Ask any Karnataka ajji how a newborn should be cared for and the oil bath will come up within a minute. The daily massage with warm oil, followed by a bath and a long sleep, is one of the most widely kept habits in Indian homes. Families still ask us the same question every week: which oil should we use for our baby? This guide sets out what families have traditionally used, what research has looked at, and the safety points worth knowing before you start.
One thing first. We are an oil maker, not a doctor. If your baby was born early, has broken or very dry skin, eczema, or any rash, talk to your paediatrician before starting any oil.
What Karnataka families have traditionally used
The oil in the massage bowl has always depended on the region and what grew nearby.
- Coconut oil (kobbari enne) is the default along the coast and in much of Old Mysuru. It is mild in smell, easy to find and familiar to most grandmothers.
- Sesame oil (ellenne) is the classic choice for the weekly enne snana (oil bath) in many homes, often warmed first. Some families use it for babies too, especially in the cooler months.
- Mustard oil is more common in North India than in Karnataka, but many families who have moved here from the north bring the habit with them.
Tradition tells you what has been used for a long time. It does not, by itself, tell you what suits your particular baby's skin. That is where the research is useful.
What studies have looked at
Newborn skin is thin and its protective outer layer is still developing, which is why researchers in India have studied infant oil massage closely.
- Mustard oil: a community-based trial in Uttar Pradesh compared sunflower seed oil with mustard seed oil for newborn massage. Mustard oil did not support the skin barrier as well as sunflower oil, and it can irritate some babies' skin. Many paediatricians now advise against using it on newborns.
- Sunflower oil: the same line of research has looked at sunflower seed oil as a gentle emollient for newborns, with encouraging results for skin condition. The studies used oil that was not heavily processed.
- Coconut oil: virgin coconut oil has been studied as a moisturiser for infants' skin and is widely considered gentle.
None of this means an oil treats anything. It means some oils are gentler on a newborn's skin than others, and that is the question families are really asking.
Which of our oils families choose, and which we would not use
Families commonly choose: our cold pressed coconut oil for everyday massage, and our cold pressed sunflower oil as a light, low-smell option. Both are unrefined and pressed with no hexane, bleaching or added fragrance.
For older babies and the traditional oil bath: some families use our cold pressed sesame oil, warmed. It has a strong smell and is heavier, so try it on a small patch first.
What we would not use on a baby:
- Groundnut oil. Peanut proteins and infant skin are a combination many doctors prefer to avoid. Keep our groundnut oil for the kitchen.
- Mustard oil, for the reasons above.
- Castor oil. It is thick, hard to wash off and not meant for a baby's skin.
- Deepam oil. It is made for lamps only and should never go on skin.
- Anything with added fragrance or essential oils.
Safety notes before you start
- Patch test. Rub a few drops on the inside of your baby's forearm or thigh and wait 24 hours. Redness, bumps or dryness mean you should stop.
- Warm, never hot. Stand the oil bowl in warm water rather than heating the oil directly. Test it on your own wrist first.
- Keep oil out of the nose, ears and eyes. Putting oil drops into a baby's nose or ears is an old practice that paediatricians now advise against.
- Keep away from the umbilical stump until it has fallen off and healed.
- Use a little. A teaspoon or two is enough for the whole body.
- Hold on firmly afterwards. An oiled baby is slippery. Wipe your hands before lifting them into the bath.
- Use fresh oil. Unrefined oil can go rancid. If it smells sharp or stale, do not use it. Store it in a cool, dark cupboard and close the cap tightly.
A simple routine many families follow
Pick a warm room and a time when the baby is fed but not full, often mid-morning before the bath. Pour a little oil into your palms, warm it by rubbing, and use slow, gentle strokes on the legs, arms, chest and back. Ten to fifteen minutes is plenty. Follow with a lukewarm bath and pat dry. If your baby cries or stiffens, stop and try another day. The massage is meant to be calm for both of you.
Buying oil for baby massage
Look for oil that is unrefined, has no added fragrance, and carries an FSSAI licence number you can check. Ours is 1122632300006, which you can verify on the FoSCoS portal. A 500 ml bottle usually lasts a family several weeks of daily massage and stays fresher than a larger pack once opened. You can browse all our cold pressed oils, and families in Mysuru and Bengaluru can see delivery details on their city pages.
Frequently asked questions
Which oil is commonly used for newborn massage in Karnataka?
Coconut oil is the most common, with sesame oil used by many families for the traditional oil bath. Check with your paediatrician before starting, especially for a premature baby.
Is mustard oil safe for baby massage?
Research from India found mustard oil was less gentle on newborn skin than sunflower oil, and many doctors advise against it for newborns.
Can I use groundnut oil on my baby?
We would not. Keep groundnut oil for cooking and choose coconut or sunflower oil for massage.
How long does an opened bottle stay fresh?
Used within about 3 to 6 months and stored in a cool, dark place, unrefined oil stays fresh. Throw it out if it smells sharp or stale.