Mustard Oil for Baby Massage – Benefits and Risks

Creator: Aliya Khan
Published: 2018-07-04 19:00:56

Learn how mustard oil can support your baby’s massage routine, including benefits, risks, and safe ways to use it.

By Aliya Khan | Updated: 18/03/2026

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Sameer Awadhiya (Paediatrician)

As parents, you want nothing but the best for your little one, and the same holds true when it comes to choosing a massage oil for your baby. A massage is vital for growing babies because it improves their blood circulation. Above all, babies love the feel of their parents’ soft hand strokes on their body, and it is also a bonding exercise. There are many massage oils for babies to choose from, such as olive, coconut, almond, mustard and so on. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of choosing mustard oil for baby massage and whether there are any risks associated with it.

Is Mustard Oil Good for Baby Massage?

Mustard oil is generally not a recommended oil for baby massages as it could cause several skin issues for the baby, such as rashes, skin irritation, or damage to the baby’s delicate skin barrier.

Although it’s not a recommended oil, it is certainly not toxic. Several households still use it for baby massages in colder weather or during winter. It is advised that you consult with your doctor before using it for your little munckin.

Benefits of Mustard Oil for Baby Massage

Mustard oil has been used to massage babies for a long time, and many mothers swear by its immense benefits for babies and young children. The following are some amazing benefits of mustard oil for massaging babies:

1. Improves Blood Circulation

Mustard oil works wonders in improving blood circulation and the overall health of your baby. Regular massages with mustard oil will make your baby healthy and strong.

2. Helps in Storing Body Heat

Mustard oil is very effective in keeping the body warm and helps it retain heat. For this very reason, mustard oil is highly popular in colder regions and during cooler months to keep babies warm and cosy. The gentle warmth can help babies stay comfortable and relaxed after a massage.

3. Works as a Great Decongestant

Mustard oil works as a decongestant for babies. Heating mustard oil with a few pods of garlic and applying it to the baby’s chest can ward off a cough and cold in babies to a certain extent. Alternatively, you can also add basil leaves to get the same effect.

4. Helps in Fighting Skin Infections

Mustard oil has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, and massaging your baby with this wondrous oil reduces your baby’s chances of having any skin infections. Babies have sensitive skin and, thus, are more prone to skin infections, and mustard oil massage helps in warding off many kinds of skin infections in babies.

5. Improves Hair Growth

Mustard oil is very effective in improving your baby’s hair growth. Babies have very scanty hair on their scalp, and regular head massages with mustard oil ensure good hair growth.

6. Works as an Effective Mosquito and Insect Repellent

Babies are at constant threat of being bitten by insects and mosquitoes, especially during summer and rainy seasons. A massage with mustard oil may help keep the insects and mosquitoes away from your baby because of its strong and pungent smell.

7. Effective Anti-Bacterial Properties

Mustard oil is loaded with anti-bacterial properties and, thus, is very beneficial in reducing skin infections in babies.

8. Effective Anti-Fungal Properties

Fungal infections of any kind can be the cause of serious complications in babies. Massaging your baby with mustard oil helps in protecting your baby against various fungal infections.

9. Helps Strengthen the Immune System

When babies are born, they have underdeveloped immune systems, which strengthen after they are exposed to their environment. Using mustard oil for your baby’s massage can help build a protective shield and help strengthen the immune system. This protective shield helps fight off infections and reduce recovery time.

10. Ensures Healthy Skin

Mustard oil contains natural fats and vitamin E that help moisturise delicate baby skin. A light massage may prevent dryness and keep the skin soft and supple.

11. Helps Strengthen Muscles and Bones

Baby massages are often believed to support muscle development. When done gently, mustard oil massage can help relax the baby’s muscles and encourage healthy physical development.

12. Helps Babies Sleep Better

A soothing massage routine before bedtime can help babies feel calm and relaxed. This may lead to longer and more restful sleep for the baby.

13. Supports Parent-Baby Bonding

Massage time creates a quiet moment for parents to connect with their baby. The gentle touch and eye contact during the massage can help strengthen emotional bonding and support healthy brain and emotional development in a baby (1).

The above-mentioned points are just some of the many benefits of massaging your baby with mustard oil. Consult your paediatrician before starting mustard oil massage for your baby because mustard oil may not suit all babies.

How to Massage Your Infant With Mustard Oil?

Mustard oil has been used to massage infants and babies for centuries. Mustard oil has immense therapeutic effects for your baby. Here’s how you can massage your baby with mustard oil:

Take the required quantity of mustard oil and warm it to extract the maximum benefits. You can heat the mustard oil to a boil as well, which makes it smoother and less sticky. However, make sure you cool the oil to room temperature before massaging your baby with it.

You can heat mustard oil with some garlic cloves.

You can heat a spoonful of ajwain seeds with mustard oil for your baby’s massage.

During winter, you can take a few basil leaves and heat them in mustard oil for a warm, cosy massage for your baby.

Are There Risks of Using Mustard Oil for Your Baby’s Massage?

Everything has pros and cons associated with it, and the same goes for mustard oil massage for infants. If you wish to know about the various risks associated with using mustard oil for a baby massage. Here are some of them:

1. It May Cause an Allergic Reaction

Mustard oil is strong, and it may cause an allergic reaction in the sensitive skin of babies. It may cause a rash, redness or in some cases, hives too. It is recommended to talk to your doctor before using mustard oil for your baby’s massage.

