Ideal for
pre-bath massage define
Answers
Answer:
Explanation:
Traditionally a massage is given before a bath but you can also choose to massage your baby after a bath.
Choosing to massage your baby before or after her bath will depend on what oil or cream you use during the massage, and the condition of your baby's skin.
Massaging your baby before her bath is a good idea if:
You use mustard oil, ghee or olive oil
Although olive oil, ghee and mustard oil have been used safely by families for massaging their babies for many years, research suggests that these oils, which are high in oleic acid, may damage the skin barrier if they are left on the skin. This is more likely to be the case if your baby already has dry, sensitive skin or eczema.
There is evidence that mustard and olive oil can irritate your baby's skin and make it drier. This makes it necessary to wash these oils off after applying them.
The weather is hot and humid
Although we do not have a lot of evidence for this, some experts believe that residual oil on your baby, especially in the folds of her skin, can trap sweat or block pores. This can then lead to a prickly heat rash in hot or humid weather.
Massaging your baby after her bath is a good idea if:
Your baby has dry skin
If your baby has dry skin or eczema, your doctor may have suggested using an unperfumed moisturising cream or lotion to massage your baby. Moisturising creams and lotions are designed to be absorbed by the upper layers of the skin. If you wash them off during a bath, they will not be able to moisturise the skin as needed.
You're using an oil mild enough for your baby's skin
If you are using an oil, then massaging your baby after a bath while her skin is still damp will help the moisture to be trapped in and absorbed. But you should use an oil that is suitable for your baby's skin such as coconut oil, sunflower seed, or a baby (mineral) oil.
There might be times when you massage your baby independent of your baby's bath. If your baby is ill, or the weather is particularly cold, you might choose to massage your baby with her clothes on. This kind of massage can become a part of your baby's bedtime routine as well, since a massage helps to calm and soothe your baby, and helps her to move from play time to bed time.