The earliest recorded evidence of baby massage can be traced back to ancient Indian texts, particularly the Ayurveda, which dates over 3,000 years ago. This tradition soon spread to other parts of the world, including China and Greece, where it was practised to varying degrees.
Today, the practice of baby massage is cherished worldwide. It is celebrated for its ability to enhance the parent-child relationship, promote relaxation, alleviate common infant discomforts like colic, and support healthy development.
As parents continue to seek ways to nurture and bond with their babies, the selection of the right oil plays a crucial role as the soothing touch of a parent's hand, combined with the right baby massage oil, can create a world of comfort, relaxation, and connection.
The options, though, can be confusing when it comes to making a decision and that is precisely why we've compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the ever-expanding landscape of baby massage oils.
We understand that your baby's delicate skin deserves nothing but the best, which is why we've meticulously researched and selected the most trusted and effective oils in the market.
You'll find not only a curated list of the finest baby massage oils but also insightful tips on how to choose the one that suits your baby's unique needs.
So without further ado, let us guide you to the finest baby massage oils.
Types of oils that work the best
Coconut Oil: Extra virgin coconut oil is a popular choice for baby massage due to its natural moisturising properties. It's gentle on the skin and has a mild, pleasant scent.
Grapeseed Oil: Grapeseed oil is a lightweight, non-greasy oil that's rich in antioxidants. It's hypoallergenic and safe for a baby's delicate skin.
Sweet Almond Oil: Cold-pressed sweet almond oil is another excellent option. It's rich in vitamins and is gentle on the skin. However, if you have concerns about nut allergies, consult your paediatrician before using almond oil.
Sunflower Oil: Sunflower oil is a neutral and lightweight oil that is often recommended for baby massage. It's less likely to cause skin irritation.
Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil closely resembles the natural oils in the skin and is well-tolerated by most babies. It's soothing and moisturising.
Shea Butter: Shea butter is a creamy, plant-based option that's rich and nourishing. It can be an exceptional choice for babies with dry or sensitive skin.
Safflower Oil: Safflower oil is a neutral oil that is often recommended for baby massage. It's light and suitable for sensitive skin.
Apricot Kernel Oil: Apricot kernel oil is a gentle and moisturising option for baby massage. It's light and easily absorbed by the skin. It also helps greatly with eczema.
Some types of oil that you should generally avoid for baby massage
Fragrance Oils: Oils with added fragrances, whether synthetic or natural, can be irritating to a baby's delicate skin. These may cause allergic reactions or skin sensitivities.
Essential Oils: While some essential oils are safe for babies, many are not. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can be too strong for an infant's skin. Always dilute essential oils properly if you plan to use them for massage, and consult with a paediatrician or aromatherapist for guidance.
Nut Oils: Nut oils, such as walnut oil or peanut oil, can cause allergic reactions in some babies. It's best to avoid these oils unless you're certain your baby does not have a nut allergy.
Oils with Preservatives: Avoid oils that contain added chemicals, dyes, or preservatives, as these can irritate the skin and may not be safe for your baby.
How we picked
Safety First: Our top priority was ensuring the safety of your baby's delicate skin. We carefully evaluated each oil to make sure it met the highest safety standards.
Reviewed Ingredients: We carefully examined the ingredients list of the chosen oil to ensure it was free of additives, fragrances, or potentially harmful chemicals. We opted for oils with minimal ingredients, preferably organic and all-natural.
Considered Skin Type: For babies with dry skin, we looked for oils with good moisturising properties, while for babies with sensitive skin, we chose oils known for their gentleness.
Price Point: We understand that budget considerations are crucial for many parents. While quality was paramount, we also considered the affordability of the selected oils, making sure that they offer good value for the quality provided.
Research and Reviews: We researched the reputations of different baby oils, reading reviews from other parents to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the chosen oils.
Here’s a list of some of the best baby massage oils out there
Himalaya Baby Massage Oil has earned the distinction of being the No. 1 prescribed brand of baby care products, with an impressive 97% recommendation rate among doctors. It is a trusted choice for parents seeking the best for their little ones.
Enriched with the goodness of natural ingredients like Ashvagandha, Olive Oil, Country Mallow, Aloe Vera, Vetiver, and Winter Cherry, this baby massage oil offers a multitude of benefits. Ashwagandha helps improve skin tone, while Olive Oil, rich in Vitamin E, nourishes and softens the skin, leaving it supple and healthy.
A brand committed to safety, It is free from mineral oil and Lanolin, known factors that can lead to skin rashes and allergies in infants. Clinically tested for safety and efficacy, parents can use it with confidence, knowing that it's designed with their baby's well-being in mind.
