Is it Good to Massage a Baby With Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil has been used as a massage oil for centuries.

Many Benefits

Coconut oil is a good choice to massage baby skin because it is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. The process of making coconut oil, called fractionation, removes fungal spores, pesticides and yeast molds that sometimes are present in other oils. The fractionation process produces perfume-free oil. Coconut oil also is a stable oil with a long shelf life.

Allergy Symptoms

Although coconut allergies are rare, they do occur. Rashes, eyes that are itchy are watery, congestion and difficulty breathing are all signs of an allergy. A full list of coconut allergy symptoms is on WD's website, which is linked in the References section.

Bottom Line

Coconut oil has antibacterial and skin-moisturizing properties and, thus, is beneficial when used as a massage oil for babies. In rare cases, however, coconut oil may cause an allergic reaction.

References

• International Association of Infant Massage: Use of Oils
• WD: Symptoms of Food Allergy--Coconut