22 Amazing Coconut Oil Benefits for Babies

22 Coconut Oil Hacks for Baby!

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You have probably heard of the many benefits of coconut oil by now, but do you know that coconut oil is a healthy replacement for pretty much every baby care product?

health benefits of coconut oil for babies

That’s right! Surprised?

In this post, I am going to list the many health benefits of coconut oil for babies and teach you 22 practical uses for this amazing healthy oil!

Not only is it healthier for your baby, but you can save some serious money by skipping all the highly-processed, chemical and fragrance-laden baby skincare products on the market today!

Learn the health benefits of coconut oil for your baby

Health Benefits of Coconut Oil

Known around the world for its amazing health benefits, organic virgin coconut oil is probably the safest skin care product for your baby’s gentle skin.

It is especially known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-viral and antibacterial properties! (source)

The molecular structure of the coconut oil allows for easy absorption on the skin. When used for skin conditions, however, the healing properties don’t stop there!

This super-food’s gentle healing is able to penetrate the skin and protect the body against viruses, bacteria and other pathogens.

Since everything is absorbed through the skin, it’s really important to use extra caution when choosing lotions, shampoos, diaper creams etc.

Is it especially important when applying skin care products on a tender baby’s skin!

Many parents don’t realize that many baby skin care products such as baby oil, baby washes and shampoos are full of petrochemicals, artificial fragrances, parabens and other nasties!

Please don’t use them! They may smell pretty, but they are a wolf in sheep’s clothing!! 

Before we move on to the uses and benefits of coconut oil for babies and children, check out this video to learn more about this health-boosting oil! 

 

 

*Disclaimer – The information in the post is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be medical advice. Please make sure that you talk with your baby’s doctor if you notice any skin disorders such as rashes, infections or irritation. Always check with your health care practitioner if you suspect illness in your baby or before giving your baby supplements, medications or home remedies.

 

22 Uses and Benefits of Coconut Oil for Babies

There are so many amazing uses for coconut oil!

Here are the easy ways to use it for your baby…

 

1. Diaper Rash

The first thing that comes to mind is diaper rash. Most babies suffer from diaper rash at some point in their young lives.

Coconut oil provides fast relief from the annoying and irritating rash! It nourishes and treats the irritated skin and acts as a barrier to prevent further irritation from developing.

How To Use Coconut Oil For Diaper Rash

  • Apply a generous layer of organic virgin coconut oil on your baby’s diaper area after diaper changes.
  • Make sure to massage in the groin area and especially in the folds of the skin where the rash first appears.
  • The coconut oil will treat and prevent diaper rash with its moisturizing, antibacterial and anti fungal properties.

 

2. Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is a common newborn condition that affects many babies during the early weeks after birth.

The condition is characterized by a dry, flaky scalp that resembles dandruff. Coconut oil really helps!

Benefits of coconut oil for babies!

How To Use Coconut Oil For Cradle Cap

  • Massage organic virgin coconut oil into baby’s scalp, focusing on the area that is affected by cradle cap.
  • Allow oil to remain on the scalp for at least 20 minutes. Using a baby comb or baby hair brush, gently comb or brush to remove the flakes.
  • Once you have brushed off the flakes, you can rinse your baby’s hair with lukewarm water.
  • Repeat as often as needed.

 

3. Eczema

Eczema is a common infant condition where the skin becomes very dry and itchy. The condition is thought to have various causes, and often goes away by itself as the baby grows.

In the meantime, it can be uncomfortable and may even lead to infection due to baby’s scratching the dry, irritated skin.

Coconut-oil is a wonderful hydrating agent, providing relief and protection from infection.

Skeptical? Check out this double-blind study on coconut oil and eczema! 

How To Use Coconut Oil For Eczema

  • Massage organic virgin coconut oil into your baby’s skin before or after bath time and at bedtime to moisturize and hydrate the skin.
  • Regular use of coconut oil can super-nourish baby’s skin and gradually reduce the symptoms of eczema!

 

4. Dry or Chapped Lips

Like adults, babies frequently have dry or chapped lips. Coconut oil to the rescue!

How To Use Coconut Oil For Your Baby’s Dry And Chapped Lips

  • Using a washcloth, Q-tip or clean finger, apply organic virgin coconut oil to your baby’s lips as well as around the area of the lips.
  • Repeat as needed.

