Is It Safe To Use Almond Oil For Massaging A Baby?

A woman is using almond oil for her baby

Image: ShutterStock

Almond oil for baby massage is a popular choice among mothers. Though different oils can be used to massage your little one, some mothers prefer almond oil because it is a good source of multiple vitamins.

Babies gain many health benefits from regular body massages, such as improved sleep and relaxation. However, if you’re still debating on which oil to use on your baby, you may want to know more about the benefits of almond oil for your baby’s skin.

Read this post to learn more about the benefits of using almond oil for your baby’s massage and some precautions to keep in mind while doing so.

In This Article

Key Pointers

Almond oil nourishes and relaxes baby skin with vitamins and nutrients.
Massages with almond oil soothe tired muscles, decrease indigestion, and relieve dry skin.
Use the appropriate amount of oil to prevent rashes caused by excess oil.
Do not apply almond oil on the baby’s navel, eyes, ears, or nostrils.
Sweet almond oil is safe for babies who may put their hands in their mouth.

Almond Oil For Baby Skin

The oil soothes tired muscles and also relaxes your baby to sleep.

Image: Shutterstock

A regular oil massage, either before or after a baby bath, is great for the infant’s skin. Almond oil is one of the many oils for baby skin commonly used in therapeutic massages for babies. The baby oil not only nourishes skin and soothes tired muscles but also relaxes your baby to sleep. Its healing properties make it one of the ideal choices. However, you need to follow certain safety measures while massaging your baby to avoid any adverse reactions and to soak in all of its benefits.

Sweet Almond Oil For Baby Skin

Before you select the oil for a baby’s massage, you need to make sure that it will be safe for the baby’s skin. Sweet almond oil is often recommended by dermatologists and doctors as a suitable option for baby’s massage as it is not harmful even if the baby accidently puts their hand in the mouth, provided it is a natural and organic oil.

Benefits Of Using Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is loaded with a host of goodness that is perfect for your infant’s skin.

1. Rich in vitamins

The oil is rich in Vitamins A, B2 and B6. It is also a good source of Vitamin E, which is essential for healthy skin (1) (2).

2. Moisturizing

Sweet almond oil can be used as a baby moisturizer as it also possesses moisturizing, nourishing and emolliating properties (3). These keep the baby’s skin soft for long hours.

Did you know?

Animal-based studies show that almond oil’s topical application may help prevent structural damage caused by UV radiations (7).

3. Relaxing

A soothing massage with this oil will help relax your baby. Massaging a baby before bedtime is a great way to soothe those tired limbs. It improves blood circulation and helps in the breathing process. This will help your little one sleep calmly. It also helps in improving muscle tone and blood circulation in the muscles. This is especially helpful when the baby starts to crawl.

4. Reduces indigestion

Massaging with sweet almond oil reduces the chances of indigestion in babies

Image: Shutterstock

Massaging your baby with sweet almond oil reduces the chances of indigestion and upset stomach. Conditions such as colic and body aches can be managed with a good massage (3). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), approximately one-fifth of infants experience colic, typically emerging within the second to fourth weeks of life. Parents can use sweet almond oil to gently massage their baby’s tummy to manage colic.

5. Protects against dryness

As newborn babies have sensitive skin, it is quite often prone to dryness, eczema, soreness and inflammation. The risk is even greater in environments where the air is dry and dusty. Application of sweet almond oil prevents such irritations.

It also protects babies from developing rashes. Since the oil is safe for babies, it can be applied to chapped lips to make them soft.
Many babies tend to suffer from cradle cap in the first few months after birth. This is often the dry and flaky patches that you may see on the scalp. Massaging sweet almond oil gently on the affected area or the entire scalp is beneficial in relieving dryness (4). You can leave the oil for about half an hour before washing it off. Your baby’s scalp will gradually heal from the same. In case the condition still persists, make sure you take the baby for a checkup immediately.

Quick fact

Almond oil can help treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and might also help improve the baby’s complexion (8).

Caution While Using Almond Oil For Baby

While there are many advantages of using almond oil or sweet almond oil, there are certain things you need to keep in mind to ensure it does not harm the baby in any way.

