating: 4/5 | Price: ₹79
2. Best for Soft Skin: KLF Nirmal Virgin Baby Coconut Oil
Here is a coconut oil that helps your baby’s skin receive all the good nutrients to keep it soft and supple. It has moisturising properties like lauric acid that help your baby’s skin stay healthy and strong. Additionally, massaging your baby with this oil helps release happy hormones like oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins that aid in relaxation. It also helps to keep your baby’s skin barrier intact and locks hydration to minimise any water loss. Furthermore, thanks to its anti-fungal and soothing benefits, you can stop worrying about diaper rashes, dryness, or itching from Eczema.
Key Ingredients: Virgin coconut oil, extra virgin coconut oil
Unique feature: Non-sticky
Pros: Aids in hair growth, cold pressed
Cons: The cap needs to be handled gently
Our Rating: 4.2/5 | Price: ₹325
3. Best for Newborns: OYO BABY Coconut Oil
Oyo Baby coconut oil is suitable for all skin types, particularly sensitive skin as it is hypoallergenic and irritant-free. It contains no chemicals and is perfect for massaging your infant. It has been meticulously formulated to nourish delicate and developing skin. This FDA-approved premium coconut oil is made from carefully selected organic coconuts. This ensures that your child receives pure nutrients such as vitamin E, which moisturises, softens, and calms your baby's skin. Lastly, by using the proper massage techniques and the 100% natural goodness of coconuts, your infant can benefit from improved bone strength and healthy hair.
Key Ingredients: Natural coconut oil
Unique feature: Allergen-free fragrance
Pros: No parabens and SLS
Cons: The lid makes it a bit difficult to use
Our Rating: 4.3/5 | Price: ₹261
4. Best for Moisturising: BabyButtons Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
This coconut oil is a daily moisturising agent that can give relief and protection from eczema, and it can help get rid of your baby’s cradle cap. It is completely vegan and contains healthy fatty acids that provide complete natural benefits to your baby's hair and skin. Many babies enjoy their massage time comfortably with this oil since it has no mineral oil, colour, or preservatives. It helps to soothe irritated skin and reduce rashes, thanks to its non-greasy and easily absorbing features. Additionally, it encourages hair growth and helps combat dry or chapped lips. Lastly, the good nutrients of coconuts are preserved in this pack of two bottles, thanks to the cold process extraction technology.
Key Ingredients: Extra virgin coconut oil
Unique feature: Non-greasy
Pros: No Mineral oil, or fragrances.
Cons: The smell could be a bit strong for some babies
Our Rating: 4.3/5 | Price: ₹420
5. Best for Herbal Benefits: Himalaya Coconut Baby Massage Oil
This specially developed oil has a unique composition of oils and herbs that nourish the skin and enhance its shine. Frequent application of this massage oil may help in strengthening muscles, increase blood flow, and promote the baby's overall growth. Its ayurvedic ingredients, like coconut oil, have a history of strengthening the body and preserving good skin. While olive oil is believed to nourish, protect, and soften a baby's skin. Additionally, the winter cherry in the oil is also known to soothe and condition the skin. Because the oil is free of mineral oil, parabens, and synthetic colours, it is mild and reliable for use on infants. Overall, it offers gentle care and nourishment to your baby's skin. Here’s a video to understand how to use Himalaya Coconut Baby Oil.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil infused with mustard, olive oil, winter cherry, vetiver, aloe vera, and country mallow.
Unique feature: Cooling properties
Pros: Inspired by tradition, nourishment from multiple herbs.
Cons: No concerns
Our Rating: 4/5 | Price: ₹84
6. Best in Cold-Pressed: Max Care Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil
This oil is one of the best virgin coconut oils for baby massage because it is made from freshly extracted, cold-pressed coconut milk. It is completely natural and unprocessed, making it safe for your baby's skin. You can use it as a massage oil, to remove your baby's cradle cap, and in a variety of other ways to nurture your baby's skin. Also, its all-natural composition does wonders to soothe diaper rashes. It's also a fantastic moisturiser, making it perfect for treating dry skin. Last but not least, this virgin coconut oil contains fatty acids and antioxidants that support cell growth and provide your baby with beautiful skin and hair.
Key Ingredients: Virgin coconut oil
Unique feature: Boosts scalp health
Pros: Unbleached, can be used for cooking too
Cons: Some may not like the fragrance of this oil
Our Rating: 4/5 | Price: ₹338
7. Best with Lauric Acid: Hathmic Raw Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
This coconut oil, which contains more than 50% lauric acid, aids in your baby's hair absorbing all the necessary nutrients. Because it contains no dangerous ingredients and is packaged in a glass bottle for optimal hygiene, it is safe to use on the delicate skin of babies. Antioxidants from the fresh coconut milk of organically ripened coconuts are abundant in this extra virgin raw coconut oil. Since it is unprocessed, unfiltered, and unbleached, your baby is bound to enjoy their massage time and receive the best benefits.
