You may already know that coconut oil is an awesome kitchen staple. You may even know that it's great to use in your bathroom, as it works wonders on your hair, skin, and nails. But you may not know that coconut oil has properties that will make you want to add an extra jar to your nursery and diaper bag. If you are looking for a natural wonder with healing properties that are safe enough for your baby, you should know that there are plenty of great ways to use coconut oil on baby.
According to WebMD, coconut oil is made by pressing the fat from the white meat inside of a coconut's shell. As Mom Junction mentioned, coconut oil contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which can make it a new mom's best friend when treating common conditions such as eczema, cradle cap, and even bug bites in a safe and natural way.
When you're shopping for coconut oil, be sure to look for the unrefined variety, which may also be labeled as "pure" or "virgin." As Babble pointed out, refined coconut oil is made with coconut flakes which have been bleached. This causes the oil to lose some of it's natural health benefits. Although, as Natural News pointed out, pure coconut oil can be more expensive than the refined oil, the benefits to you and your baby make it well worth the money. Here are just a few ways to use coconut oil on your baby that make it worth the money.
1
A Bug Bite Pain Relief
In the summer months, your baby's skin can be a prime target for mosquitoes. Before you head to the park, you may want to pack some coconut oil in your diaper bag. According to Natural Parent's Network, coconut oil can provide your baby with some natural relief to uncomfortable bug bites or stings. It can also help them heal faster.
2
A Treatment For Thrush
According to WebMD, thrush is a fungal infection that can cause white patches in the mouth. Luckily, Babble noted that coconut oil contains anti-fungal properties, making it an effective remedy for thrush.
3
A Skin Wash
As Mom Junction noted, many baby washes contain ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other irritations to your baby's sensitive skin. The site suggest making your own baby wash with equal parts coconut oil and castor oil or castile soap to make bath time more comfortable for your baby.
4
A Cure For Cradle Cap
According to Baby Center, cradle cap often appears as flaky, dry skin on your baby's scalp. And although it isn't painful or harmful to your baby, you may want to know what you can do to get rid of it. As the Natural Parent's Network mentioned, rubbing a little coconut oil on baby's scalp daily can help eliminate cradle cap.
5
A Baby Acne Treatment
As What To Expect mentioned, baby acne affects 40 percent of newborns. These breakouts occur as a result of mom's hormones that remain in the baby's bloodstream, and usually clear up on their own by 6 months. According to Babble, coconut oil can help eliminate baby acne. If you are suffering from postpartum breakouts, it works on moms too.
6
A Poop Cleanup
Baby's first poops will have a sticky, tar-like consistency that can often make diaper changes difficult. But as Mama Glow mentioned, coconut oil can be used to clean the meconium from your baby's cute little tush easier.
7
A Treatment For Teething Pain
If your baby is teething, you know how the pain can have an adverse effect your baby's feeding and sleep schedules. As Mom Junction mentioned, the anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil make it effective in offering baby relief from teething pain.
8
A Solution For Eczema Relief
Your baby's skin is sensitive, and can often become dry. As WebMD mentioned, eczema can appear as crusty red patches on your baby's skin, which can be itchy and uncomfortable. After a bath, massage your baby's skin with coconut oil to provide relief from eczema, as Mom Junction recommended.
9
A Natural Chest Rub
Colds are common among babies, particularly if you have other children in your home. And while they may be too young for medication, coconut oil can help provide them with some relief. According to Mom Junction, when mixed with peppermint or eucalyptus oil, coconut oil can make a natural chest rub to relieve congestion in the nose and chest.
