Baby massage has been practised across cultures for centuries, and modern research offers reasonable support for some of its claimed benefits. A systematic review published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that massage in preterm infants was associated with weight gain and earlier hospital discharge, though effects in full-term infants were less pronounced.
For parents and babies, massage provides a structured opportunity for skin-to-skin contact, eye contact, and communication — all of which support the development of secure attachment. Many parents also report that a massage routine in the evening helps babies settle before sleep, though the evidence for this is largely anecdotal.
Whichever benefits draw you to baby massage, the choice of oil matters — and the evidence on which oils are safe (and which may cause harm) has become clearer in recent years.
Newborn and infant skin is structurally different from adult skin. The skin barrier — the outermost layer of the epidermis, which prevents moisture loss and keeps irritants out — is thinner and less mature. Certain oils can disrupt this barrier, increasing transepidermal water loss, and potentially increasing the risk of sensitisation to allergens (a process relevant to eczema and food allergy development).
This is particularly important for babies with a family history of atopic conditions (eczema, asthma, hay fever, food allergy), as their skin barrier is likely to be even more compromised.
Cold-pressed sunflower oil is widely recommended by dermatologists as a safe oil for baby massage and moisturisation. It has a high content of linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that supports the skin barrier. Research published in the journal Pediatric Dermatology has found that sunflower oil maintains skin barrier integrity and reduces transepidermal water loss.
Sunflower oil is light, odourless (in its cold-pressed form), and well tolerated by most skin types. It is also inexpensive and widely available. Look for cold-pressed, food-grade sunflower oil without additives.
Evidence status: Reasonably well supported as safe for all babies, including those with eczema.
Coconut oil has become extremely popular for baby skincare in recent years, and there is some evidence to support its use. It has antimicrobial properties (primarily from lauric acid) and has been shown in some studies to reduce bacterial colonisation of the skin — potentially beneficial for babies prone to skin infections.
A study in the International Journal of Dermatology found that coconut oil was as effective as mineral oil in reducing skin barrier dysfunction in children with atopic dermatitis. However, coconut oil is relatively high in saturated fatty acids and lower in linoleic acid compared with sunflower oil, meaning it may be slightly less beneficial for the barrier function.
Evidence status: Considered safe for most babies. Reasonable choice for massage in the absence of nut allergy concerns (coconut is a tree nut).
Mineral oil — the main ingredient in many commercial baby oils — is derived from petroleum. While this sounds concerning, it is important to note that cosmetic-grade mineral oil is highly purified and has an excellent safety record.
Mineral oil does not penetrate the skin and acts purely as an occlusive (sealing) agent, reducing water loss from the surface. It does not provide the skin-barrier-supportive fatty acids of plant oils, but it is also less likely to cause sensitisation and is very unlikely to cause harm.
Research from the Cochrane collaboration has found limited evidence either way for mineral oil in treating atopic eczema, but the safety profile is considered good. It is non-comedogenic (doesn't block pores) and very unlikely to cause allergic reactions.
Evidence status: Safe for most babies. Not harmful, but lacks the barrier-supporting properties of plant oils high in linoleic acid.
Olive oil was, for many years, the default recommendation for baby massage and dry skin. It is no longer recommended by most dermatology specialists, particularly for eczema-prone babies.
The reason is its fatty acid profile: olive oil is high in oleic acid and relatively low in linoleic acid. Research, including a 2012 study published in Pediatric Dermatology by Danby and colleagues, found that olive oil disrupted the skin barrier in volunteers and led to increased transepidermal water loss compared with sunflower oil. A subsequent randomised controlled trial found that whole-body massage with olive oil in newborns was associated with a higher incidence of dry skin and eczema compared with no treatment.
Evidence status: No longer recommended, particularly for eczema-prone babies. Sunflower oil is a safer alternative.
Nut oils — particularly sweet almond oil and peanut oil — are common ingredients in commercially available baby massage oils and natural skincare products. However, applying nut-derived oils to the skin of a baby with eczema-prone or compromised skin may increase the risk of sensitisation to the relevant allergen.
The skin barrier hypothesis of allergy sensitisation — that early cutaneous exposure to allergens through a damaged or immature skin barrier promotes the development of allergy — has significant supporting evidence. This is the mechanistic reason why applying peanut oil to eczema-prone skin has been associated with increased risk of peanut allergy.
Evidence status: Nut oils should be avoided, particularly in babies with eczema or a family history of nut allergy.
Essential oils — lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus, tea tree, and others — are potent, concentrated plant extracts. They are not appropriate for use on baby skin, even heavily diluted. Some are toxic if ingested (a risk with a baby who puts their hands in their mouth), some are powerful skin sensitisers, and eucalyptus and menthol-containing oils can cause respiratory distress in infants.
Evidence status: Avoid entirely for babies under twelve months at minimum.
Choose a warm room and a comfortable surface. Use a small amount of oil — a teaspoon is sufficient for a full body massage. Warm the oil in your hands before applying it. Begin with gentle, slow strokes on the legs and gradually work upward. Observe your baby's cues: a relaxed face, maintained eye contact, and calm limbs suggest they are enjoying the experience. Avoidance of eye contact, arching, or crying suggests they have had enough.
There is no fixed routine you must follow. Many parents find a simple leg-to-tummy-to-back sequence works well. Regular, consistent massage in the evening can become a predictable signal that sleep is approaching.
For most babies, cold-pressed sunflower oil is the safest and best-evidenced choice for massage. It is inexpensive, gentle, and actively supports the skin barrier. Coconut oil is a reasonable alternative. Olive oil should be avoided, particularly for babies with eczema-prone skin. Nut oils and essential oils should be avoided entirely.
For babies who already have eczema, speak to your health visitor or GP before beginning regular oil massage — moisturising emollients specifically formulated for eczema may be more appropriate than any plant oil.
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