A vegetable oil is extracted from the seed or the oleaginous fruit and is obtained by first cold pressing. The liquid obtained is then filtered and then packaged in glass bottles. Vegetable oils are found in pharmacies, drugstores, organic stores and some in the “beauty” departments of supermarkets. Choose the “natural”, extracted from “first cold pressing” and preferably organic.
Keep them away from light, humidity and any source of heat. When you make your preparations for a massage and you have oil left, put a cup on the container or pour it into a bottle and place it away from light: this will preserve its qualities.
Test the reaction of baby’s skin
Put a few drops on the inside of your baby’s arm, then wait 24 hours without washing, to see if there is any irritation or rash. You can test several oils separately by massaging each one for a few days and as soon as your baby is 2 months old, you can make mixtures that will suit his skin perfectly!
Which vegetable oils are suitable for babies?
- Grape seed oil
It is usually found in a refined form, which makes it odorless. Lightweight, it is perfect for massage. Grapeseed oil is used a lot when mixed with other oils.
Light, penetrating and giving off a very pleasant odor, it is soft and does not leave residue on the skin.
Calendula oil is a care oil, extracted by maceration of marigold flowers (calendula) in a neutral oil such as sunflower, extra virgin olive or jojoba. Anti-inflammatory and healing, it is perfect for baby’s delicate skin.
It is the oil whose composition is closest to the natural sebum of the skin. Used pure, it would risk blocking the pores; but in dilution, it has very interesting hydrating properties for a mixture.
Warming, it is pleasant when mixed with a lighter oil. It is interesting to use for babies who cool down quickly.
- Virgin sunflower oil
Toning, very light, it does not block the pores of the baby’s delicate skin and is quickly absorbed. It has a characteristic odor, but it is not unpleasant.
- Fractionated coconut oil
Fractionated coconut oil is recommended for the summer because it does not heat up. It is suitable for healthy babies who are often too hot, but perhaps it is better to abstain in the first months of the baby’s life.
It’s a great massage oil, but beware of allergies! Sweet almond oil falls into the category of very good oils specific for baby massage and which are appreciated by parents and professionals.
It is an oil exceptionally rich in Omega 6 (it contains more than 50%), essential fatty acid essential for the skin. It provides deep hydration, but it can be hard to find.
- Hazelnut, sesame, coconut, wheat germ oils
Very good oils but to be used with caution depending on the area of family food allergies. These are rich oils to be used alone for toddlers (under 3 months) unless the skin is dry.
Which oils should you avoid?
Beware of mineral oil! Blend resulting from the distillation of certain fossil fuels, it prevents the pores of the skin from breathing well.
Beware of castor oil, also wrongly called “castor oil”! It is an oil that does not penetrate too quickly and allows a very enveloping massage, but since castor is a powerful laxative (when ingested), and the baby puts everything in his mouth, it is better not to use it in a massage oil for the little ones!
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