Key Ingredients: Raw Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Unique feature: Nutrient rich
Pros: Cold press, Non-GMO
Cons: The fragrance may be a bit strong for some.
Our Rating: 4/5 | Price: ₹615
8. Best in Copra Oil: HAYYAN Unrefined Cold Pressed Coconut Oil
There are many types of coconut oils and copra oil is one of them. Copra refers to sun-dried coconuts. After drying, the oil is extracted from copra and it goes through a natural sedimentation process. It also has an increased shelf life thanks to its natural drying process. Using this as a massage oil for your baby will help in nourishing your baby’s skin and hair. Its moisturising properties also help in keeping dry skin away. Last but not least, it is harmless even if your infant ingests it because it does not include any artificial flavours or smells.
Key Ingredients: Cold-pressed coconut oil
Unique feature: Sulphur-Free
Pros: Unrefined, free from artificial chemicals
Cons: The smell may be a bit strong for some
Our Rating: 4/5 | Price: ₹425
9. Best for Sensitive Skin: Prakrta Tender Skin Baby Oil
Here is a soothing oil extracted from tender coconut milk. The formula is supported with avocado oil that helps in keeping your baby’s sensitive skin moisturised for a longer duration. In addition, the presence of vitamin E protects your baby’s skin from moisture loss, UV rays, and harmful pollutants. The oil doesn’t have any harmful additives like petroleum or unnecessary fragrances. Hence. you can rest assured that you are giving your baby one of the best coconut oil for baby massage in India.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, avocado oil, vitamin E
Unique feature: Suits sensitive skin
Pros: Eco-friendly, no mineral oil, suits all skin types.
Cons: The lid may not be very convenient.
Our Rating: 4.4/5 | Price: ₹380
10. Best in Non-Sticky: Kama Ayurveda Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil
The non-sticky formula of this oil works better with babies who do not like the sticky texture of other oils. The Kama Ayurveda extra virgin organic coconut oil has a pleasant tropical coconut aroma and gets absorbed in your baby's skin quickly making it smooth. This coconut comes to you in a pure and natural form thanks to its cold press extraction that ensures no nutrients are lost in the process. Adding to its safety, the oil is processed without synthetic fertilisers and pesticides making it good to use on delicate skin.
Key Ingredients: Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Unique feature: Provides hair lustre
Pros: Cold-pressed, EU certified
Cons: No concerns
Our Rating: 4.4/5 | Price: ₹895
How to Use Coconut Oil for Baby Massage
Using coconut oil for your baby’s massage is easy. Here are a few steps to follow while massaging your baby.- Hygiene: To ensure your baby is getting all the right benefits from the coconut oil massage, it is advised to wash your hands before starting the massage. Keep your nails short and take off any accessories like rings for safety.
- Routine: Babies start picking up cues hence it is great to establish a routine so that they are in the right mood and cooperate easily. You can start by choosing a spot in your home that is warm and set a fixed time preferably at least 45 minutes post-feeding to avoid vomiting. You can also start by letting your baby know that you will be massaging them, this helps them get used to the process easily. If you have a crying or very active baby, it is better to move in the direction they are moving and not against it to ensure they are not hurt.
- Warm Oil: By warming the oil, it becomes more convenient for the oil to go deeper into your baby’s skin.
- Massage: Start with gentle strokes. As your baby is accustomed to the massage, you can gradually increase the pressure with soft strokes. Avoid applying excessive pressure that won't be of much use to the baby as they won't be able to relax. Avoiding sensitive parts like the eyes, ears, and navel is also advised if the umbilical cord is still attached. Here is a detailed video for better reference.
Tips for Safely Using Coconut Oil for Baby Massage
Here are some handy safety tips that you can consider while opting for a coconut oil massage for your baby.- Patch test: Babies have soft and sensitive skin that may not adjust to all types of oils. Coconut oils are natural and do not have any harmful additives. Even then, it is good to do a patch test by applying a small quantity behind your baby’s ear or elbow. This will ensure that your baby is not allergic to coconut oil.
- Type: The three main types of coconut oils are organic, virgin, and refined. Each of them in addition to more variants is sourced differently. Hence, it is always good to check the labels for properties like pure, organic, natural, and unrefined as these are more beneficial. Lastly, use coconut oil that is meant for baby massages for optimal benefits.
- Quality: Getting your hands on good quality coconut oil from trusted sources takes experience and good research. Choosing the best coconut oil for baby massage in India, which is organic and pure aids in the proper nourishment and benefits.
- Hygiene: It is crucial to wash your hands and store coconut oil in a clean place to avoid the passing of any germs through the massage.
- Use small amounts: Using a lot of coconut oil may clog your baby’s pores and it can also be challenging to get it out from your baby’s skin and hair. Hence, using just the right amount to coat your baby's skin and head is good.
Coconut oil has been passed down from generation to generation and has been a very reliable source of nourishment for babies. Choosing the best coconut oil can be overwhelming. We hope that this blog has provided you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision. With the best coconut oil for baby massage in India and the right massaging techniques, you get to meet your baby's specific needs conveniently.
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