Benefits of coconut oil for babies

5. Homemade Baby Wash

Most baby wash brands contain harmful chemicals that are not healthy for your baby’s skin. Not only that, but many babies have skin reactions to the various baby products.

A good general rule of thumb for any skin care product: NEVER APPLY TO YOUR SKIN WHAT YOU WOULDN’T EAT!

Why? Everything gets absorbed! Unfortunately, most people just don’t realize this.

Instead of using a store-bought baby wash to clean your little one, make your own coconut oil baby wash at home!

It safely cleans and moisturizes at the same time!

How To Make Homemade Baby Wash with Coconut Oil

 

6. Treat Lice

If your baby or young child happens to catch lice, coconut oil can be an effective remedy!

The antibacterial and anti fungal properties of coconut oil help to control the spread of lice and prevent new infestations.

How To Use Coconut Oil for Lice

  • Use a little apple cider vinegar to rinse out your baby’s hair. Let it stay in the hair till it dries out naturally.
  • Once the vinegar becomes dry in your baby’s hair, apply organic virgin coconut oil making sure to fully cover all the hair.
  • If possible, cover your baby’s head with a shower cap or baby hat. Allow the coconut oil stay in the hair as long as possible.
  • Wash and repeat as needed.

 

7. Baby Acne

Another common newborn condition is baby acne.

Believed to be caused by the mother’s hormones, it is usually nothing more than a temporary breakout.

Coconut oil can be used to soothe the skin and prevent infection.

How To Use Coconut Oil For Baby Acne

  • Gently massage organic virgin coconut oil over your baby’s acne and allow it to sit for a while.
  • You can wash it off later with warm water or just let it remain on the skin.

 

8. Insect Bites

Use coconut oil on your baby’s (and family’s) insect bites to provide relief from itching and prevent infection. It’s natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties will reduce the risk of infection and help bring down the swelling!

How To Use Coconut Oil For Baby’s Insect Bites

  • Gently dab organic extra virgin coconut oil onto baby’s insect bites.
  • Leave it on until your baby’s next bath time. You will soon notice an improvement in swelling and redness!

 

9. Baby Hair Conditioner

Some babies and small children develop dry, unmanageable hair that can be difficult to comb. Yup, you guessed it… Use coconut oil to condition and soften the hair!

How To Condition Baby’s Hair with Coconut Oil

  • Wet your baby’s hair during bath time and apply a small amount of organic virgin coconut oil evenly onto the hair.
  • Alternatively, you can also massage coconut oil into baby’s hair at night and wash it off in the morning.

Find out the many health benefits of coconut oil for babies and learn 22 AMAZING ways to use this super oil with your baby!  #baby, #newborn, #coconutoil, #homeremedies, #babycare

10. Chest Rub For Mild Colds

Coconut oil can be used along with essential oils for a safe and effective chest rub.

For mild colds, using a chest rub can be a helpful decongestant for baby’s nose and chest.

Always make sure that you check with your baby’s doctor before using home remedies.

How To Use Coconut Oil For Chest Rub

  • Use two teaspoons of any essential oil such as eucalyptus oil and mix with a few tablespoons of organic virgin coconut oil.
  • Remember, not all essential oils are safe for baby, so always check with a health care practitioner to know which essential oil can be safely used for your baby.
  • Warm up the oil by rubbing it in your palms for a few minutes.
  • Now rub it on your baby’s chest as a natural and safe alternative to a cosmetic chest rub.

Coconut oil can work as a natural anti-viral and anti-bacterial moisturizer around baby’s nose when sick.

Chest rub can also be used to relieve croup, a common respiratory problem in babies.

 

11. Teething Pain

Coconut oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe inflammation caused by teething. The antibacterial effects are also known to prevent mouth infections.

How To Use Coconut Oil For Teething Babies

  • Take a little amount of organic virgin coconut oil on your fingers and gently dab on your baby’s gums.
  • It can also be directly applied on baby’s pacifiers or teething toys to ease teething pain.

 

12. Coconut Oil as Body Lotion

Coconut oil is a perfect natural moisturizer! It moisturizes and nourishes baby’s dry skin with vitamins and healthy fat.

It can also be used as a baby massage oil!

