What Is Baby Oil Used For On Newborns?

The baby bag is packed. Your bag is ready to go, with a detailed list of the things you need to grab at the last minute stuck to the fridge (don’t forget the phone charger!). In the epic mountain of baby items you have collected, are a few simple items that you don’t actually know much about. One of them may be baby oil.

But, what is baby oil used for on babies? Do I really need baby oil for my newborn? Pre-baby me thought oil was for cooking and car engines! 😂

Baby oil keeps your precious newborn’s skin soft and hydrated, free from rashes and eczema, and is perfect for baby massages. Below, you can check 4 good uses of baby oil.

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1. Baby oil is protecting their delicate skin

Your baby has been floating about in an environment that has been designed exclusively for them; it contained exactly what your baby needed to stay in perfect condition. After a grand and exciting entrance to the world, baby is now exposed to new elements that can damage their delicate skin. The things that make perfect sense to us – water, clothes, nappies – can dry and irritate newborn skin. Baby oil helps by hydrating the skin and providing a protective layer, keeping their skin as soft and delicate as the time you first held them.

2. Baby oil in the bath

One of the most common ways to use baby oil is to add it to your baby’s bath. Water dries out newborn skin and adding baby oil to the bath water helps replace the skin’s natural oils.

A word of warning: keep a firm grip on your newborn! Babies wriggle and squirm at the best of times, and an oily, wet baby will test your reflexes.

3. Baby oil massages

Most babies love a soothing massage, and by using some baby oil, you can moisturise them at the same time. A moisturised, happy and calm baby – it’s a win-win situation! Baby massages, along with bath time, are a great way to get Dad or other family members involved too. Connecting with baby through touch, eye contact and facial expressions are vital in building a loving bond. A massage allows you to do all of these things, whilst knowing that you are also protecting baby’s sensitive skin. Hopefully, this blissful massage leads to a restful night for all involved!

4. Baby oil for cradle cap

Cradle cap. Before I had my first child, I had never heard of it. Cradle cap is a crusty layer that can form on the scalp, and is completely harmless and normal. It usually clears up on its own after a few months, but if it’s particularly bad, you can rub some baby oil into the scalp and gently remove it with a soft brush. It works like magic and is one of the lesser-known uses of baby oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which oil is best for baby skin?

Baby oil is a mineral oil, and research has shown that mineral oils are safe to use on baby’s skin. There are many different brands available, and the chances are that you will be gifted some before baby arrives. Baby oil has been specifically designed for your little ones delicate skin.

When can I use baby oil on a newborn?

Most newborn babies don’t need frequent bathing and you might find yourself not reaching for the baby oil straight away. Within a couple of weeks, you might notice some dryness, rashes or irritation. Time to break out the baby oil! The best time to use baby oil is right after a bath, when the skin is damp and the moisture can be locked in, keeping baby’s skin soft and hydrated.

I’ve been gifted 10 bottles of baby oil. What now?

So your well-meaning friends and relatives brought gorgeous hampers of baby products to your baby shower. And not that you are ungrateful, you just ended up with 10 bottles of baby oil. Your baby bathes in it, enjoys the loving massages, has the softest, sweetest skin in the world and is completely cradle cap free… but you still have unopened bottles cluttering your bathroom. Baby oil is an amazing ingredient for sensory play. Playdough, cloud dough, sensory bags – you’ll be so grateful for the bottles of baby oil once your baby is on the move!