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It’s easy to think that baby oil should be used on babies. It’s in the name after all. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it is good for them. It’s a generally cheap productive which is advertised and sold all over. Many mothers swear by it. But what are we really putting on our babies’ delicate skin?
What Is Baby Oil?
Baby oil is a synthetic oil made from the by-product of crude oil when it is being distilled into petroleum. It is a mineral oil which creates a thin layer over the skin when applied. This makes it difficult to absorb; it can clog the pores and ultimately makes it more difficult for the body to eliminate toxins through sweating. Not only that, but if it is ingested, mineral oil can absorb fat-soluble vitamins which can be found in your intestinal tract. This means that your body wouldn’t see the benefits of those vitamins. “Think how many times your baby puts their fingers into their mouth; now consider how much baby oil they are ingesting from that alone,” adds Scott Wetter, writer at Draftbeyond and Writinity.
Our babies need something to help soothe their skin or even aromatherapy to calm them, so what other alternatives are there which are a much safer option than baby oil?
Safer Alternatives
Essential oils are a natural and safer solution when used correctly. It is not recommended that you use them on babies younger than three months. It is possible to use diluted essential oils or undiluted sunflower or grapeseed oil during a baby massage. A baby massage is shown to encourage development, calm babies, reduce sleep interruptions and improve weight gain. It isn’t always necessary to use oils for a baby massage, but it will make the process easier and more gentle for the baby.
It is vital to remember that essential oils are highly concentrated and must be properly diluted before your baby comes into contact with them. It is also recommended that you perform a patch test to make sure your baby is not allergic before using it. To do so, simply dilute a few drops and place on the inside of your baby’s elbow. Watch for a reaction for 24 hours; if it’s all clear you should be good to go. If you’d rather now risk putting the oils on your babies’ skin, but would like to use them, you could try a diffuser.
Chamomile And Lavender Oil
Chamomile is a well-known oil used for treating sleeplessness in adults. It can also be used for babies. Adding a few drops to a warm bath or a diffuser can help to create a calming effect, helping baby and you to get a better night’s sleep. “Lavender oil can also be used to the same effect and it is claimed that the scent of lavender can also help reduce pain - perfect for teething time,” says Wayne Shorter, regular contributor at Researchpapersuk and Last MInute Writing.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil acts as a natural disinfectant, antimicrobial and antifungal oil. It is highly concentrated and will need to be diluted more than other oils as it can be harsh on the skin. To be safe, do not use on babies younger than six months old and always perform a patch test first. This useful oil can be used to help treat nappy rash and fungal infections.
Blending With A Carrier Oil
You can use natural oils such as coconut oil or sweet almond oil to dilute your essential oils. They also have a moisturizing property which will help to nourish baby’s skin. To dilute the essential oil, you should add 0.5 percent essential oil to base oil. You will need to shake or mix it thoroughly to blend it. Once they are blended remember to perform a patch test before using.
As some essential oils aren’t suitable to be used on babies or with certain medications or medical conditions, it is always best to check with your doctor first
Looking for 100% chemical-free, all-natural nourishing face and body oils? Check out Earth & Elm Nourishing Face Oil and Earth & Elm Nourishing Body Oil. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral health and skincare. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list.
Written By:
Inna Yegorova is a business analyst. She enjoys healthy cooking, playing tennis and writing on all aspect of business development at Lucky Assignments and Gum Essays. She helps clients define business goals, find market opportunities and standardize their workflows.
Reviewed By:
Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.
