8 Amazing Uses Of Coconut Oil For Your Baby

Do you want to use coconut oil for your baby’s skin but are unsure about the safety of doing so? Are you aware of the many benefits of coconut oil, but want to know whether they extend to babies?

If these questions have been swimming around your head, consider reading our post below. Here, we address coconut oil for babies, how it can help, and how you can use it.

What Is Coconut Oil?

The base oil is taken from the coconut; the fruit of the coconut tree. It is what we call coconut oil. In addition to the base form of oil, there are also a variety of coconut oils that are available in the market and are termed safe to be used for both babies and adults. Here are some types of coconut oils that you may come across:

1. Virgin Coconut Oil:

It refers to the type of coconut oil that is not processed but is instead used in its unrefined form.

2. Cold Pressed Coconut Oil:

The term ‘cold pressed’ used for coconut oil does not mean that the coconut oil made using this process is ‘cold’ as per temperature. It actually refers to that procedure by which the coconut oil is ‘pressed’ from the coconut fruit without using methods that involve heat. It is essentially a term that refers to the process that is used to derive the oil from the coconut fruit and does not refer to its temperature.

What Are The Benefits Of Using Coconut Oil For Your Baby?

Using coconut oil has many known benefits for both grown-ups as well as for babies. Used in various ways, coconut oil is known to help take care of various conditions. Here are a few conditions in which coconut oil can come of help for your little one:

• Using coconut oil can help to treat and even prevent diabetes.

• It can help to regulate the imbalance in hormones and thus help to treat any thyroid condition or reduce your baby’s chances for getting affected by thyroid disease.

• Coconut oil is great for the heart and can greatly reduce the chances of heart disease.

• Using coconut oil regularly can help improve immunity and will provide basic protection against regular ailments and diseases.

• Coconut oil is a natural way to fight and keep chronic fatigue at bay. Using it on a regular basis can help to increase stamina and make you feel energized.

• It is a great cure to prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that may affect those who are in their older years but one that can be managed with early precaution.

• Coconut oil can also prevent the onset of Crohn’s disease.

• It is also a natural remedy for irritable bowel syndrome.

• You can use coconut as a moisturizer and apply it directly on the skin as it will help to reduce symptoms of psoriasis.

• Coconut oil is a great agent with strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, it can act as a natural way to keep yourself protected against various insects and related infestations. It is also a great way to ward off everyday bugs and acts as a natural repellant (1).

Before Using Coconut Oil On Your Baby’s Skin:

Here are few tips on how to use coconut oil on your baby’s skin:

1. Your baby’s skin is extremely sensitive and may differ from the skin of another baby. You may have used coconut oil on your skin, but it does not mean that it will not trigger any side effects on your baby’s skin, even though it may be a one-off case.

2. Your baby’s doctor will be able to make the right assessment and will inform you whether or not it is safe to use coconut oil on your baby’s skin.

3. Also, before you use the coconut oil on your baby’s skin, you need to be sure that using it will not cause any irritation or allergy on your baby’s skin.

4. To be sure about the same, you should first do a patch test that will help you check the reaction of your baby’s skin to the oil.

5. Try the patch test on your baby’s skin. Apply a little amount of the coconut oil on a small area of the skin. Make sure you do not do the test on your baby’s face. A better part of the body to do the test will be your baby’s upper arm or the leg area. Once you have applied the coconut oil to the patch of skin, you have to wait for a few days. Make sure to check the area each day to notice if there is any symptom of an irritation, allergy or infection. If your baby does not develop any redness, rashes, swelling or itching on the patch of skin where you had applied the coconut oil, it means there is no problem in using the same.

6. If you are applying the coconut oil on your baby’s face, make sure you do not apply it in the area that is right next to your baby’s eyes. Sometimes, even though you may be careful while applying the oil around the area, your baby may make a sudden head movement and your hand may stray to your baby’s eyes. Alternatively, your baby may rub his eyes, and if there is coconut oil around, it can easily get into her eyes. While there may not be any serious side effects or damage, it is possible that if the coconut oil enters your baby’s eyes it may cause a lot of itching, burning sensation and even swelling or redness.

7. Do not make your baby ingest coconut oil unless your baby is at least six to eight months old and only if you have first taken an approval from your baby’s doctor for the same.

8. While massaging your baby, always place your baby on a firm surface and on a mat on which your little one will be comfortable. Never massage your baby on a higher surface, such as the bed, as there is always the risk of baby rolling over or slipping and falling.