How To Use

 

13. Baby Tooth Paste

Use coconut oil to massage baby’s gums, easing teething pains and improving oral and dental hygiene.

As soon as baby gets his first tooth, you can start using coconut oil in place of tooth paste to safely clean his teeth and mouth.

How To Use Coconut Oil For Your Baby’s Tooth Paste

  • Take a little amount of coconut oil on your fingers and gently dab on your baby’s gums.
  • Gently massage in the same way every day in the morning and evening once your baby gets his first tooth.

 

14. Treating Thrush

Thrush (or candida) is a common infection that shows up as a rash. It can occur inside your baby’s mouth, in the diaper area or in other parts of your baby’s body that are moist, such as areas around the mouth.

It may look like milk spots on your baby’s tongue and mostly affects babies within two months after birth. Use coconut oil to relieve this condition. (source) 

How To Use Coconut Oil For Thrush

  • If you are breastfeeding, you can eat a spoonful of organic virgin coconut oil each day to help your baby get the benefits through your breast milk.
  • Apply a little bit on and around your nipples just before you are about to breastfeed your baby. As your baby breastfeeds, the coconut oil will help relieve the symptoms of thrush.

 

*Disclaimer – The information in the post is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be medical advice. Please make sure that you talk with your baby’s doctor if you notice any skin disorders such as rashes, infections or irritation. Always check with your health care practitioner if you suspect illness in your baby or before giving your baby supplements, medications or home remedies.

 

15. Benefits of Coconut Oil to Remove Meconium

Coconut oil easily removes meconium, the tar-like substance that moves through your baby’s bowels shortly after birth. This is your baby’s first bowel movement and it can be difficult to remove from his skin. Use coconut oil to easily remove meconium during newborn diaper changes.

 

16. Yeast Infection In Babies

Yeast infections are usually the most severe form of diaper rash in babies. The infection usually affects the skin around the thighs, neck, diaper area, and armpit.

This red rash with white patches can be irritable and painful.

Again, coconut oil really helps. The anti fungal and antibacterial properties of coconut-oil quickly go to work to heal and prevent skin infections. (source) 

How To Apply?

  • Add lukewarm water to a small bowl.
  • Dip clean washcloth into the water.
  • Squeeze out excess water from cloth.
  • Clean the baby’s bottom and other infected areas with cloth.
  • Let the areas dry naturally for few minutes.
  • With clean hands, gently apply organic virgin coconut oil over rash area.
  • Let the oil dry as long as possible.
  • Use a fresh new diaper. Repeat the process before every diaper change, until the yeast infection is completely cured.

Coconut oil, containing skin healing properties, can even be mixed with other essential oils and be used as a cream to get rid of yeast infections.

In addition to topical applications, it is also helpful for baby to ingest coconut oil when dealing with yeast or other infections. Try rubbing it into baby’s mouth or onto mom’s nipples. Make sure to also include it in the mother’s diet. The benefits can pass from the mother to baby through the breast milk! 

 

*Disclaimer – The information in the post is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be medical advice. Please make sure that you talk with your baby’s doctor if you notice any skin disorders such as rashes, infections or irritation. Always check with your health care practitioner if you suspect illness in your baby or before giving your baby supplements, medications or home remedies.

 

17. Benefits of Coconut Oil For Breastfeeding

Research suggests that organic virgin coconut oil has many benefits for breastfeeding mothers and babies as well!

When a breastfeeding mother consumes coconut oil, she experiences an immunity boost that she is able to pass along to her breastfeeding baby!

Additionally, when coconut oil is applied regularly to sore or cracked nipples, it helps prevent infection while relieving pain and itching of irritated nipples. Because it is safe (and good!) for babies, no need to wipe it off before feedings! 

Recent Breastfeeding Research

According to a study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, coconut oil supports mom and baby immunity!

Women who consumed coconut oil experienced increased levels of antimicrobial fats. These fats (also called medium-chain fatty acids or MCFA) guard against infection from harmful viruses, bacteria, yeast and parasites. 

Lauric acid is one of the medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil.  When a lactating woman adds lauric acid-rich coconut oil to her diet, the amount of lauric acid available in her breast milk increases substantially. These rich fats not only increase immunity in mother and baby, but are essential to healthy brain development in newborns. This is why these healthy fats are now added to baby formulas! 

