Packing Your Diaper Bag and Purse: Natural Oil for Baby and Mom

Almost everyone remembers to pack diapers, wipes, bottles, pacifiers and snacks when heading out for a trip to the park, daycare or a friend’s house. Natural baby oil may be something that both experienced and new moms and dads have in the house, but it might also be a product that never got opened or is buried in a drawer. The health and bonding benefits of baby oil for baby and mom are reason enough to throw it in your diaper bag the next time you leave the house.

Types of Oils

Nature produces a plethora of oils: from olive to jojoba to sunflower seed. It’s important to know what to look for in natural oil and the beneficial properties of each. Many oils are sold as combination oils so that you can get the simultaneous benefits of a handful of oils all at once. For example, The Honest Company sells a popular natural body oil that has eight different oils in it, including the ones discussed here. Olive oil can not only help moisturize your skin, but it can also help treat skin conditions such as eczema and yeast infections, according to Discovery Fit and Health. Jojoba oil can be used to treat chapped and sunburned skin since it works as an emollient, helping to soothe skin, according to Web MD, which also notes that sunflower seed oil can be used to heal wounds on the skin and damage from psoriasis.

There are numerous medicinal properties in natural oils and oil combinations, making oil the perfect product for your diaper bag. Not only can natural oils help to protect and heal skin concerns, but applying oils can also bond baby to mom and dad.

Benefits for Baby

Massaging babies helps to reduce crying and fussiness and helps to kickstart their central nervous system, according to Parents magazine. Massaging baby can also help forge a stronger emotional connection between baby and parents. Natural oils can help make the massage process pleasant. Massaging baby can also get him or her used to being touched, which may make it easier when you visit the pediatrician. Baby will respond well to a loving and gentle daily massage before naptime or bedtime or after bathtime. Make sure the natural oil you choose for the massage is warm by rubbing it between your hands for a while before putting it on baby’s skin.

Babies can and do get dry skin in all seasons of the year. Their skin is extremely sensitive and sometimes lotion isn’t enough to moisturize it. Since many natural oils contain hydrating and healing properties, you can put oil directly onto baby’s skin or add a few drops to your favorite lotion. By choosing a natural oil, you’ll know exactly what you’re putting on baby.

Avoiding harsh scents, even though they may be pleasant to adult noses, is important when using an oil product on baby. Babies also have sensitive noses so be sure to choose an oil that has no added fragrance, natural or not. Baby will be most happy with natural oils such as olive and jojoba and may be sensitive to fragrant oils that are derived from flowers, for example.

Benefits for Mom

Even before baby comes along, mom can benefit from using natural oils. Rubbing oil on a pregnant belly can prevent dryness and itchy discomfort. Oil on a pregnant belly can also help minimize stretch marks. Aside from the benefits to mom as a parent, natural oils have other benefits for her: conditioning hair, reducing skin dryness unrelated to pregnancy, and helping to prevent age spots and wrinkles. If mom is co-parenting, she can use natural oils to massage her partner and vice versa, keeping both parents relaxed and happy during the often stressful time of raising a baby.

Buying Natural on a Budget

It’s true that it often costs more to buy natural and eco-friendly products. But knowing that what you’re putting on you and your child’s skin is safe and healthy is worth the added cost. Today there are many companies that have made buying natural products both convenient and affordable. With online store fronts available, like the web shop from the folks over at The Honest Company, you can easily purchase natural products that will be shipped straight to your door. Some natural skin and baby care companies even offer bundle programs, where you can receive significantly discounted products by bundling items together and getting them sent to you each month. Don’t let your budget get in the way of natural, healthy products for you and your family.

Sometimes the simplest items can make the most difference. Natural oil can benefit both mom and baby during and after pregnancy. Its soothing effects might mean the difference between irritated fussiness and joyful smiles. Being comfortable and healthy are essential to a happy baby and happy mom.