Massage contributes not only to the healing and treatment of various diseases, but also to the harmonious neuropsychic development of the child. Therefore, this procedure is more often used in infants. So that the movements of the hands of the masseur or mother do not bring discomfort to the delicate skin of the baby, it is recommended to use oil. There is a wide range of this product on the market. Let's try to figure out which oil is best used for massage in children.
General criteria that a baby massage product must meet:
- the oil must have a good shelf life;
- before buying, you must carefully read the description of the goods, the components that make up the oil should be only natural;
- it is better to use a product without strong odors;
- a product purchased exclusively from a pharmacy or specialized store can be considered reliable.
What oil can you massage your child with?
In ancient times, Vaseline oil was an obligatory attribute of a children's first aid kit. This product is odorless and protects the skin well. But everyone has known for a long time that petroleum jelly is a refined product. It forms a very thin film on the baby's skin, which prevents normal sweating, thereby contributing to the development of prickly heat. To avoid such an unpleasant effect, it is necessary to use the minimum amount of the product during the massage, and after the session, bathe the child.
The famous doctor Komarovsky says that oil for massage babies should be edible, and excludes the use of petroleum jelly for this purpose in children of the first two years of life.
Vegetable oils
Olive oil is used to massage children due to its content of fatty acids such as linoleic and oleic. The substance is well absorbed by the skin and eliminates the flaking that often overtakes the baby.
Peach oil is often used in the care of a small child. It is made from peach pits. Peach oil can be used to lubricate natural folds for the prevention of diaper rash and used to massage babies. The tool has anti-inflammatory, emollient effects on the skin.
Wheat germ oil will help moisturize your baby's skin. Unfortunately, it can cause allergies.
Oil is also made from such an exotic fruit as coconut. It also has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects.
Before use, the oil must be warmed in a water bath so as not to irritate the child with cold touches and for better sliding on the body surface. Some products, such as coconut oil, need to be diluted before use, as pure use may cause undesirable skin reactions.
All vegetable oils can be preferred. But it is better to use products that are specially adapted for the delicate baby skin with the help of optimally selected concentrations of substances. Such a product does not form a greasy film and is not excessively absorbed into the baby's skin, taking good care of it.
"Chicco Baby moments" (Italy) is a product based on rice bran oil containing also vitamin E and fatty acids. Suitable for skin prone to dryness, as it restores the hydrolipidic barrier. Does not contain preservatives, parabens, dyes and alcohol.
The firm "Mustela" (France) produces a product that includes avocado, pomegranate and sunflower seed oil. On the packaging it is noted that the product is 99% natural. Free of parabens, phthalates, phenoxyethanol. Moisturizes, softens and protects the skin
The manufacturer of natural cosmetics company "Weleda" (Switzerland) represents 100% natural products that do not contain synthetic ingredients, dyes, fragrances and mineral oils.
- "Oil with calendula for babies" - the basis of the product is sesame oil and extract of calendula flowers, which provide protection and nutrition for the delicate skin of the baby;
- Delicate-scented calendula oil for babies - contains extracts of calendula and chamomile to soothe skin prone to irritation.
Products are labeled as free from wheat, oat and other grains that contain gluten.
Moisturizing baby oil "Pigeon" (Japan) is produced on the basis of the Baby Lipid formula - a combination of cholesterol, isostearic acid and ceramides. This allows the product to retain moisture in the skin. Also contains jojoba seed oil. Does not include parabens, colorants or fragrances.
The above products are expensive. The following are funds that have a more democratic price, but are not inferior in quality.
One of the most advertised are the products of Jonson's Baby (USA). Represents a wide range of oils:
- the classic is composed of: liquid paraffin, isopropyl palmitate, perfume. There is a spray form;
- aloe oil. Additionally contains Barbados aloe leaf extract and vitamin E;
- "From crown to heels" with chamomile extract;
- Bedtime contains NaturalCalm's patented relaxing scent and is designed to be massaged shortly before bed.
All of the company's products are noted for retaining up to 10 times more moisture.
"Bubchen" (Germany) produces oil for babies containing soybean oil, sunflower oil, shea butter, calendula extract, citric acid, flavoring and vitamin E. Gently cares for sensitive skin.
Sanosan is another German company that produces high quality natural products with olive, almond and soybean oils, calendula, vitamin E and bisabolol, which reduce inflammation and nourish the skin.
Some mothers trust the domestic manufacturer more. Russian companies also prefer natural raw materials. But some firms do include mineral oils in their massage products. The products are generally of low cost.
Massage oils for children produced in Russia
- "Eared nanny" (sea buckthorn extract, peach oil and petroleum jelly);
- World of Childhood (olive oil and tocopherol);
- oil "Tender baby" of the line "Siberica biberica" (oil of wheat sprouts, flax, evening primrose and rose hips, oregano extract, flavoring and tocopherol);
- "Our mother" (oils: cedar, sea buckthorn, peach, wheat germ, calendula extract, vitamins A and E, flavor, isooctyl stearate, isopropyl stearate);
- "My sun" (mineral oils, sunflower, pine nut, jojoba, sea buckthorn, peanut, pine elfin, tocopherol and citric acid). Has a mark that it has been clinically tested and recommended by the Federal State Institution “Moscow Research Institute of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery of the Ministry of Health of Russia”;
- “Quack-quack” (liquid paraffin, chamomile oil, calendula oil, aloe vera).
Conclusion
Do not be frivolous about the choice of massage oil. Since a poor-quality product can harm the health of the child. Before purchasing, carefully study the composition of the product. If the product is replete with chemical ingredients, then you should not purchase such a product. The safest will be a plant-based product. Be sure to check for possible allergies by applying a small amount of oil to the child's elbow. If redness or rashes appear, it is better to refuse to use this product.
Article rating:
