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How to choose massage oil?

Since the times of our ancestors, grandmothers stress on the need to massage newborn babies on a regular basis. In the recent past, it has been scientifically proven why massages are a must for growing babies. However, choosing an essential oil is an extremely important step.

Firstly, the oil should be 100% natural and a pure essential oil. It should not be mixed with other oils, fragrances or perfumes which may irritate the baby’s skin as it is very sensitive. Hence, it is better if the oil is organic in nature. Secondly, the essential oil has to be diluted depending on the age of the baby. A baby under two years old requires a more diluted form of the oil as compared to babies who are over the age of two years.

Must use oils and their massage benefits:

• Chamomile: Chamomile is one of the most commonly used essential oil for massaging babies because of its sweet scent.It is extracted from the flowers of the chamomile plant.Since the immunity system of the baby is quite weak, massages in chamomile oil help stimulate the immune system. It also soothes and calms the baby, reduces anxiousness and relaxes the nervous system of the baby. Chamomile is great to cure insomnia and hence ensuring that the baby gets its undisturbed sleep.

• Dill oil: The dill essential oil is obtained by steaming dried seeds of the dill plant. This oil has numerous health benefits and can be used both internally and externally. However, babies are often massaged with this oil as it is very light on the skin. The oil behaves as an antiseptic on the skin, protecting the newborn baby from any form of infections. It also has a calming effect on the nervous system and the brain of the baby that ensures that the baby does not cry too much and sleeps well.

• Yarrow oil: Yarrow essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the Yarrow flowers. This oil has a very earthy and refreshing scent to it, which babies tend to like. They have many amazing properties that make them one of the best oils for a massage. It has a powerful anti oxidant capacity and ensures that the skin is soft, supple and free from all bacteria and germs. It also strengthens the delicate joints in the arms and legs of the baby. If the baby develops fever, a massage in this oil helps calm down the fever and reduces anxiety.

• Lavender oil: The lavender essential oil is a multi-purpose essential oil used to massage babies that is under two months old. One of the main advantages of massaging babies in lavender oil is to give relief to stiff joints and help strengthen them. Also, for babies that suffer from respiratory problems such as incessant whooping cough and chest congestion, at a young age, this oil gives instant relief and comfort. It also improved blood circulation in the body of the baby, relieving the baby from all anxiousness and increases the oxygen intake to the brain.

• Mandarin oil: Mandarins or citrus fruits are commonly called as Mandarin Oranges. This oil is extracted by cold compressing the peel of the fruits and is commonly used on babies between the ages of 2 months and 6 months. The mandarin oil is antiseptic in nature and thus protects the baby against fungal and viral infections.It also regulates the circulation of blood and lymph in the body, thus ensuring that the baby has smooth, supple and glowing skin always. This essential oil is said to help growth of new cells and tissues and heal any wounds big or small efficiently. It also has sedative properties which helps calm the baby effectively.

Thus, massages are baby's best friend as they contribute to the all around development of the baby. It also gives time for the baby and the mother to bond in an emotional way, which is definitely a win-win!