7 Best Baby Massage Oils UK 2024 | Paediatrician Reviewed
Luckily, our buying guide is here to help you learn exactly what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for one online, with information on organic oils and tips for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. For those still unsure, we share with you our top 7 best baby massage oils available from Amazon including products by Weleda, Earth Mama, Cussons and Good Bubble!
Quick List - Top Massage Oils
Cocobelle Baby
Cold-Pressed Organic Coconut Oil for Daily Massage
Dr Jonathan Henderson is a consultant paediatrician who practices for the NHS and his award-winning private practice. His medical qualifications (MB, BAO and BCh) were all completed at Queen's University Belfast in 2007. He then obtained his membership with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in 2012 and later became a college fellow in 2019. In addtion to his clinical work, he contributes to e-learning programmes and teaches paediatrics internationally to other healthcare professionals. Dr Henderson, who is on the speciality register of the General Medical Council, has a keen interest in promoting quality improvement in paediatrics and has presented work both regionally and nationally.
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Table of Contents
- With Specialist Consultation From Paediatrician Dr J Henderson
- What are the Benefits of Baby Massage?
- How to Choose a Baby Massage Oil in the UK ― Buying Guide
- Choose Nourishing, Healing and Vitamin-Rich Oil Types that Care for the Skin1
- Cold-Pressed Oils Have Fewer Impurities and a Higher Nutritional Value2
- Look for Organic Ingredients to Reduce Exposure to Irritating Chemical Ingredients3
- Go For Unscented or Lightly Scented Oils to Protect Baby’s Delicate Skin4
- Avoid Oil Types High in Oleic Acid and Mineral or Petroleum Based Oils5
- Stick to Smaller Bottles of 200ml or Less to Avoid Wastage6
- Top 7 Baby Massage Oils in the UK
- No. 1Good Bubble | Organic Coconut Oil
- No. 2Earth Mama | Calendula Baby Oil
- No. 3Kokoso | Natural Baby Coconut Oil
- No. 4Cocobelle Baby | Pure & Gentle Premium Coconut Oil for Babies
- No. 5B.O.T Cosmetics and Wellness | Certified Organic Cold Pressed Sweet Almond Oil 100% Pure
- 2 more products
- Keep Your Baby Happy and Healthy on the Inside and Out
- Summary
With Specialist Consultation From Paediatrician Dr J Henderson
Dr Jonathan Henderson is a consultant paediatrician practising for the NHS, as well as privately. His medical qualifications (MB, BAO and BCh) were all completed at Queen's University Belfast in 2007.
He then obtained his membership with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in 2012. In addition to his clinical work, he contributes to e-learning programmes and teaches paediatrics internationally to other healthcare professionals. Check out more about him on his website.
What are the Benefits of Baby Massage?
Baby massage was first introduced in neonatal wards to support the development of premature babies. However, studies have found that baby massage can be beneficial for many other reasons.
A gentle massage is a great bonding activity, and the rhythmic sensation can help baby to wind down before bedtime. For those who may be experiencing postnatal depression, having a massage routine provides a regular positive interaction that has been found to help alleviate symptoms in some cases.
You may also wish to use an oil to help make the massage process itself easier and more enjoyable. Although baby massage can be introduced at any age, the NHS recommends that oils should only be used on infants over one month of age. Before this, baby’s skin will not yet have sufficiently developed and can become damaged or irritated by oil-based products.
How to Choose a Baby Massage Oil in the UK ― Buying Guide
Choose Nourishing, Healing and Vitamin-Rich Oil Types that Care for the Skin
If You’re Looking for a Moisturising Ingredient, Prefer Coconut Oil, It's Also Low in Oleic Acid
Coconut oil only contains around 5% oleic acid and is high in lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties. Additionally, it is non-scented and doesn’t have a strong or unpleasant taste making it safe for regular use.
Coconut oil should not really be used in isolation as a moisturiser. A dermatologist would advise that this be used over a moisturiser or applied directly to damp skin to be effective as it helps to seal and retain the moisture on the skin.
If Your Baby Suffers With Constipation, Go With Almond Oil as It Aids Digestion
Almond oil contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and E that help regulate the nervous system, build immunity and aid with digestion. If your baby has an upset stomach, try massaging with almond oil to relieve discomfort.
