Using Sesame Oil for Baby – Benefits and Uses

The use of sesame oil for babies is a common question for parents, whether it is safe for little ones. Sesame oil is derived from one of the oldest oilseeds – sesame seeds – which is highly lubricating and nutritious. Sesame seed oil is enriched with vitamins B complex, E, and D, and other minerals like phosphorus, calcium, and proteins, essential for a baby’s development. Moreover, sesame oil is extremely good for sensitive skin and has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. You will find that sesame oil is majorly used in Asian cuisine and is easily available in the oil aisle of supermarkets.

What Is Sesame Oil?

An edible vegetable oil, which has a distinctive nutty aroma, is obtained from sesame seeds. It is rich in oleic and linoleic acid. It is highly recommended because of its lubricating, healing, and nourishing properties.

Is It Safe to Use Sesame Oil for Baby?

It is absolutely safe to give food containing sesame seeds to your baby from six months when they start weaning. Sesame allergy is very occasionally heard of in babies. The intake of nutrients increases if sesame oil is incorporated in the meal plans for your baby.

When to Introduce Sesame Oil to the Baby?

Sesame oil can be introduced into a baby’s diet from six months of age, but some recommend it to be introduced only when the baby is one year old. A baby’s digestive system has to be ready to digest it. If the new mom adds sesame to her diet plans, then the baby will benefit from it as the oil passes through the breast milk while nursing.

If Your Baby Is Allergic to Sesame Oil

If there is a history of sesame allergy in the family, or the baby shows some symptoms of food allergies, you must not give sesame oil to your baby without consulting the doctor. If you find any symptoms like wheezing, trouble breathing, rashes, or swelling in your baby, or any eczema or asthma, then you must give sesame oil only with the doctor’s approval.

Health Benefits of Sesame Oil for Infants

The introduction of sesame oil into the diet of a baby enhances its nutritive content, which is extremely beneficial for a baby.

• It protects the baby’s heart and reduces the risk of having cancer.
• It provides adequate vitamin K for proper blood clotting.
• It provides a substantially high amount of energy.
• It is a rich source of calcium.
• It is a good source of unsaturated fats and supplies antioxidants.

Uses of Sesame Oil for Baby

• Sesame oil for baby food is highly preferred because of its nutritive content.
• Sesame oil is also used for baby massage.
• Sesame oil for baby hair adds a touch of moisture and improves the quality.
• Sesame oil for baby eczema works wonders as it soothes sensitive skin.
• Sesame oil for a baby cough can cure the frequency and severity of acute cough in babies.

Precautions to Take When Using Sesame Oil for Baby

Babies are vulnerable, so they need extra love and care. This is why before introducing anything to your baby, you must make sure that the thing does not pose a threat to the baby. Let’s uncover some important precautions when using sesame oil for babies:

1. Every child is unique, and they react differently to different products. Before using sesame oil on your baby’s skin, conduct a patch test to check for allergy or intolerance. Apply a very small amount of sesame oil to your little one’s elbow and leave it for 24-48 hours under observation. If you observe any discomfort or reaction in your baby, like a rash, discontinue the use of sesame oil and contact your paediatrician immediately.
2. When purchasing sesame oil for your baby, ensure it is of high quality and not adulterated. If you have even the slightest doubt about a brand, it’s better to leave it and look for something else. You can also consult your doctor about it.
3. Do not lather your baby with sesame oil with a motto to give them nourishment. Take only a sufficient amount, as excessive sesame oil on a baby’s skin may clog their skin pores and harm them.
4. If you can’t figure out where to start, it is always better to consult a paediatrician before starting anything on a baby.

The health benefits provided by sesame make it an important constituent of a well-balanced meal. It helps in the overall growth of the child and protects the baby from liver and heart diseases. It has many uses and benefits, which make it a much-preferred substitute for any other oil.

Also Read: 

Types of Massage Oils for Babies
Almond Oil for Baby Massage
Health Benefits of Using Olive Oil for Babies