Parents’ experiences, risk perceptions and decision-making regarding aromatic oil use during infant massage in Türkiye: a qualitative study

Abstract Background Aromatic oils are frequently used as complementary care products during infant massage; however, limited research has explored how parents perceive their benefits, risks, and decision-making processes regarding their use. This study aimed to explore parents’ experiences, risk perceptions, and decision-making processes related to aromatic oil use during infant massage in Türkiye. Methods A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with 21 parents who reported using oils during infant massage. In this study, “aromatic oils” was used as an umbrella term for the essential and carrier oils discussed during interviews. Participants were recruited through criterion-based purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis approach, supported by MAXQDA 24. The study was reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guideline. Results Analysis generated three themes. The first, Meaning-making within the framework of natural and relaxing, described perceptions of oils as plant-based and calming and accounts of obtaining information or advice from other parents, friends, and, in one account, social media and healthcare professionals. The second, From need to routine, described use in response to infant restlessness, gas-related discomfort, or skin dryness; parents also described incorporating oil use into regular massage. Participants reported precautions such as dilution, testing on a small area of skin, and product selection. The third, Balancing expected benefits and risk concerns, encompassed perceived changes in relaxation, sleep, and skin condition, concerns about allergies, misinformation, and product safety, and conditional willingness to recommend oil use to other parents. These were parents’ reported perceptions, not measured infant outcomes. Conclusions Parents’ accounts linked oil use during infant massage to beliefs about naturalness, observations of their infants, information from others, and safety concerns. The interviews covered both essential and carrier oils under the study’s umbrella term “aromatic oils”; they cannot establish that parents would independently group these products together. Healthcare professionals should therefore identify the specific product and how it is applied, particularly for neonates, and discuss the reliability of advice parents receive.