According to Dr. Mary G. Enig, PhD, an expert in lipid chemistry and a fellow of the American College of Nutrition, consuming coconut oil provides important benefits to breast milk.

“The milk has increased amounts of the protective antimicrobial lauric acid and capric acid, which gives even greater protection to the infant. If the mother consumes coconut oil every day while nursing, the medium-chain fatty acid content will be even greater.”

In countries where coconut oil is a diet staple, levels of lauric acid in the mother’s milk can be as high as 21% and capric acid can be as high as 6% giving her infant even more protection against viruses, bacteria, and protozoa.

Mothers who regularly consume coconut oil also report an increase in milk supply. This is believed to be caused by the increased healthy fats in the diet as well as all around improved health of the mother. 

 

18. Coconut Oil for Bumps, Burns and Cuts

When your child experiences minor bumps, bruises, scratches or cuts, use virgin coconut oil to effectively treat them.

The antimicrobial property of the oil helps speed up the healing process! 

 

19. Coconut Oil in Baby Food

Try adding coconut oil to your homemade baby food!

Not only is the oil a great source of healthy fat and calories for your baby, but it is easy to use. 

The warmed, liquid oil can easily be mixed into cereals and purees.

However, avoid warming the oil in a microwave. Instead, use a metal pan or measuring cup over a hot burner. It doesn’t take long to melt! 

Pro-Tip:  Try setting a small metal dish or measuring cup on your coffee machine’s heating plate to quickly liquefy the oil! 

 

20. Strengthens Baby’s Soft Spot

Coconut oil can also be applied to a baby’s soft spot (or fontanelle) after a bath or massage.  Gently applying coconut oil helps in strengthening these bones as they grow and fuse. Be extra gentle while applying!

 

21. Coconut Oil for Constipation in Babies

The  lauric acid in coconut oil eases digestion and may provide relief from your baby’s constipation.

  • Try mixing half a teaspoon of organic virgin coconut oil into your baby’s food. 
  • Rub the oil around your baby’s perineum (the area around the anus) and leave it overnight.

 

22. Coconut Oil Benefits for Mom Too!

The medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) in coconut oil improve the absorption of nutrients already existing in the mother’s diet!

Moms who consume coconut oil absorb more minerals, magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, fat soluble vitamins like A, D, E, K, beta carotene, and amino acids. These nutrients are then passed on to the nursing infant through the breast milk! 

The MCFAs in coconut oil also help to regulate blood sugar levels in the mother while providing her with a stable source of energy.

Since MCFAs are not stored and instead are burned off in the form of energy, this will help a new mother to continue losing any unneeded extra baby weight! (Yes!) 

A spoonful of organic virgin coconut oil is also a great energy boost for a tired, sleep-deprived mama! 

There are so many other great evidence-based benefits of coconut oil such as weight loss and skin care that you should know about for your optimal health and beauty! 

 

Easy Ways to Get More Coconut Oil into Mom’s Diet!

  • Use it for frying or sauteing your food
  • Warm it to a liquid state and substitute for liquid oil in recipes
  • Make popcorn with coconut oil! 
  • Eat it by the spoonful! 
  • Stir or blend into coffee drinks
  • Melt it over vegetables
  • Mix it into hot cereal
  • Massage it into your skin. The health benefits absorb through your skin as well! 

 

Want to learn more about the many benefits of coconut oil for your whole family?

Here is a great book to get you started! 

 

Allergy Caution

Always use caution the first time you use coconut oil on your baby! 

Although coconut allergies are very rare, it is always a good idea to watch for any adverse allergic reactions with any new food or product introduced to babies. If your family has a history of coconut allergies, be extra careful. 

Also –

Remember, not all coconut oils are created equal!

Avoid processed or refined oils. Many of these products have gone through a refining or bleaching process and may contain harmful chemicals or residues! 

Always choose organic, unrefined virgin coconut oil when buying for your family. 

 

*Disclaimer – The information in the post is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be medical advice. Please make sure that you talk with your baby’s doctor if you notice any skin disorders such as rashes, infections or irritation. Always check with your health care practitioner if you suspect illness in your baby or before giving your baby supplements, medications or home remedies.

 

How About You? 

How have you used coconut for your baby? What benefits have you seen? What are your favorite ways to use coconut oil? 

 

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