A baby’s skin is highly sensitive and you need to be extra careful while massaging. Be gentle and use soft strokes. Start from the arms and move to the legs, chest, belly, and back.
Use only a few drops of almond oil, so that the skin absorbs it entirely. Many infants develop rashes because of excess oil that is left on the skin for a long time. If you are massaging before bath, make sure that all the extra oil is washed off.

Infants may develop rashes due to excess oil that is left on the skin for a long time

Image: Shutterstock

You must never apply oil around the navel, eyes, ears and nostrils, as there are chances of an infection if the oil enters these parts. Many Indian parents put oil in their baby’s navel, ears, and nose. This may be harmful for the baby (5). Remember to not put oil on any of these areas.
Do a sensitivity test on the baby’s skin before applying the almond oil for the first time. Put a drop of oil on the arm and massage. Observe for a day how baby’s skin reacts to it.
It’s best to avoid using oils made from food ingredients, like almond or other nut oils, on the skin of babies and children with eczema. These oils may raise the risk of developing a food allergy (6).

Point to consider

Some people may heat the oil before massaging the baby. In such cases, the hot oil should be kept away from the baby and sufficiently cooled down to prevent scalding.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is almond oil suitable for premature babies?

A study noted that almond oil did not cause adverse effects on the skin of preterm babies (4). Nevertheless, it is best to consult a doctor before using almond oil for premature babies.

2. Can I use almond oil on my baby’s face?

Almond oil can be used on the baby’s face if they show no allergic reactions to a patch test on other parts of the body, such as the soles of the feet. You should avoid areas around the eyes, nostrils, ears, and mouth.

3. Does almond oil make skin darker?

There is no definite evidence that almond oil can make skin darker. If you notice your baby’s skin becoming darker after almond oil application, stop its use and consult a doctor.

4. How can I safely use almond oil for baby massage?

To safely use almond oil for baby massage, choose a quiet, comfortable space where your baby feels relaxed. Warm a small amount of oil in your hands, then gently massage it into your baby’s skin using soft, circular motions. Avoid applying too much pressure and watch your baby’s reactions to ensure they are comfortable. While choosing the oil, opt for only pure almond oil without added fragrances or chemicals. Avoid applying almond oil on broken, irritated, or sensitive areas of the baby’s skin.

5. How often can I massage my baby with almond oil?

You can use almond oil to massage your baby daily or a few times a week, based on what works best for your routine. Always observe your baby’s reactions and adjust the frequency if needed. If you have any concerns, consult your pediatrician.

Most new moms might want to try almond oil for babies to massage them. Sweet almond oil is ideal for infant’s skin care as it is light in texture and will not lead to clogging of the pores. Moreover, this oil is vitamin-rich and has moisturizing and relaxing properties. If you are keen to use almond oil for your baby, it is ideal to do a patch test on the baby’s arm and check for the reaction. However, it is best to take a doctor’s opinion before using any new product on your baby’s skin. Also, remember to check the date of manufacture and other details on the product label before purchasing.

Infographic: Benefits Of Sweet Almond Oil For Babies

Sweet almond oil is a natural oil that is quite beneficial for babies. It is highly recommended as a massage oil by experts because it has no side effects. Giving your baby a massage with this oil will help you bond well with them. We bring some key benefits of this oil for your little one.

advantages of sweet almond oil for babies (infographic)

Illustration: Is It Safe To Use Almond Oil For Baby Massage?

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

Learn about the right way of massaging your baby with the help of this video. It will not only help them feel relaxed but will also foster a bond between you and your little one.

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

Almonds.
https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/food-features/almonds/
Vitamin E and skin health.
https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-E
Almond seeds and almond oil.
https://www.academia.edu/25402293/Assignment_on_almond_seeds_and_almond_oil
The Effect of Sunflower Seed and Almond Oil on Preterm Infant Skin: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32697476/
Symptoms that your child might have an ear infection.
https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_bntsnvkj
Is it safe for massage oils to be used on infant skin?
https://preventallergies.org.au/faq/#:~:text=Yes%2C%20however%20it%20is%20recommended,child%20developing%20a%20food%20allergy.
Tzu-Kai Lin et al.; (2018); Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/
Zeeshan Ahmad; The uses and properties of almond oil
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20129403/

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