Baby massage is one of the oldest caregiving practices practised across different cultures worldwide, and today, modern science is confirming what our mothers and grandmothers already knew. Regular massage with the right baby oil strengthens the baby’s immune system, nourishes their skin and also deepens the parent-child bond. Here is what research actually says on this.
Benefits of Regular Oil Massage for Newborns
There are several benefits of regularly massaging a newborn with the right massage oil. The benefits are elaborated below:
It Supports Brain and Nervous System Development
One of the first senses a baby develops is ‘Touch’. A baby responds to this sensory stimulation the most during the initial months. As per research, gentle massage stimulates the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in regulating digestion, heart rate and overall nervous system function. When you massage a newborn, you stimulate the vagus nerve, thereby increasing vagal activity. This leads to better sleep patterns, reduced colic and improved feeding. The skin-to-brain connection via ‘touch’ leads to better cognitive and emotional development in the infants.
It Strengthens the Immune System
Massaging newborns regularly also boosts their immune function. Massage therapy has been shown to increase the activity of natural killer (NK) cells – the body’s defender cells that fight against infection and disease. Newborns have a still-developing immune system. Regular massage in newborns helps reduce the frequency of common infections, respiratory illnesses and allergic responses, by boosting their immune system function.
It Promotes Healthy Weight Gain and Growth
Multiple clinical studies have confirmed that massaged infants gain weight faster. Neonatal massage significantly improves daily weight gain in both preterm and full-term infants. This is because massage boosts the insulin levels, which help in better nutrient absorption and fat storage.
It Deepens the Parent-Child Bond
Not just physical benefits, infant massage also brings about a lot of emotional benefits. Skin-to-skin contact and massage with a beneficial oil significantly increases oxytocin levels – the bonding hormone between the mother and baby. Massage strengthens attachment, reduces postpartum anxiety in mothers and helps babies feel safe and comforted.
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The Oil You Choose Matters More Than You Think
The right massage oil makes a significant difference in the overall well-being of your baby. Not all massage oils offer the same benefits. Certain oils, like mineral oils and some synthetic fragrances, can disrupt the skin barrier and introduce toxins through dermal absorption. On the other hand, some natural oils like coconut oil may clog your baby’s pores and lead to a breakout.
That is why choosing the right baby massage oil matters more than you think. The AreoVeda Baby Massage Oil is formulated with 98% natural ingredients, free from toxins, synthetic fragrances, parabens and sulphates. Their entire babycare range is EWG Verified – toxin-free, EcoCert Certified – made of >98% natural ingredients and Cellularly Proven – that is tested on lab-grown human skin cells for safety and efficacy.
Regular massaging of your baby with the AreoVeda baby massage oil helps strengthen bones and aids in better sleep quality. It also boosts skin hydration and softens delicate skin and fights infection-causing germs.
The Bottom Line
There are several benefits of regularly massaging a baby with a good oil, and all these benefits are science-backed. Regular massage of a newborn supports healthy brain development, boosts immunity, improves weight gain and helps build an emotional bond between the mother and the child. But, while regular massage is beneficial, choosing the right massage oil is equally important.
Choose wise – choose clean, natural and certified products. Because your baby deserves nothing less.
