Let’s talk about how to use essential oils in a colic massage for baby. What essential oils work best to reduce colic? Which essential oils should be avoided? How do you properly dilute essential oils in a massaging oil for your baby?
We will discuss all of these in depth in this article. Are you ready? Let’s dive right in!
When To Give Baby A Massage
A good time to do this colic massage is in the morning or at bedtime. When using essential oils in your massage like lavender or chamomile, it may help improve their sleep! These are great to use at bedtime.
Other essential oils you can use in this massage, such as mandarin, uplift the mood and bring alertness. This is good to use in the morning!
Tips For Colic Massaging
If Dad is looking for a way to pitch in and bond with baby, have him learn these massages. He will enjoy it just as much as your baby!
The Mayo Clinic advices to wait at least 45 minutes after a feed before giving a massage. This may reduce spit up or vomiting.
It should be noted that not all babies respond to massaging as a good way to reduce colic. For some, this trick doesn’t work. However, it is still a great way to connect and bond with your precious one!
For more colic soothing, try using the essential oils listed below in your massage! You will benefit from their use as well!
How To Give A Colic Massage To Baby
If you have any concerns about performing a colic massage on your baby, be sure to talk with their pediatrician first.
To give a baby a colic massage, make sure you do these things:
- Explain to your baby what you will be doing.
- Make sure your hands are arm! Try performing this massage after doing the dishes or taking a shower.
- If you’re using essential oils, first be sure the oils are properly diluted. Then perform a spot test. To learn how, see below.
- Stop giving the massage if your baby seems too uncomfortable with it.
- Try to massage baby for 10-15 minutes. You can do this once or twice a day and see how they respond.
The Colic Massage
- With warm hands, rub a few drops of diluted essential oils between your palms.
- Rub gently on baby’s tummy.
- Rub baby’s tummy in a clockwise motion. This will encourage gas to move through the intestines.
- With one hand placed gently on baby’s tummy, use the other hand to bring their knees up to their belly button. Listen for farting!
- Then gently bring baby’s legs back down.
- Now rub baby’s belly downward. Bring one hand up and down over their belly. Then the other hand.
- Next, gently pump baby’s legs to encourage gas flow.
- Bring their knees up to their belly button again. Listen for farting!
- Continue these two rubbing motions on baby’s tummy coupled with the leg pumping and lifting.
Essential Oils That Reduce Colic
Below are essential oils that can be used for massaging your baby. These oils help bring calm and comfort to your baby and may reduce the symptoms of colic.
Roman & German Chamomile Essential Oil
Roman Chamomile or German Chamomile oils are a great to use in a colic massage for baby.
Benefits Of Both Oils:
- Helps relieve symptoms of colic
- Has natural soothing effects. Brings calm to your baby.
- May help them sleep better! Great to use in a colic massage before bedtime.
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Lavender
Lavender essential oil is known for its calming effects. It is safe to use on baby and has many benefits.
Benefits:
- Effective at relieving symptoms of colic.
- Naturally brings calm and relaxed feelings.
- Helps baby to be less fussy.
Mandarin
Mandarin essential oil has similar calming effects to lavender. What makes this oil great for babies is that it should not cause skin irritation even when diluted. So, if your baby doesn’t like lavender, try mandarin instead.
Benefits:
- Natural calming effects similar to lavender
- Will not burn the skin even after being diluted
- Uplifts the mood and emotions
Dill
Surprisingly, dill essential oil is recommended as an essential oil to use for colic in babies. Why is this? Dill carries natural properties that calm spasming muscles. When your baby is colicky, their tummy muscles may be spasming. This oil will help bring calm. Be sure to do a spot test, as explained below, to make sure your baby doesn’t react to this oil.
Benefits:
- Naturally calms spasming muscles.
- May help soothe indigestion.
- Helps bring relaxation.
- Aids in sleep.
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How To Properly Dilute Essential Oils For Massaging Baby
It is important to use the proper dilution when using essential oils. Essential oils are potent and can cause skin irritation or burning.
I know this from personal experience! My essential oils were not properly diluted. I felt a burning sensation on my skin with red marks where the oils had touched. I immediately washed those areas with soap and water. After about 15-20 minutes, the burning and redness went away. We don’t want this happening to baby!
According to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, infants younger than 3 months old should not have diluted essential oils used on them. However, you can still use the massaging techniques shown in this article. If you like, you could use a baby lotion or carrier oil without the oils while massaging your baby.
It is recommended that for babies, essential oils should be diluted to a 0.5% or 1%. How do you get this dilution?
For a 1% dilution, take one drop of essential oil to one teaspoon carrier oil. For a 0.5% dilution, add one drop of essential oil to 2 teaspoons carrier oil.
Performing A Spot Test
Before applying any diluted essential oil to your baby, perform a spot test. A spot test will tell you if your baby will react to a specific oil or not. Here’s now to do it:
- With properly diluted essential oil, rub one drop on your baby’s ankle.
- Wait 24 hours.
- If redness or irritation occurs, wash off the area with soap and warm water.
- Stop using that oil. You can either try a different oil or simply use baby lotion or a carrier oil instead.
Avoid These Essential Oils
Avoid these essential oils around your baby. Do not use them in a massaging oil, bath or diffuser. Some are too strong and can cause burning to the skin or irritation to the eyes. Others may interfere with baby’s still-developing organs.
- Peppermint
- Cinnamon
- Eucalyptus
- Rosemerry
- Sage
- Verbena
- Wintergreen
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Summary
The colic massage I showed you here in this article is great to help get gas moving in baby’s gut. If it seems to be a struggle, or baby isn’t responding how you hoped, take a break and come back to it another time. The goal here is to bring calm to your baby. If you are feeling stressed over the situation, don’t push it. There is always another time to try!
If you are looking for more ways to relieve your baby from colic, check out my other articles on the subject! There are great tools available to you that really do help.
I wish you and your little one peace, Mama! You’re doing a great job!
Want To Learn More?
If you would like to learn more about colic, check out these related articles below!
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Best Tips For Coping With The Screaming
How To Overcome The Guilt As A Mom With A Colicky Baby
Getting In Public With A Colicky Baby
Formula For Reducing Colic In Babies
The “LOVE” Massage For Gas & Constipation