Can I use sunflower oil on my baby?

At the beginning of November a new piece of research was published which looked at the use of olive oil, sunflower oil or no oil for baby massage. This research has caused several questions to be raised about sunflower oil being used for baby massage.

Previous research in 2013 on adults used olive oil, olive oil mixed with sunflower seed oil and sunflower seed oil. The findings showed that olive oil and olive oil mixed with sunflower seed oil was not good for the skin, as it damaged the skin barrier and could exacerbate or encourage skin problems. Sunflower seed oil was shown to improve hydration, not affect the skin barrier or cause reddening or irritation. Following this advice, many baby massage instructors advised parents not to use olive oil for baby massage.

The new research published in November 2015 has raised a question about using sunflower oil for baby massage. For the study either sunflower oil, olive oil or no oil was applied twice daily to babies up to 4 weeks of age using babies from families with a history of atopic eczema. The results showed that while the babies' skin was hydrated, there was a reduction in the barrier protection of the skin for both olive and sunflower oil, compared to the no oil group. The abstract advises "caution should be exercised when recommending oils for neonatal skin."

Reading this study initially caused me concern, as this is one of the oils I recommend for parents to use. On reading the study and exploring the details further I made the following observations:

- Olive oil is already discouraged for baby massage.
- While baby massage may be carried out daily, it is usually every few days or weekly. Baby massage is not usually twice a day.

While on first observation this research is concerning, it is actually not new information. Midwives and health visitors already advise parents with new-born babies to only use water on their babies' skin. While this research covers olive oil and sunflower oil I would suspect that any oil being applied to the skin before the barrier has been formed may have an effect on it, but further research would be needed with other oils to confirm what oils are good for the skin and which should be avoided.

Many first-time parents worry about making mistakes and it is up to professionals to translate the research being published and advise accordingly. Based on this new information, I will be advising my baby massage groups of the research and my observations so parents can make an informed choice. Moving forward, I intend to advise parents:

- My baby massage groups begin from 7 weeks of age. For a full-term baby the skin barrier is formed at 4 weeks of age. The research from 2013 suggests that once the barrier has formed sunflower oil does not damage the skin integrity.
- Babies who are premature should have their adjusted age taken into account when advising which oil to use. If a baby's adjusted age would take them below 4 weeks then I would advise to avoid sunflower oil (& ideally any oil) until after the barrier has been formed.
- If there is a family history of eczema then a parent should take into account the above information and made an informed choice on what they feel is right for them.
- If the parent decides they would prefer to avoid sunflower oil, they may wish to consider alternatives such as grapeseed or calendula (which is good for inflamed skin).

This research has caused many questions for baby massage instructors: some may now avoid sunflower oil and some are not disclosing the research to worried new parents, however I believe that ethically I need to let parents know what is being discussed so that parents can make an informed choice that is the right one for their baby.

If you would like to read the abstracts, these are the links:
November 2015 research:    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26551528
2013 research about olive oil:    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22995032

Louise is an holistic therapist who owns Therapy Centre, Bristol BS14 9HB, a clinic offering a range of holistic and beauty therapies. Louise offers reflexology, aromatherapy, aromatology, holistic massage, Indian head massage, reiki, baby massage and story massage.For further information about Louise you can visit her website louise-morgan.co.uk. 

If you need help to find your perfect therapist, Louise has written a free e-book with tips on what to think about when choosing which therapist may be best for you. You can get your free access from her website.

Making 2016 work for you

We're now into the swing of 2016 and it's usual for people to make plans and aims for the year. Have you made any? Did you start them on the 1st of January? Have any already fallen by the wayside? Have you already started to think 'I should be...'?

Remember that everything doesn't have to be started on the 1st of January. If you feel a need for a significant date, look in your diary and choose one - it may be Chinese New Year, it may be your birthday, the first day of spring, the page your diary opens to. However you choose the date is absolutely fine.

The important thing is to show yourself some self love. If you didn't start on the 1st there was probably a good reason and the timing wasn't quite right. You are in control and you can choose whenever you start.

Throughout December I usually find myself reflecting on the past year and making plans for the new year, but I don't set dates. I know what I want to achieve but I'll wait for inspiration to hit - to start everything on one day is likely to send me to overwhelm and I won't appreciate the new opportunities coming to me or I'll resent what I'm trying to achieve.

So my aims for this year? The last few years have been intense, so I'm taking things a little easier. My youngest son started school in September and since then I've been regularly meditating and practising mindfulness - and I'm already practising these habits in 2016. I was also doing a small amount of yoga each day for several months, but as Christmas approached it fell by the wayside. I am refusing to think 'I should' and know I'll get back to it when it's the right time. This year I'm also planning to get to a target weight I've been ignoring, get on my bike more than last year and try a few social activities at times through the year. I'm not going to worry about them at the moment, as I'm coming to grips with easing myself back into the routine of school and work.

Life can be serious sometimes, so don't be hard on yourself and plan some fun things which don't have to be done by a deadline. There are no right or wrong answers and you are entitled to change the goalposts if they don't suit you. May 2016 give you wonderful opportunities throughout the year and whatever your choices this year, may they be ones that support and give you happiness.


Louise is an holistic therapist who owns Therapy Centre, Bristol BS14 9HB, a clinic offering a range of holistic and beauty therapies. Louise offers reflexology, aromatherapy, aromatology, holistic massage, Indian head massage, reiki, baby massage and story massage. She is a mum of two boys and when she is not working she enjoys getting outdoors with her family. For further information about Louise you can visit her website louise-morgan.co.uk. 
The therapy centre website is kinsaletherapycentre.co.uk, the contact number is 01275 217160