Massaging your baby is not just a soothing ritual; it is a practice that has deep roots in different cultures and has scientific backing to its incredible health benefits. The use of natural oils, such as olive oil, can be used to enhance this experience by nourishing your baby's skin and promoting general well-being.
Benefits of Massaging Your Baby With Olive Oil
In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Dr Shrey Srivastav, General Physician, at Sharda Hospital - Noida, shared why olive oil is an excellent choice for baby massage and how it can benefit your little one. Here is what he shared with us.
1. Moisturises and Feeds Fragile Skin
Babies have such sensitive skin that needs to be handled with care. Olive oil is rich in essential fatty acids along with vitamin E, a factor that will moisturise the skin deeply and ward off dryness. Regular massage of olive oil allows the baby's skin to remain soft and supple so that chances of rashes and irritation reduce considerably.
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2. Healthy Growth and Development
Massaging with olive oil stimulates blood circulation and improves muscle tone, which can contribute to your baby's physical development. Gentle strokes help relax the muscles, improving flexibility, and strengthening bones, ensuring healthy growth.
3. Soothes and Relaxes Your Baby
A warm olive oil massage relaxes an infant and makes the child sleep much better. A soothing touch evokes oxytocin release, which is otherwise known as the "love hormone," ensuring safety and bonding with the baby from the mother.
4. Relieves Digestive Issues and Eases Colic
Gentle tummy massage with olive oil can help treat common digestive problems such as gas, colic, and constipation. It helps in the proper movement of food through the intestines by a circular motion, which reduces the discomfort of bloating and cramps.
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5. Improves Circulation and Immunity
Olive oil massage enhances blood circulation, which plays a crucial role in delivering oxygen and essential nutrients throughout the body. This improved circulation helps in strengthening the immune system, keeping your baby healthier and more resilient against infections.
6. Improves Skin Barrier Function
The skin naturally preserves the anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, thereby strengthening the skin barrier against the attack of pollutants from the environment, and allergies, which helps maintain its smooth, silky feel.
Bottomline
Massaging your baby with olive oil is the simplest and most effective way to help them stay healthy and foster the parent-child bond. This natural remedy will moisturise the delicate skin of your baby, help in digestion, and aid in relaxation. Incorporate this into your baby's daily routine and cherish those moments of closeness and care with your little one.