Walk down the baby aisle of any South African pharmacy and you will find shelves of baby oils, lotions and massage blends. So which oil is best for baby massage, and do you even need one? This guide explains what IAIM instructors recommend, what the research says about oils on young skin, how to do a patch test, and the products best left on the shelf.
Do you need oil for baby massage?
No. Oil simply helps your hands glide so the strokes feel smooth rather than draggy. Many parents massage over a vest or use no oil at all, especially in the first month when a newborn’s skin is still developing its protective barrier. If your baby has dry skin, eczema or a skin condition, check with your clinic or doctor before using any product.
What the research says about oils on baby skin
Advice on oils has changed over the years. A pilot randomised trial at the University of Manchester, published in Acta Dermato-Venereologica in 2016, compared olive oil, sunflower oil and no oil on newborn skin twice a day for four weeks. Both oils improved skin hydration, but they slowed the development of the skin’s protective lipid layer compared with no oil. The researchers concluded that caution is needed when recommending oils for newborn skin until more research is done.
The NCT also notes that most research has looked at daily skincare rather than occasional massage, so the effect of a small amount of oil a few times a week may be different. The practical takeaway: use very little, choose carefully and watch your baby’s skin.
What makes a good baby massage oil?
- Unscented. Babies recognise their parents partly by smell, and strong scents can irritate skin and over-stimulate.
- Cold-pressed and plant-based. Cold-pressed oils are less processed. IAIM instructors generally recommend an unscented, cold-pressed fruit or vegetable oil.
- Edible. Babies put their hands in their mouths, so choose an oil that would be safe if swallowed in small amounts.
- Free from common allergens if your baby has eczema or a family history of allergies. Avoid nut-based oils such as peanut oil.
Your instructor will talk you through options available locally and help you choose one that suits your baby’s skin. That kind of tailored advice is one reason parents value an IAIM baby massage class.
Oils and products to avoid
- Essential oils and aromatherapy blends. They are highly concentrated and can irritate a baby’s skin and airways. Use them only under expert medical guidance.
- Mineral oil (petroleum-based “baby oil”). It sits on the skin rather than absorbing and is not edible.
- Perfumed lotions and creams. Fragrance is a common cause of skin reactions.
- Nut oils for babies with eczema, broken skin or allergies in the family.
- Mustard oil, a traditional massage oil in some cultures, which can be harsh on young skin.
How to do a patch test
- Rub a drop of the oil onto a small area of your baby’s skin, such as the inside of the wrist or the thigh.
- Wait about 30 minutes and watch for redness, a rash, swelling or any sign of discomfort.
- If there is any reaction, wash the area with water and do not use that oil.
Repeat the test whenever you change products.
How much oil to use
Less than you think. Pour about half a teaspoon into your palm, rub your hands together to warm it and apply only to the part of the body you are massaging. Never pour oil directly onto your baby. Keep oil away from the face and eyes, and remember that an oiled baby is slippery: always keep one hand on your baby and be careful when lifting them afterwards.
Putting it into practice
Once you have chosen an oil, try our step-by-step newborn massage guide or a calming bedtime massage routine. If your baby is unwell or has a skin infection, skip the massage that day. Our guide to when not to massage your baby explains why.
For hands-on guidance with products available in South Africa, book a class with a Certified Infant Massage Instructor near you.
Sources
- Cooke A, Cork MJ, Victor S et al. Olive oil, sunflower oil or no oil for baby dry skin or massage: a pilot, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 2016.
- NCT. Baby massage: tips and benefits.
This article is general information and not a substitute for medical advice.