Constipation is a common reason infants are referred to a paediatrician. There are many causes for an infant to become constipated, and treatment plans are tailored to individual patient needs following a good history and examination, which might not always require medication.
Almond oil is reported in some cases to have a beneficial laxative effect by helping to loosen stools but should not be used as an isolated treatment plan for the management of constipation.
Calendula Oil for Those With Rough and Sensitive Skin
In addition, calendula’s flavonoids, carotenoids and essential oils can help to protect the skin. All in all, calendula is great for soothing and moisturising the skin, so whether your baby’s skin is dry, sensitive, or irritated, give this oil a try!
Calendula oil has multiple medicinal properties - these include antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory that may become useful for nappy rashes, healing minor abrasions of the skin and even helping with inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema.
Cold-Pressed Oils Have Fewer Impurities and a Higher Nutritional Value
Best of all, cold-pressed oils retain their natural antioxidants, vitamins and minerals giving them a higher nutritional value.
Most of these oils are rich in vitamin E and are not impacted by heat through hot pressing, which is the case with refined oil. Your immunity system is boosted by the anti-inflammatory properties that are retained in cold-pressed oils.
Look for Organic Ingredients to Reduce Exposure to Irritating Chemical Ingredients
For this reason, you’ll want to avoid as many harsh chemicals and irritating ingredients as possible. Organic ingredients are those produced without the use of chemical fertilisers or pesticides, so buying a massage oil made organically prevents exposure to potentially harmful ingredients.
By using more plant-based organic preparations, our skin is less likely to develop allergic reactions. Chemicals will harm and irritate the skin causing damage to the natural defence barrier leading to inflammation and, in some cases, infection.
Go For Unscented or Lightly Scented Oils to Protect Baby’s Delicate Skin
Look for unscented oils or those with a gentle natural fragrance that come from ingredients such as almond, jojoba or calendula. Generally, products that use highly scented artificial fragrances and essential oils should be avoided.
However, oils only lightly scented with soothing essential oils such as lavender can be safe for use with infants over 6 months of age.
Because the baby's skin is sensitive, it is not recommended to use scented oils or essential oils on babies under three months, especially if they are premature. If used, the skin can become very irritated and, in extreme form, can cause a burn-like injury.
This is also true if diluted. It is best to avoid them for this age group. When used in those over three months of age (or three months after their due date), be sure to check the correct dilutional concentration required to prevent skin injury.
Avoid Oil Types High in Oleic Acid and Mineral or Petroleum Based Oils
High Oleic Oils Such as Olive and Sunflower Can Damage the Skin’s Protective Layer
Researchers from the University of Manchester found that olive and sunflower oil can damage the protective barrier of the baby’s skin, which may result in eczema and other skin conditions.
Far from their initially perceived moisturising properties, oils with a high oleic acid content of 50% or above damage the skin’s structure and allow water to escape causing it to become drier over time.
The skin is your natural barrier to infection. There are many types of good bacteria that lives on our skin to help protect us. Any damage to this microbial diversity can lead to inflammation of the skin, aka dermatitis. Furthermore, any breakage of the skin means that infection can enter our bodies that will require specific treatment - in some cases, antibiotics will be required.
Mineral and Petroleum Based Oils Prevent the Skin from Breathing and Are Harmful if Ingested
For this reason, you should avoid using these oils for regular massage as the protective barrier does not allow the skin to breathe, thus impeding its natural functions. Furthermore, petroleum-based products contain highly processed chemicals that cannot be broken down by the digestive system if ingested.
Petroleum-based oils will provide a barrier on top of the skin and prevent the normal cycle, allowing for dead skin cells to fall away. There is a medium created that allows bacteria to build up underneath the barrier created.
Pores are then blocked so the skin can't breathe. Furthermore, if ingested, the jelly builds up within the lungs over time, causing a type of chest infection called Lipid Pneumonia.
Stick to Smaller Bottles of 200ml or Less to Avoid Wastage
Plus, like all cosmetic products, oils have an expiration date, especially organic oils and those containing 100% natural ingredients. So unless you are caring for triplets, look for oils that come in bottles of around 200ml/200g or less to avoid unnecessary waste.