Regular massages with this oil will promote healthy growth and development, maintain the skin's moisture balance, and effectively reduce skin dryness. The soothing aroma of the natural ingredients also adds to the overall calming experience during massage sessions.
You can trust Himalaya to provide the gentle care your baby deserves.
Specifications
Price: ₹378
Key ingredients: Country mallow, Aloe Vera, Olive oil
Pros |
Cons |
Natural ingredients |
None reported |
Doctor recommended |
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Hydrates and nourishes |
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Improves skin tone |
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Clinically tested |
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Does not stain the clothes |
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No harmful chemicals |
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Non greasy |
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Affordable cost |
Parents feedback: Himalaya baby oil is adored by my infant. After using this product consistently for more than 2 years, he has beautiful, moisturised skin.
Why it's worth buying: With 38,000+ ratings on amazon, this baby oil is trustworthy and can be used without any worries about skin rashes or allergies.
Our top pick for you:
Cetaphil, a renowned skin care brand has done it yet again with this baby massage oil. It is a gentle and effective choice for keeping your baby's skin nourished and well-hydrated. Clinically proven to maintain skin hydration, this oil is enriched with a blend of natural ingredients that ensure your baby receives the best care right from Day 1.
This hypoallergenic and mineral oil-free formula contains Shea Butter, Sunflower Seed Oil, Soybean Oil, and Calendula, all carefully chosen for their nourishing and protective qualities.
The triple blend of Sunflower Seed Oil, Soybean Oil, and Shea Butter works in harmony to retain the skin's natural moisture, promoting a healthy, supple, and smooth complexion.
The oil is pH balanced, dermatologically tested, and allergy tested, making it suitable for even the most sensitive newborn skin and is formulated to be gentle and safe for daily use, ensuring your baby's skin remains soft and well-cared for.
What makes this product truly exceptional is its universal trust among both mothers and medical practitioners across the globe. Healthcare experts worldwide unanimously recommend its usage because it not only provides extended moisturization but also plays a vital role in safeguarding the skin's inherent barrier, thus fostering the nurturing of healthy and radiant skin in your child.
It is a top choice for parents seeking a dermatologist-recommended, safe, and gentle solution for their baby's skincare needs. Trust in Cetaphil to keep your baby's skin happy and healthy.
Specifications
Price: ₹616
Key ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, Soybean oil Shea butter and Calendula
Pros |
Cons |
Hydrates and nourishes skin |
Maybe pricier for some |
Trusted by doctors and mothers |
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Gentle and hypoallergenic |
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Maintains skin barrier |
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Enriched with natural ingredients |
Parents feedback: There is no reason to believe me more than others... but as a doting father to his only daughter.. I wholeheartedly recommend you to purchase this oil. I have been using this oil for more than 15 months and have noticed no side effects. Rather, it is soft, absorbs fast, keeps skin smooth, soft and supple. Typically mothers will write the above review comments.. but coming from a father, you can realise how satisfied I am.
Why it's worth buying: It has an outstanding 4.5 rating and is recommended by moms and doctors worldwide for its trustworthy hydration and delicate care.
Our top pick for you:
This oil embodies the time-honoured wisdom of Ayurveda, offering a holistic approach to baby care. Blue Nectar ayurveda baby oil is dermatologist-tested and free from harmful chemicals, mineral oils, and synthetic fragrances, ensuring your little one receives only the purest and gentlest care.
The richness of this formula lies in its active ingredients like Olive oil, Coconut oil and almond oil. These natural emollients provide intense nourishment and hydration, safeguarding your baby's delicate skin from dryness and irritation.
Infused with the goodness of organic ghee, It not only keeps your baby's skin supple and soft but also aids in digestion and promotes better sleeping patterns, making it ideal for a relaxing baby massage as ghee is known as a natural moisturising agent.
The calming and soothing qualities of Lavender Oil and Jasmine Oil make it a sensory delight. The gentle massage with this aromatic blend helps relax and lull your baby into peaceful slumber.
It's a lovingly made, all-natural solution that nourishes, moisturises, and pampers your baby's skin, making it a wonderful choice for parents who prioritise holistic care for their little ones.
Specifications
Price: ₹835
Key ingredients: Olive oil, Almond oil, Coconut oil.
Pros |
Cons |
Natural & nourishing |
A bit costly |
Ayurvedic wisdom |
May have a strong smell |
Calming fragrance |
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Dermatologist tested |
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Safe & Gentle |
Parents feedback: This is my second product. It may be seen as an expensive oil, but trust me this is so far the best oil I have used for my baby. Beautiful fragrance with no skin reactions at all. Good for all the babies including newborns and +0 babies.