How Can You Use Coconut Oil For Your Baby’s Skin:

Coconut oil has many different health benefits. It also has strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Even though coconut oil is considered safe for a baby’s skin, it is always a good idea to first speak to your baby’s doctor about it. Once your baby’s doctor gives the go-ahead, you can try using coconut oil for various skin conditions in your baby. Here are a few ways you can use coconut oil on your baby’s skin:

1. Cradle Cap:

Cradle cap is a common condition that affects most newborns. It usually affects a baby in the first few weeks after being born. If your baby has cradle cap, you will notice that your baby’s scalp looks flaky, almost as if your newborn baby has dandruff. You will notice most of the symptoms on the areas where your baby’s head directly touches the cot the most. In the first few weeks and months after birth, your baby will still be too young to move his head around. As your baby’s head will mostly be in constant friction with the pillow or the bed, it can give rise to cradle cap on your baby’s head. The condition is also known as seborrheic dermatitis or seborrhea. Sometimes, if the cradle cap is severe, it can also spread downwards till the upper part of the neck.

Coconut Oil To Treat Cradle Cap:

1. Take some coconut oil in your hand and first rub it in between your palms. Next, gently massage it into your baby’s scalp. Be sure to apply it liberally to the area that is most affected by cradle cap. Make sure that you massage the oil using very light motions.

2. Let the coconut oil be on your baby’s head for some time. Later, you can use your baby’s comb or your baby’s hair brush that has very fine bristles and brush off the flakes.

3. Once you have brushed out the flakes using the hair comb or brush, rinse your baby’s hair with lukewarm water.

2. Eczema:

Eczema is another type of skin condition where the skin becomes very dry. As a result of excessive dryness, there is a lot of itching on the skin. Eczema is a common condition that is seen in most babies, especially as babies have sensitive skin that can also become dry easily. In most cases, the condition will get treated as your baby grows up. However, it can be very uncomfortable. Also, there is the risk of eczema leading to an infection if your baby starts scratching the dry areas.

Coconut Oil To Treat Eczema:

1. Coconut oil has excellent hydrating properties, so you can use it on your baby’s skin to act as a natural moisturizer.

2. Massage your baby’s skin by using coconut oil before or after bath time. You can also massage your baby with coconut oil at bedtime. Using coconut oil will help to add the adequate amount of moisture and hydration to your baby’s skin.

3. If you regularly use coconut oil to massage your baby’s skin, you will notice that the eczema will gradually decrease and get treated.

3. Diaper Rash:

Your baby can get affected with diaper rash as early as the first few weeks after being born. Once your baby starts wearing infant diapers or even your baby passes a lot of urine frequently, which can happen very soon after birth, you may notice a case of diaper rash. Diaper rash is extremely common in almost all babies at some or the other time in their early weeks or months after birth. Even if you are careful enough to take all precautions and even if you regularly change your baby’s diaper, there is a high risk that your baby may still get a diaper rash.

A diaper rash is a type of rash that appears in your baby’s groin area. It is mostly like a small red rash but if not treated on time, it can soon spread. In some cases, a diaper rash can also lead to a severe infection. Diaper rashes can also be extremely painful and uncomfortable for your baby.

DIY Diaper Rash Cream:

You Will Need:

• 1/8^thcup of coconut oil
• ¼^thcup of raw shea butter
• 3 to 4 tbsp. of arrowroot powder

How To:

1. Mix the coconut oil and the shea butter in a container.

2. Once the two have blended, add the arrowroot powder till you get a nice thick consistency.

3. Now transfer it to the container in which you want to store the diaper rash cream.

Here is another variation of homemade diaper rash cream using the goodness of coconut oil:

You Will Need:

• ½ cup of coconut oil
• 1 tbsp. of calendula flowers
• 1 tbsp. of chamomile flowers
• 1/4^thcup of shea butter
• 1 tsp of arrowroot powder
• Water

How To:

1. Add some water in a saucepan and place it on heat.

2. Pour the coconut oil into a heat safe bowl and put it in the water. Add the flowers and keep it on low heat for an hour, or till the coconut oil turns yellow and you get the aroma of the flowers.

3. If the water seems to reduce, add some more.

4. Once done, take the bowl out of the water and strain out the flowers, keeping as much of the coconut oil as you possibly can.

5. Mash the shea butter and the strained coconut oil together till you get a thick paste. Transfer the mix in the container in which you want to store the cream.

4. Dry And Chapped Lips:

Your baby has very sensitive skin. Simple things such as the temperature in the room can also affect your baby’s skin. The sensitive skin of your baby also becomes dry faster as compared to your skin. Your baby’s lips are the thinnest part of the skin on the body and are almost eight times as sensitive as yours! Simple changes, such as temperature or the immediate environment can also make your baby’s lips turn dry, and as a result, chapped. Having chapped and dry lips can be a difficult problem for your baby. It can also make it difficult for your baby to breastfeed. Also, if your baby tries to constantly lick the lips in order to reduce the pain, it can also make the lips drier.

