Olive oil is among the superstar of oils. Health benefits of olive oil are no secret. It is in fact a treasure chest full of health benefit golds. You must have probably heard of how good it is for skin, hair and health but did you know olive oil also proves to be very useful and healthy for babies? Extra virgin olive oil is considered one of the best as it is pure with no chemicals and room temperature treatment.
We have garnered 7 benefits of using olive oil for babies:
- Great Oil for Baby Massage
Don’t babies just love getting a massage! It is a great ways creating a parent-baby bond. Massage in general helps to put your little angel at peace by improving his health, growth and sleep. Parents have been using olive oil for baby massage for more than hundred years today. Simply mix equal quantities of water and oil and mix it well to massage the baby. Massage your baby for about 15 to 20 minutes and clean him with lukewarm water. Make sure you clean well to avoid any residue rashes.
Here are some of the ways olive oil massage benefits your baby:
- Olive oil facilitates regeneration of skin tissues and keeps your skin toned.
- Olive oil is packed with phenolic antioxidant, oleic acids, healthy fats and squalene. Regular massage helps to keep your bone and muscles strong along with maintaining your baby’s skin tone.
- It is well known for keep your little baby’s skin healthy, shiny and smooth. It moisturizes your baby’s skin well.
- No matter what the weather is, you can use it.
- Cures Constipation
Colic babies and constipation in babies is a common problem we get to hear all the time. When constipation happens to be such an uncomfortable condition for adults, imagine what it will be like for little babies. One of the best natural remedies is to rub warm olive oil on the stomach of the baby making clockwise circular motion. It helps the babies sleep better and prevent gas.
You can also incorporate it in your baby’s diet to relieve constipation. It works as a laxative for curing constipation. However, make sure you talk to your doctor before doing so.
- Healthy Nutrient in Baby Food
Olive oil packed with monounsaturated fatty acids plays its role in keeping your pancreas and heart working its optimum. Yes, you can even use olive oil in baby food but only after your baby turns six months old. It is actually a very good source of fat for weaning babies and contributes in healthy growth of your child.
Make sure you just add a quarter teaspoon in two ounces of baby food and not more than that. Exceeding this quantity can cause diarrhoea in babies. Taking in the right quantity is great for the overall health of the baby.
- Calms Down Cough in Babies
Cough can be really irritable for your little angel but guess what? Even doctor recommend you use home remedies like olive oil for your baby. Make sure you give your baby breast milk whenever he is sick as it contains natural antibodies to pump up your baby’s immune system. Natural oil rub can do the trick for your baby.
- Simply combine four teaspoons of olive oil and three drops of peppermint or rosemary oil.
- Rub this oil on the chest and back of the baby with a gentle hand.
- The best time to apply it is before bed time as the baby sleeps well.
- Soothes Diaper Rashes
Does your baby have those nasty rashes again? Diaper rashes can make your baby uncomfortable and give you the discomfort of continuous ear splitting cries. An olive oil emulsion is the best way to sooth those fiery rashes and subside the cries.
- Simply combine one tablespoon of water and two tablespoons of olive oil.
- Rub this emulsion between the palm of your hands and gently rub it over the rash region.
- If the rashes continue, do consult a doctor.
- Effective for Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is another species of dandruff that results in dry and flaky skin on the baby’s scalp. The good news is olive oil contains great hydrating qualities that naturally treat cradle cap in babies. Olive oil not only softens baby’s frizzy and coarse hair but it also helps to strengthen baby’s hair.
- Simply rub some olive oil on the baby’s head
- Massage using a soft brush or washcloth.
- Let it stay for about 20 minutes.
- In case the flaky skin layer is thick, leave it overnight.
- Then wash your baby’s scalp using a lukewarm water and a mild shampoo
- With the help of a comb, remove the loosened crust from the baby’s head.