Why it's worth buying: It boasts an astounding 92% positive rating from more than 500 delighted customers, demonstrates its value with nourishing, all-natural care that pleases both parents and babies.
Our top pick for you:
For many years, parents have relied on Johnson's Non-Sticky Baby Oil, and it continues to uphold its reputation as a soothing and natural option for newborns and infants. This baby oil, which is vitamin E-enriched, was carefully developed to meet the demands of your baby's delicate skin.
One of its distinguishing features is its transparency - it's so pure that you can see through it. This transparency is not just a visual indicator but a symbol of the product's commitment to purity and gentleness.
Johnson's maintains a rigorous 5-level safety assurance process for all their products, ensuring that they contain no harmful chemicals. This dedication to safety and quality is what has made Johnson's a household name and a go-to brand for baby care.
The oil is specially formulated to spread easily on your baby's skin, making it convenient for gentle massages. It's dermatologically tested for allergies, offering parents peace of mind when using it on their little ones.
What's particularly noteworthy is the long-standing trust that paediatricians have in Johnson's products. The survey conducted by IMS Health among paediatricians in selected Metro cities of India in 2014 reflects this trust, further solidifying Johnson's status as a reliable choice for baby skincare.
Specifications
Price: ₹375
Key ingredients: Vitamin E
Pros |
Cons |
Gentle on baby's skin |
Avoid if your kid is prone to allergies |
Dermatologist-tested |
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No harmful chemicals |
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Trusted brand |
Why it's worth buying: With a 4.4 rating on Amazon, this product has a strong track record of parent satisfaction, attesting for baby's exceptional safety.
Our top pick for you:
With its non-sticky and ultra-moisturizing formula created to pamper your baby's skin, hair, and scalp, Chicco Baby Moments Massage Oil is a significant improvement in infant skincare. This oil is a wonderful option for your baby's delicate requirements because it was carefully made with natural ingredients and is devoid of dangerous chemicals.
This massage oil's capacity to intensely moisturise dry parts of your baby's skin, assuring all-day softness and comfort, is one of its primary characteristics. It doesn't just stop at the skin, it also nourishes the scalp, leaving the hair silky and shiny, assisting in the treatment of issues like cradle cap.
It is designed for rapid absorption as it improves the entire experience of infant massage by keeping the skin moist and producing a calming sensation.
The all-natural components are responsible for the oil's remarkable moisturising abilities. Olive oil, which is well-known for being high in squalene, omega 3, 6, and 9, works as an excellent moisturiser by locking in the skin's natural moisture. Almond oil, which is rich in vitamins E and A, helps to nourish the scalp while also calming the skin without clogging pores.
The dedication to safety in this oil is what really sets it unique. It doesn't include phenoxyethanol, easing worries about possible skin reactions and irritability.
Furthermore, it doesn't contain any potentially dangerous ingredients or preservatives like Parabens, making it the perfect option for infants with sensitive skin. The use of substances with a vegetarian origin and dermatological testing on babies delicate skin further supports the product's safety.
It is a best choice for parents seeking a safe, effective, and nourishing option for their baby's skincare needs.
Specifications
Price: ₹233
Key ingredients: Vitamin E, Olive, Sesame, Almond oil
Pros |
Cons |
Deeply moisturises the baby skin |
May not suit some babies |
Natural ingredients |
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No harmful chemicals |
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Quick absorption |
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Nourishes hair and scalp |
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Non-sticky formula |
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Lightweight |
Parents feedback:I have been using this oil for my baby since day 1 and the experience has been great , not only is it skin friendly but also absorbs great in the skin and is great for massage. Also it prevented all the skin rashes and redness that could have come from diapers , no diaper cream required , just regularly applying this oil helped prevent them. Have used around 7-8 bottles till now
Why it's worth buying: More than 50,000 happy customers have given it an astounding 92% favourable rating, demonstrating its reliability and efficacy in newborn skincare.
Our top pick for you:
The QAADU Soothing Baby Massage Oil is intended to give your baby a calming and nourishing massage experience. Formulated with essential oils, cold-pressed natural oils, and traditional ingredients, it offers a host of benefits for your little one's skin and overall well-being.
Its mixture of essential oils, which includes sandalwood oil well-known for its all-natural skin benefits like nourishing and moisturising.. Adding to it there is Ayurvedic touch to your baby's massage practice where this blend also includes conventional elements like Bhringraj, Amla, Turmeric, and Kalonji Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Shea Butter and Wheat Germ Oil.
Parents can be certain of the components' effectiveness and safety because they have undergone dermatological testing and are acceptable for all skin types.
