Using Olive Oil for Baby Care

Olive oil is not just for the kitchen. It can be used in the bathroom for baby’s skin. A child’s skin is particularly sensitive to hard water, temperature changes, and friction from clothing, which can make it dry and uncomfortable.

For baby’s diet, give extra-virgin olive oil starting at 6 months. Its rich composition has many similarities with breast milk. It contains monounsaturated fatty acids, oleic acid, vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, and several types of B vitamins. Two tablespoons per day can be consumed on cooked vegetables, purees, or even a piece of bread. Choose an oil with a mild, fruity taste.

Olive oil, a basic ingredient for baby care
Olive oil is peanut-free, which helps avoid allergies. Although rich in vitamin E, sweet almond oil is strongly discouraged by allergists.

One tablespoon of olive oil is enough to nourish the skin of the child’s entire body. Remember to dab off any excess oil in the folds to avoid maceration.

Which oil to choose? Opt for green or black olives, knowing that black olive oil will have a milder smell. First cold-pressed oil is extracted from the olive without being heated during the process, which preserves all its quality and benefits.

A massage oil perfectly tolerated by baby’s skin

To give your baby a massage, it’s best to take a class with a childcare professional or a trained person. The massage can last between 5 and 10 minutes. It can have several benefits: calming the child, helping them fall asleep, relieving abdominal pain, etc. It is done with the palms of the hands, flat, using gentle circular movements or light pressure. It is important not to pull on the limbs, press on the back, or attempt physiotherapy movements.

Massage is a way to strengthen the parent-child bond during a quiet one-on-one moment. Caresses and gentle strokes should be done in a calm environment.

Make sure to heat the room to over 20°C during the massage so the child doesn’t get cold. Ideally, massage your child after their bath to nourish their skin. The bath can tire and soothe the child, which is why a massage can be a way to calm them before a nap or bedtime.

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The benefits of homeopathy for babies
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