In general, 200ml is sufficient. If you buy larger volumes that don't get used, even though the expiry date is very long on most of these oils, those with chemical fragrances can lead to skin irritation as they begin to break down. Most essential oils should be replaced after three years, but always check the manufacturers' recommendation. Be cautious of any colour change.
Top 7 Baby Massage Oils in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Good Bubble Organic Coconut Oil | | Affordable and 100% Pure Organic Coconut Oil for Baby Massage | |
2 | Earth Mama Calendula Baby Oil | | Maintain Your Babies Soft Skin With This Skin Supporting Organic Oil | |
3 | Kokoso Natural Baby Coconut Oil | | Lightweight, Raw Virgin Coconut Massage Oil | |
4 | Cocobelle Baby Pure & Gentle Premium Coconut Oil for Babies | | Cold-Pressed Organic Coconut Oil for Daily Massage | |
5 | B.O.T Cosmetics and Wellness Certified Organic Cold Pressed Sweet Almond Oil 100% Pure | | Baby-Safe Virgin Almond Oil Rich in Vitamins and Minerals | |
6 | AROMATIKA 100% Pure Calendula Oil | | Pure Calendula Massage Oil That’s Low in Oleic Acid | |
7 | All Naturals Pure Baby Body Oil | | Bedtime Massage Oil With a Natural, Soothing Lavender Scent |
Affordable and 100% Pure Organic Coconut Oil for Baby Massage
Paediatrician approved and dermatologically tested, this massage oil is safe for use on newborns and babies with sensitive skin. Best of all, it’s excellent value for money and a top pick for penny savers.
Maintain Your Babies Soft Skin With This Skin Supporting Organic Oil
Although this product is on the pricier side and therefore may not be ideal for those on a budget, it is completely organic and free from artificial preservatives and fragrances. The formulation is so moisturising and gentle, it can even be used to effectively treat cradle cap!
Lightweight, Raw Virgin Coconut Massage Oil
More than just a baby massage oil, Kokoso’s Natural Baby Coconut Oil has a multitude of uses for both you and baby. Try it as a natural hair mask, lip balm or makeup remover. This product is also available in a handy 70g pot for on the go use!
Cocobelle Baby Pure & Gentle Premium Coconut Oil for Babies
Cold-Pressed Organic Coconut Oil for Daily Massage
Cocobelle Baby’s Premium Coconut Oil comes in a larger 250g container, so expect to get a lot of use out of this one. To prevent the product spoiling, we recommend using a plastic spoon or spatula to decant coconut oil when using. This will avoid bacteria contamination from dipping hands in and out of the jar.
B.O.T Cosmetics and WellnessCertified Organic Cold Pressed Sweet Almond Oil 100% Pure
Baby-Safe Virgin Almond Oil Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Almond oil is wonderfully rich in vitamins A, E, B, D, and zinc, alongside a host of essential minerals including calcium, potassium and magnesium. Whilst this oil is unscented, almond oil does have a mild, sweet fragrance. Be aware that almond oil may not be suitable for babies who are prone to skin reactions or those with nut allergies.
Pure Calendula Massage Oil That’s Low in Oleic Acid
AROMATIKA’s calendula oil is rich in essential nutrients and fatty acids which help promote skin elasticity. Not only does this help baby’s skin to stay soft and supple, but has the added benefit of moisturising your hands at the same time.
Bedtime Massage Oil With a Natural, Soothing Lavender Scent
Be aware that this product does contain lavender essential oil, however, unlike other essential oils it has been proven safe for use with infants. A good choice for bedtime, lavender can help relax fussy babies who have trouble falling asleep.
Keep Your Baby Happy and Healthy on the Inside and Out
We've got more baby products for you with detailed buying guides and product descriptions! Check out the given links below!
Summary
Author: Wren Mann
Top 5 Massage Oils
No. 1: Good Bubble ｜Organic Coconut Oil
No. 2: Earth Mama｜Calendula Baby Oil
No. 3: Kokoso ｜Natural Baby Coconut Oil
No. 4: Cocobelle Baby ｜Pure & Gentle Premium Coconut Oil for Babies
No. 5: B.O.T Cosmetics and Wellness｜Certified Organic Cold Pressed Sweet Almond Oil 100% Pure
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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