Regular massages with this oil offer multiple benefits. It helps pamper your baby's skin and combat dryness, all while potentially strengthening bones and muscles and the Ayurvedic blend helps promote improved circulation and reduce skin irritation.
The oil can intensely help your little one to sleep and relax in a peaceful slumber with its therapeutic mild fragrance contributing to both your baby’s well being and your peace of mind.
It's a great choice for parents looking for a holistic approach for their baby’s skincare and well being.
Specifications
Price: ₹375
Key ingredients: Grapeseed Oil, Shea Butter, Sandalwood Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Haldi Extract, Kalonji Oil
Pros |
Cons |
Ayurvedic and traditional blend |
Contains essential oils (potential sensitivities) |
Soothes dryness |
May not be suitable for allergies |
Suitable for all skin types |
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Calming and relaxing |
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Nourishing ingredients |
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Potent solution |
Parents feedback: This is a very good massage oil for kids made with all-natural ingredients that are very safe. It requires a very little amount and has a very nice and kids-friendly fragrance. Thumbs up for this.
Why it's worth buying: It is worth buying for conscious consumers as it is not only vegan but also holds ISO certification and adheres to GMP quality standards, ensuring the highest level of product quality, safety, and ethical standards.
Our top pick for you:
Generations of parents have relied on Dabur Lal Tail, a well-known and tried-and-true Ayurvedic infant massage oil. This 500ml bottle of nutrition has been carefully prepared to offer a number of advantages for the development and wellbeing of your baby.
Strengthening your baby's bones and muscles is one of the main advantages of using Dabur Lal Tail. It has been demonstrated through clinical testing to facilitate 2x faster physical growth, resulting in stronger bones and muscles. This makes it a crucial step in your baby's growth process.
It is formulated to keep your baby's tender skin soft and supple. It achieves this through the infusion of natural ingredients like shankhpushpi, ratanjot, and ashwagandha, which have long been recognized in Ayurveda for their beneficial properties.
It also stands out due to its dedication to being chemically free. Your baby's skin will only be exposed to the purest, most natural substances because it doesn't include parabens, paraffin, or phthalates.
It has been a beloved choice among parents who seek a trustworthy and time-tested solution for their baby's health and well-being.
Specifications
Price: ₹348
Key ingredients: Shankhpushpi, Ratanjot, and Ashwagandha
Pros |
Cons |
Ayurvedic Tradition |
Strong fragrance |
Strengthens bones and muscles |
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Natural ingredients |
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Helps with better sleep |
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No harmful chemicals |
Parents feedback: It's been used on me and my siblings when we were little and now we're using it on our kids. Can't say if the quality is better or worse but there's nothing to complain about either.
Why it's worth buying: Dabur was established back in the 18th century and still is every Indian household's choice as it has quality products and promises true ayurvedic blend solutions.
Our top pick for you:
Frequently asked questions ( FAQs )
1. Is it safe to use baby massage oil on a newborn?
Yes, it is generally safe to use baby massage oil on a newborn. However, it's essential to choose a gentle, hypoallergenic oil specifically formulated for infants and to perform a patch test on a small area of the baby's skin before using it extensively.
2. When is the best time to massage my baby with oil?
The best time to massage your baby with oil is when your baby is calm and alert but not too hungry or tired. Many parents find that before or after a bath or as part of a bedtime routine is an ideal time.
Can I use any oil for baby massage?
Not all oils are suitable for baby massage. It's important to choose oils specifically labelled as "baby massage oils" or "baby-friendly" to ensure they are safe and gentle for your baby's delicate skin.
How do I perform a baby massage safely?
To perform a baby massage safely, ensure your hands are clean and warm, and use gentle, stroking motions. Be attentive to your baby's cues and never apply too much pressure. It's essential to bond with your baby during the massage and make it a soothing and enjoyable experience for both of you.
What should I do if my baby has an allergic reaction to a massage oil?
If you suspect that your baby is having an allergic reaction to a massage oil, discontinue use immediately. Wash off the oil gently with lukewarm water and consult your paediatrician for further guidance.
Final verdict
Baby massage oils can be a wonderful addition to your infant's daily care routine, and it also plays a crucial role in nurturing your little one's delicate skin, promoting relaxation, and fostering parent-child bonding.
It's essential to prioritise oils that are gentle, hypoallergenic, and specifically designed for infants. To make the best choice, consider your baby's unique needs. Our list of recommended baby massage oils offers a variety of safe and trusted options, each with its own benefits.
Choose from our list to provide your baby with the loving care they deserve. The joy of a pacifying massage with the right oil can be a cherished bonding experience for both you and your baby.
Disclaimer: The above content is non-editorial and produced by a third party partner. Outlook India does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of the content*.
*The product prices mentioned in the article are subject to change
