Sweet almond oil: ecological care for the newborn
Sweet almond oil for a newborn baby has recently become a very fashionable way to care for the baby's delicate skin - is it right? Newly baked parents are looking for safe and effective cosmetics for their baby. What sweet almond oil to choose for a newborn to be sure of its beneficial properties?
In this post, we answer a frequently asked question on the forum about whether sweet almond oil is suitable for ecological care of a newborn.
Sweet Almond Oil: what properties make it perfect for the newborn?
Sweet almond oil is an excellent emollient of natural origin. Body oiling is one of the ancient, popular methods of hair and body care for both adults and children. Sweet almond oil for newborns has been used in India for centuries - mothers rub it on both the delicate skin and the baby's hair to make them thick and shiny in the future.
Research results and numerous opinions quoted on an online forum for parents confirm that sweet almond oil is perfect for a newborn as a an ecological substitute for olives and synthetic emollients for babies.
Pure, free of additives, sweet almond oil is a wealth of unsaturated fatty acids (mainly oleic and linoleic acids), mineral salts, phospholipids and phytosterols, as well as many vitamins, e.g. from group B, or vitamins A and E. When applied to the skin, it absorbs very quickly and, importantly, does not stain clothes and does not leave an unpleasant, greasy layer.
Sweet almond oil is recommended for a newborn on many parenting forums because it is practically odorless and relatively rarely causes allergic reactions. However, before we smear it all over the baby's body, it is necessary to perform the so-called an allergy test and a bit of oil rub into the skin on the inside of the newborn's forearm.
If within 24 hours we do not observe skin irritation or other symptoms that could indicate an allergy, sweet almond oil can be safely used for a newborn in everyday, ecological care. It is also worth observing the baby's skin, because for some newborns pharmacy or drugstore moisturizing cosmetics for babies may prove to be more effective. It is however a very individual issue. If you have any doubts about the care of your newborn, it is worth discussing with your pediatrician or midwife.
Application sweet almond oil in newborn care: best ideas from forum for parents
Thanks to its properties, sweet almond oil for a newborn contributes to rebuilding the hydro-lipid barrier of the baby's delicate skin, making it more elastic, smoothing and softening, as well as soothing irritation and unpleasant dryness of the skin after bathing. On many forums for parents, mothers share many recommended ways to use sweet almond oil for ecological newborn care. Parents above all love this oil for its versatility.
Sweet almond oil can be safely used for:
- newborn;
- pregnant women;
- breastfeeding women;
- and other family members, without age limits
You can also try sweet almond oil if your baby has cradle cap. We put it on the baby's head, wait at least 15 minutes (you can put on a thin, cotton cap for this time), and then, using a soft brush for babies, gently brush the yellow, greasy scales from the scalp. Such care in the case of cradle cap should be applied before bathing the baby. If parents do not see improvement after a week and cradle cap worsens, it is worth consulting a pediatrician or midwife.
On the parent forum, mothers also recommend adding half a tablespoon of sweet almond oil to the baby's bathtub instead of drugstore emollients. If the newborn's skin is tight and dry after bathing, it is worth rubbing a little sweet almond oil into the dried or slightly damp baby's skin. What other way to use sweet almond oil for a newborn baby do parents recommend?
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Pharmacologist, Chief expert in the field of opinions on cosmetics, medical devices, washing and rinsing agents and biocides, Institute of Mother and Child
Sweet almond oil great for baby massage
Massage of a newborn and infant has a calming effect and helps to strengthen the bond between the parent performing the massage and the child. There are special techniques for massaging small children, e.g. Shantala massage, about which it is worth asking a pediatric physiotherapist or midwife.
Intuitive, gentle and calm stroking of individual parts of the newborn's body with the use of sweet almond oil will be a very pleasant experience for him. Of course, you should observe the child's reactions, adjust the pace of the massage to his needs, and when the infant reacts with nervousness or crying, stop the massage.
Dad can be involved in the massage. This will be a great opportunity for him building a bond with the newborn. Before we proceed to perform such a massage with a naked toddler, it is worth taking care of the right room temperature (at least 25 ℃) and the warmth of the parent's hands and the almond oil itself - before using it for the newborn, the parent should warm up a little oil in his hands. Be careful not to get the oil into the baby's eyes, ears and nose.
Oil is not equal to oil, that is what sweet almond oil to choose for a newborn
Before we decide to use sweet almond oil for a newborn, it is worth looking at its composition. It is recommended for the newborn and other family members for skin care only sweet almond oilbecause bitter almond oil should not be used due to its toxic content cyanogenic glycoside (amygdalin).
Expert advises
Sweet almond oil can be refined or unrefined. Unrefined oil is obtained in the cold-pressing process, thanks to which it contains more valuable ingredients, but there are also allergenic substances among them. Cases of allergies in infants after its use for massage have been described. It can also cause a cross-allergy in children allergic to nuts. In addition, unrefined oil is sensitive to light and oxidizes easily, which causes it to spoil. Therefore, a better choice is purified (i.e. refined) sweet almond oil, devoid of substances that can sensitize or irritate the skin.
When we are wondering which sweet almond oil will be the best for a newborn, let us also rely on our… nose after opening the bottle. Fresh, full of valuable properties, sweet almond oil has very delicate, pleasant, slightly nutty aroma and light yellow, almost colorless colour. After first opening, sweet almond oil should be stored in a dark place, e.g. in a closed cupboard/drawer, away from heat sources.
If, after opening, sweet almond oil has a strange, rancid, pungent smell and a dark color, do not use it for a newborn baby - it is best to immediately throw such a spoiled/expired product into the trash.
Sweet almond oil as ecological care for the newborn, but not only
Now that we know what sweet almond oil to choose for a newborn, let's take a look at what kind the benefits of its use other family members may also benefit.
Sweet almond oil is safe and recommended for the care of pregnant women. It makes the skin more elastic and helps prevent stretch marks (although their appearance on the skin is largely dependent on the genetic conditions of the pregnant woman). It can also be used by breastfeeding mothers, as well as all women who appreciate versatile preparations with a completely natural composition.
Sweet almond oil is also great as the first stage of makeup removal, for a moisturizing bath, as an oil hair mask and as a natural support for the growth of brittle nails. As it does not leave an oily layer on the skin, sweet almond oil can be used instead of drugstore skin moisturizing lotions, as well as for men for skin and beard care.
On the forum, parents admit that it's hard to ask for more versatile and safe cosmetic for a newborn and the whole familyThat's why sweet almond oil is worth trying and stocking your bathroom cabinet with it.
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