Baby massage: what oils to use.

Baby massage has a long tradition in India. Just after birth, a cleansing massage is done with a soft wheat-dough ball, to which a little almond oil and a dash of turmeric is added. Just before rubbing the ball is dipped in a bit of almond oil. This practice is continued for the first six days after birth, before the bath. Ayurvedic baby massage enhances circulation, helps in the expulsion of toxins and aids the digestive system of the baby.

On the seventh day after birth, actual baby massage with the dough ball starts and this goes on every day for 3 weeks. The dough ball should be dipped in oil every now and then, which helps to keep the 3 doshas in proper balance.

Massage with the hands begins when the infant is one month old, when the baby's body has become strong enough. The baby massage is continued every day for 3 months, during which the most time is spend in massaging spine, back, neck, waist, hands and feet, because these parts need to gain strength to support the body. 

Once the baby starts lifting its head on its own and supporting its body weight on its arms, more general daily body massage should continue for 18 months. The massage of the spine nevertheless remains an important aspect of infant massage.

After this time, baby massage can be given on alternate days, though a daily massage routine will aid in making the child strong and happy.

 Take a quick look at the oils that are commonly used to massage baby.Try to avoid branded oils as it have perfume and other harmful chemicals that may be harmful for baby.Always us oil in its purest form of oil and the one that is suitable for your baby dosha.

Almond oil: Almond oil is neutral and sweet, it pacify all doshas.

Coconut oil: Coconut oil is considered as another best oil to massage your baby. It is widely used in the southern India for baby massage. It contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties that help to prevent infection of the skin caused the baby’s skin. It is suitable for pitta dosha.

Ghee Pure:  is also used for massaging babies and recommended in Ayurveda.  It is used generally in winter when the weather is too cold to protect the body against the cold.It is also used for various skin infections and diaper rashes. Good for all doshas.

Mustard oil: Mustard oil is indicated for kapha doshas.

Olive oil: It is rich of anti-oxidants with good moisturizer and full of vitamins.Remember to use olive oil especially packaged for massaging babies. Good for all doshas.

Sesame seeds: Sesame oil is one of the best oil that can be used for massage.It is a natural skin conditioner when rubbed on the skin oil penetrates to the marrow of the bones. On the way it collect oil soluble toxins and takes them into the bloodstream to be eliminated by the body as waste. It neutralizes the oxygen radicals, which are believed to be one of the main reason of aging. I is use to cure sinusitis and other conditions.Babies can improve growth and keep a soundful sleep. Good for vatta doshas.

For best results massage your baby regularly until your baby becomes a year or two. Use proper way to massage your baby or consult an experienced lady to massage your baby. In India massaging a baby is a traditional that came from generation .Basically grandmother are in charge of massaging the mother and newborn baby.