How to Use Coconut Oil to Care for Your Baby
Many parents are choosing to go a more natural route these days when it comes to the products they use to care for their new babies. Coconut oil is one of the most popular options and for good reason — it can be used it so many ways!
Coconut oil is produced by taking fresh coconuts and pressing them to release the oil. It’s now more available than ever at health food stores, online and through specialty retailers. Coconut oil is said to have anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties that make it a popular home remedy with a wide variety of uses thanks to its abundance of monounsaturated fatty acids. It also contains lauric acid, which is a medium-chain fatty acid that is easily absorbed by the body to produce the aforementioned health benefits.
Coconut oil can used to remedy a number of common skin irritations your little one may experience. Coconut oil absorbs easily and can help treat and relieve symptoms. This natural oil can be used to soothe diaper rash, baby acne, cradle cap and bites and/or stings. Gently massaging a small amount of the oil into the skin can make a world of difference. Remember, coconut oil is semi-solid at room temperature, so a little goes a long way — you’ll quickly figure that out once you start working with it in your hands.
Coconut oil can also be used to treat common ailments. If your baby is suffering from croup, a loud, bark-like cough caused by a respiratory infection, rubbing some coconut oil combined with an essential oil like lavender or eucalyptus can help relieve their symptoms. Just be sure to follow instructions for working with essential oils carefully — never put pure essential oil directly on the skin. Coconut oil can also be used to relieve the discomfort of an ear infection and to cover scrapes and small cuts with a protective barrier to assist healing. Lastly, you can use coconut oil as a remedy for thrush, which is a fungal infection. Use the coconut oil for both mother and child for relief of these symptoms.
As with any topical product, use coconut oil on a small area first to test for any reaction. Pay attention to how your child’s skin reacts to the oil and discontinue use if any sort of rash appears or if symptoms worsen. Coconut oil isn’t known to cause major allergic reactions, but it’s always best to be careful before using even the safest of products on your child.
Using this versatile oil can save you money and space in your medicine cabinet by taking the place of a number of other products. It’s important to look for organic, extra virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil whenever possible. This ensures the coconut oil was indeed produced from whole coconuts instead of dried flakes, wasn’t heated during processing and that all it beneficial components remain intact. Make sure to store the oil in an air-tight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Try a little coconut oil to keep your baby smiling and healthy. You’re sure to love the scent of the oil, too. As if your baby could get any sweeter….