Coconut Oil To Treat Your Baby’s Dry And Chapped Lips:

1. Use a clean and sterilized Q-tip. Dip it in a little coconut oil.

2. Apply the oil to your baby’s lips. Also, make sure to apply it on the area that surrounds your baby’s lips.

3. Alternatively, you can take some coconut oil on your clean and small finger. Apply the oil evenly on your baby’s lips and the skin that surrounds your baby’s lips.

4. Make sure to apply the oil gently as otherwise it can cause more pain and discomfort to your little one.

5. Insect Bites:

Your baby will be more at risk of getting insect bites as compared to you. The biggest reason for this is that your baby may not be able to remove the insects or keep himself protected against their bites. Also, your baby skin that is much more sensitive than yours. If your baby does get bitten by an insect, it can lead to redness and even swelling, which can be painful or itchy and cause a burning sensation.

An insect bite will be very uncomfortable for your baby plus it can also lead to an infection. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil can help to treat your baby’s insect bites. It will also reduce the risk of an infection and will reduce any swelling that may occur as a result.

Coconut Oil To Treat Your Baby’s Insect Bite Area:

1. Take a little amount of coconut oil in your hands and warm it up in your palms.

2. Next, gently apply the warm oil on your baby’s skin where you can see the insect bite. Make sure you do not apply force as it can be painful as well as uncomfortable for your baby.

3. Apply the oil and let it sit on the affected spot till it is time for your baby to take a bath. You will soon notice that applying coconut oil to the area for a few times will bring about some improvement in swelling and redness.

6. Homemade Baby Wash And Baby Lotion:

Finding a baby wash or baby lotion that has no chemicals is always a challenge. You may eventually find a product that will help to clean your baby’s skin but may end up making it dry. Instead of buying a baby wash or baby lotion from the store, you can make your very own at home by using some regular coconut oil. It will help to clean your baby’s skin and also keep it soft, without the scare of any harmful chemicals.

Making Baby Wash At Home Using Coconut Oil:

1. In a bowl, add coconut oil and castor oil in equal amounts. Mix them well.

2. Apply it over your baby’s body and face before giving a bath. Now slowly help to massage the same on your baby’s skin. It will help to remove the dirt, and you can use regular bath water to wash off.

Homemade Baby Lotion Using Coconut Oil:

You Will Need:

• ½ a cup of almond or olive oil
• ¼^thcup of coconut oil
• ¼^thcup of beeswax
• 1 tsp of vitamin E oil – optional
• 2 tbsp. of Shea butter or cocoa butter – optional
• Essential oils or natural extracts that you may want to use – optional

How To:

1. Take a glass jar and add all the above ingredients in it.

2. Take a saucepan and cover its base with water, and then place it on heat.

3. Now close the lid loosely on the glass jar and place it in the saucepan along with the water.

4. As the water in the saucepan will start to heat up, the ingredients that are inside the jar will begin to melt. Use some heatproof gloves to shake the glass jar and mix all the ingredients together.

5. Once the ingredients are completely melted, pour it into the container in which you want to store the baby lotion.

6. Keep it aside and let it cool.

7. Baby Acne:

Your baby’s skin is very sensitive, which means that your little one can suffer from a breakout very easily. When it happens, it can lead to red marks on the skin and in some cases, the breakout spots can also be swollen or itchy. The acne may not lead to any infection, but it can be very uncomfortable for your baby. If your baby tries to touch the rashes, it can also lead to infection.

Using Coconut Oil For Your Baby’s Acne:

1. Pour a little coconut oil in your palms. Now rub your palms together to make the oil a little warm.

2. Gently apply it to the areas where you can see the acne and allow the oil to be there for some time. The coconut oil will act as a natural treatment without any chemicals.

3. Wash it after some time using warm water or you can let it get absorbed on its own.

8. Homemade Baby Wipes:

Instead of buying baby wipes from the market, you can use coconut oil to make your baby wipe at home. Here is a quick look at how you can do it:

You Will Need:

• 2 containers
• 1 roll of paper towels
• 4 cups of water
• 1 tin of coconut oil
• 1 squirt of any organic baby wash

How To:

1. Cut the roll of paper towel in half.

2. Add 2 cups of water to each container and add two tbsp. of coconut oil in each container.

3. Next, add the squirt of organic baby wash that you are using. Mix it well.

4. Now place the cut up paper towel rolls in both the containers and close the lid tight. Place the container upside down, so that the liquid seeps in to cover the paper towels. Let it sit like this for some time, so that the full roll becomes wet.

5. Once that happens, open the lid and take out the cardboard from in between the paper towels.

Coconut oil works as a wonderful and effective natural cure and comes with numerous benefits for your little one. To make sure that your baby is safe, always speak to your baby’s doctor before using anything for your little one, even on the skin. Use the oil only topically unless your doctor has told you that your baby can consume it without any side effects.

Have you ever used coconut oil to help your baby with any of the conditions we mention above? Was it effective or did it lead to any side effects? Leave a comment below to help other moms benefit from the same.

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