2. Not Good for Sensitive Skin

Though most babies have soft, sensitive skin, some have more sensitive skin than others, and massaging them with mustard oil may cause various skin allergies and reactions. Abstain from using mustard oil for massaging your baby, in case he has hypersensitive skin.

3. May Block the Skin Pores

Mustard oil is very thick and sticky compared to other oils, and massaging your baby with it may lead to clogged skin pores. Therefore, do not use too much oil for massaging your baby. Also, it is recommended to give your baby a nice warm bath after massaging him with mustard oil to get rid of all the stickiness.

4. May Harm the Skin’s Natural Barrier

Mustard oil can be toxic to the skin barrier, causing irritation and damage to your baby’s sensitive, soft skin (2). Mustard oil can cause quick transepidermal water loss and also delay the recovery of skin-barrier function (3).

Important Safety Tips for Baby Massage With Mustard Oil

Before the mustard oil massage for the newborn baby, here are some essential tips to keep in mind.

1. Do a Patch Test First

Always apply a small amount of mustard oil on the baby’s skin and wait for a few hours to check for redness or irritation before using it fully.

2. Use Only Pure and High-Quality Oil

Choose cold-pressed or good-quality mustard oil to avoid harmful additives or impurities that may irritate the baby’s skin.

3. Avoid Applying to Sensitive Areas

Do not apply mustard oil near the baby’s eyes, nose, ears, or broken skin. Also, do not apply mustard oil on any kind of cyst, acne, or wound. These areas are very sensitive and can react quickly.

4. Give Gentle Massage

Use soft and slow strokes during the massage. Babies have delicate skin and muscles, so gentle pressure is always best.

5. Check the Room Temperature

Make sure the room is warm and comfortable before starting the massage. This prevents the baby from feeling cold after the oil is applied.

6. Avoid Overheating the Oil

If you prefer slightly warm oil, heat it gently and test it on your wrist first to ensure it is not too hot. Too hot oil can burn the baby’s skin.

7. Stop If the Baby Shows Discomfort

If the baby starts crying, develops a rash, or seems uncomfortable, stop the massage and consult a paediatrician if needed.

Safe Oil Alternatives to Mustard Oil for Baby Massage

Since mustard oil does not come under the recommended choice of oils for baby massage, you can try the following baby-safe oils for baby massages.

1. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is widely used for baby massages because it is lightweight and absorbs easily into the skin. It also has mild antibacterial properties that help keep the skin healthy and has fewer chances of infection. It is said that coconut oil massage can even cause possible weight gain in preterm infants (4).

2. Almond Oil: Almond oil is rich in vitamin E and helps nourish and soften the baby’s skin. It is safe to use for babies and is often chosen for its gentle moisturising effect (5).

3. Grapeseed Oil: Grapeseed oil is a mild and non-greasy option for baby massage. It absorbs quickly and is suitable for babies with sensitive skin. Its antioxidant properties and rich lipid content make it a preferred choice for babies (6).

4. Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil closely resembles the skin’s natural oils, making it a gentle option for moisturising and soothing baby skin. It is loaded with vitamin E and is recommended for newborn babies with eczema, as it helps heal the skin.

5. Calendula Oil: Calendula oil is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used for babies with sensitive or irritated skin and can help calm minor rashes or dryness.

6. Chamomile-Infused Oil: Chamomile-infused oil or chamomile lotion is valued for its calming and gentle nature. It can help relax the baby during massage and may soothe sensitive skin.

7. Sunflower Seed Oil: Sunflower seed oil is light and gentle on delicate skin. It can help maintain the skin’s natural barrier and prevent dryness by improving hydration (7) (8).

FAQs

1. Can we massage our baby with mustard oil in summer?

It is not advised to massage your baby with mustard oil during summer as the oil has a heating effect and can cause your baby’s body to trap heat. Mustard oil massages are advised only during winters or in colder climates.

2. Does mustard oil make baby skin dark?

There is no such evidence that mustard oil can cause your baby’s skin to darken.

3. Can you give your 3-month-old baby a mustard oil massage?

Yes, you can give your 3-Month-Old baby a mustard oil massage.

4. Can you use mustard oil in your baby’s hair?

Yes, you can use mustard oil in your baby’s hair and on their scalp.

Mustard oil is very safe and has many health benefits for your baby. However, babies are delicate, and you, as parents, do not want to do anything wrong for your baby. Although the benefits are plenty, if you wish to use mustard oil for massaging your little one, make sure to consult a doctor first.

Also Read:

Castor Oil for Babies
Almond Oil for Baby Massage
Using Olive Oil for Baby Massage
Baby Massage – Benefits & Techniques

Was This Article Helpful?

Our Editorial Policy

Parenting is a huge responsibility, for you as a caregiver, but also for us as a parenting content platform. We understand that and take our responsibility of creating credible content seriously. FirstCry Parenting articles are written and published only after extensive research using factually sound references to deliver quality content that is accurate, validated by experts, and completely reliable. To understand how we go about creating content that is credible, read our editorial policy here.