When it comes to treating your little one’s sensitive skin, using virgin or organic coconut oil may help. Coconut oil is rich in capric acid which offers numerous benefits. Although this acid is found in some vegetable oils, certain properties make coconut oil for babies ideal.
There are different types of coconut oil available today such as pure coconut oil, refined coconut oil, virgin coconut oil, organic coconut oil and organic virgin coconut oil. Only refined coconut oil uses harmful ingredients during its processing and should be avoided at all cost.
Coconut Oil For Baby Hair
The benefits of coconut oil for newborn babies include treating hair problems like cradle cap which is fairly common in infants.
Doctors are not sure what causes this condition. Some doctors believe it is hormonally induced. In this case, hormones pass from the mother to the baby before birth. The hormones cause an excess of oil (sebum) in the oil glands and hair follicles. Other doctors point to a yeast (fungus) infection that grows in the sebum with bacteria [1].
The excess oil may resemble dandruff that usually appears on areas where the head has been resting on a pillow. It also appears as a large, dry, thick, white or yellow scaly patch that proves difficult to remove.
Cradle cap is not dangerous or itchy, but it does cause flakes to fall from the scalp. Fortunately, the use of coconut oil can help remedy this problem.
Take a small amount of coconut oil and massage it on your baby’s scalp gently. Leave it on for about 20 minutes, then use a brush or soft comb to comb through your baby’s hair and scalp to remove the flakes that have accumulated. Rinse your baby’s head afterward with lukewarm water to remove the excess oil and remaining flakes.
If your little one has dandruff due to dry scalp, benefits of coconut oil for newborn babies
include restoring the natural moisture to the skin. Massaging a small amount of the oil on the scalp can help nourish the skin as this type of oil is easily absorbed and very effective.
Coconut oil is one of many medium-chain triglycerides that is rich in antioxidants, antivirals and antibacterial agents. It is also believed to stimulate the body’s metabolism [2].
Coconut Oil For Baby Rashes
Another use of coconut oil for babies is to nourish sensitive skin. For generations, coconut oil has been the go-to product for dry skin.
Skin irritations can make babies uncomfortable like baby eczema which leaves skin looking raw, red and irritated. Babies are also prone to having diaper rash especially when their wet diapers are left for too long. Rashes appear because of skin irritation and friction from both disposable or cloth diapers.
Fortunately, coconut oil is useful for treating diaper rash. Its antibacterial properties help eliminate the bacteria thriving on your baby’s irritated skin. Gently pat the extra-virgin coconut oil on the affected area to soothe the inflammation and lessen the pain.
Some creams or lotions exacerbate rashes because of the harsh ingredients that they contain. Pure organic coconut oil is rich in vitamins and minerals minus the harmful ingredients. Since the oil is easily absorbed, the benefits of coconut oil for newborn babies include coconut oil as a great moisturizer. Simply use coconut oil during your daily baby massage.
Coconut Oil For Baby Acne
Baby acne occurs when bumps develop that are both red and itchy. The itching can irritate your little one to the point that they may scratch and damage their skin. This can worsen their condition which is why it is important to lessen the discomfort as soon as the red pustules appear.
Taking into account the sensitivity of a baby’s skin, using any cream or lotion to treat baby acne will not do. This makes coconut oil an ideal remedy.
Simply warm a small amount of coconut oil on your fingers or palms and apply to the affected areas. You can leave the oil on overnight or wash it off after a few hours. Either way, your baby’s skin will heal faster through the nourishment of coconut oil.
Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil For Baby
The good news is that there are several benefits of coconut oil that can be reaped when integrating it into your baby’s skincare routine.
Coconut Oil Boosts Hair Growth For Babies
Coconut oil promotes hair growth. This type of oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids that contain antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that protect your baby’s hair and scalp. These two properties make hair grow strong and healthy.
Coconut Oil For Baby Digestion
Adding coconut oil to your little one’s diet improves their digestion. This oil has lauric acid and is hypoallergenic which means that it is safe to use on your baby. Whether you give your baby coconut milk or coconut water directly or they receive it through breast milk, the coconut oil present boosts anti-inflammatory processes. However, parents should be aware that coconut oil acts as a laxative as well. Only give it to your baby directly if they are old enough to consume liquids other than breast milk.
Coconut oil has a lot to offer parents who want to care for their babies the natural way. Consult with your doctor to determine whether using this oil is appropriate for your child’s condition.
Coconut Oil For Baby References:
[1] Mayo Clinic; Cradle cap.
