Is Coconut Oil Massage Safe for Babies in Winter? Correct Method and Alternatives

Dr. Sandip Gupta

This video answers two common winter questions from parents: is it safe to massage babies with coconut oil in the cold season, and will coconut oil massage make the child catch a cold? Points covered in the video: The answer – yes, you can massage children with coconut oil in winter, but warm the coconut oil a little first. How to warm the oil – coconut oil solidifies in winter. To warm it, you can keep it in the sun, rub it between your palms to warm it, or if it is very cold, take hot water in a vessel and place the coconut oil bottle over it so the oil warms up. Benefits of coconut oil massage – the child's skin does not become dry and stays moisturised. Coconut oil also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which are very good for the child's skin. Alternative: sesame (til) oil – if you still prefer not to use coconut oil, you can use til ka tel for the child's massage. A study has found that massaging children with sesame oil helps in weight gain, and in our culture it is considered warm (garam). So sesame oil can be used as a second option. Relevant for: parents asking whether oil massage is safe for babies in winter; parents worried that oil massage will make the baby catch a cold; parents wanting to know how to warm coconut oil that has solidified in winter; parents dealing with dry skin in babies; parents looking for oils with antibacterial and antifungal properties for baby skin; and parents asking about sesame oil massage and its link to weight gain in babies. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different — please consult your pediatrician before using any oil on your baby's skin, especially if your baby has a rash, eczema, sensitive skin, or a history of allergy.