There is no human skin that can be as tender and sensitive as a newborn baby’s skin, and therefore all new parents go to all lengths possible to ensure that the products they use for their baby are of the highest quality possible. But no matter how much care you take, the products purchased from stores will always have chemical components which will lead to highly undesirable consequences. Therefore, it is always recommended to use natural products, and what can be more natural than coconut oil for babies.
Several qualities of coconut oil make it one of the healthiest foods available. It is equally beneficial for external use. It is very beneficial for your little one as well. Coconut oil helps to soothe the skin during a rash or an allergy attack. It helps in strengthening and reducing hair fall. No, the list is not ending here. Continue reading to understand the amazing benefits of coconut oil for babies.
In This Article
Different Varieties Of Coconut Oils
Coconut oil mainly comes in two types – unrefined or cold pressed oil (virgin coconut oil) and refined coconut oil which is mainly used for cooking purposes and is usually a staple cooking product in most Malayali homes. There are several other variants under these two main categories such as organic coconut oil. This oil is extracted from the coconut palms that are grown using eco-friendly fertilizers such as animal manure.
For babies, the virgin or the unrefined oil is the best because it is made from dried coconut flesh and is extracted in the oil mills by a quick dry process which involves extracting the oil by pressing it mechanically after quickly drying it. This is referred to be beneficial because it does not have any chemicals and is considered to be one of the purest usable forms of coconut.
13 Uses Of Coconut Oil For Babies
Following are the ways by which coconut oil can be used on babies.
1. Helps To Treat Cradle Crap
It is a reference to the dry scalp condition of the babies that usually occurs after a few weeks of their birth. It is usually characterized by the presence of flakes on the scalp and it would seem to you that your baby has dandruff which is mainly around the area where the head meets the cot of the baby. Massage the oil on the affected area and let it remain for about 20-25 minutes and use the comb to eliminate the flakes. Rinse out the hair using lukewarm water.
2. Alleviates Eczema
It is a condition where dry skin prevails on most of the skin area which leads to itching. Using coconut oil on the affected area before the bath and once before bedtime will help the skin remain hydrated.
3. Soothes Diaper Rash
This is a very common ailment among babies because of frequent urination. Apply coconut oil to the baby’s crash-prone area after the bath. It comes with good antibacterial properties that ensure that there is no infection.
4. Smoothens Hair
The babies have smooth hair after they are born but gradually it becomes dry and tangled so to avoid that apply coconut oil on hair at night and washes it off in the morning.
5. Coconut Oil Is Good For Massage
Coconut oil is an excellent baby massage oil. Warm up some coconut oil between your palms and massage nicely. If you want you can add a bit of lavender. The oil is full of antibacterial properties.
6. Prevents Dry And Chapped Lips
Dry and chapped lips can make breastfeeding a tough task for the baby and therefore coconut oil can surely be a helping hand. Take a Q-tip dipped in coconut oil and apply it on lips and nearby areas so as to prevent this condition.
7. Instant Relief From Insect Bites
Because of their sensitive skin, babies are more prone to insect bites which cause swelling in the affected area. Rub a little amount of coconut oil in your hands to warm it up and then apply it to the affected area. It will instantly bring relief to the affected area.
8. Good To Treat Lice
Lice can cause discomfort and itchiness and if left untreated, they can cause infection in the eyes if the lice get to that area. Use a bit of cider vinegar and rinse out the hair. Once the hair is dry, apply coconut oil, and if possible use a shower cap so that the oil remains on the hair as much as possible.
9. Coconut Oil For Frizzy Hair
At times, your baby might not agree to get the hair combed which can lead to frizzy hair. Rub some coconut oil and warm it up. Apply on hair and take special care to apply it to the areas where the hair makes maximum contact with a pillow or bed.
10. Eliminates Baby Acne
This could be surprising because acne is usually associated with puberty hitting males and females but yes, this condition can happen to babies as well. Rub some coconut oil between your palms and apply to the affected area and wash it off after some time. Check with your pediatrician before you do it.
11. Treating The Baby’s Thrush
This kind of rashes happens in those areas of the body where moisture can be found the most. If your baby suffers from this condition while breastfeeding then you can drink a spoon of coconut oil so that baby receives the cure through breast milk. Or you can apply it to the nipples so that the baby can get it while breastfeeding, But before you proceed, consult your doctor.
12. Sooths Teething Pain
Teething can happen after the first four months. It is accompanied by pain and irritation in the gums. To soothe this pain, you can gently dab coconut oil on the gums or on the teething toys.
13. Coconut Oil For Bumps, Burns, And Cuts
Coconut oil has a cooling effect on the skin. Therefore, it can be used to alleviate the pain and burning sensations after burns and cuts. Apply the oil to the affected areas, but please seek professional help before you do so.
Therefore, the effect of Coconut Oil on your baby’s body is immense. And it is beneficial to bring the required effect on the different types of ailments suffered by the baby. Also, the baby will get proper nutrition while coconut is applied to the baby for a healthy massage.
