BY: JENNI MADISON
Can I give my baby Coconut Oil? ANSWER: YES.
The best way to start giving your baby the benefits of coconut oil is to consume it yourself while youโre still breastfeeding. Once theyโre past that phase you can start to use it in their foods when they move on to solids. Itโs a great alternative to almost every oil out there. Some people use it for all sorts of things, including skin care and hair care.
You can replace many of your store-bought baby products with a natural, chemical-free alternative –ย virgin coconut oil. Coconut oil contains natural anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Not only will it save you money, it will be better for the planet and better for your babyโs skin. It can be used in a variety of ways, here are a few:
1. NAPPY RASH CREAM
Thatโs right. Good old coconut oil which lives in your pantry for cooking can be used to soothe babyโs little red bottom. There is no risk because coconut oil is pure and has no chemicals. With itโs impressive antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties, it can even heal yeast infections. As an added bonus coconut oil smells delicious. It will not ruin cloth nappies like many other nappy rash creams do.
Put a fine, thin layer on your little one and you will not have any residue issues.
2. CRADLE CAP TREATMENT
Perfectly natural and safe coconut oil is an effective treatment for cradle cap. All you have to do is massage the oil onto your babyโs scalp and leave it on for about 20 minutes. The coconut oil will moisturise and nourish babyโs scalp and loosen the cradle cap flakes. After 20 minutes wash the oil off or wipe clean with a damp cloth and gently comb the hair with a soft brush to remove any loose flakes. This treatment can be done as required.
You will find that keeping babyโs scalp moistened and nourished regularly will help prevent the cradle cap from re-occurring.
3. BABY MASSAGE OIL
The benefits of baby massage are endless. It strengthens the bond between mother and baby. It helps baby to relax and sleep when it is time for bed. Massaging baby with coconut oil is nourishing and healing for babyโs tender and sensitive newly born skin. The beautiful subtle aroma of coconut is also calming for your babyโs senses. As it is perfectly natural, coconut oil will not cause any harm to your babyโs already soft, tender and sensitive skin, like some chemical treatments do. You can use coconut oil for specific problem areas or as required. Just a quick dab will help keep the area moistened and protected from further irritation.
4. TREAT THRUSH, YEAST AND CANDIDA
Coconut oil taken both internally and externally can help treat the yeast that causes thrush and candida. A little coconut oil dabbed inside the babyโs mouth, as well as mum eating it and putting it on her nipples before breast feeding is an effective way for both baby and mum to receive the benefits. Applying coconut oil to nursing mums nipples will also help with painful cracks and irritation.
5. BABY BATH TIME
Mix coconut oil with a drop of pure lavender oil to make the bath water soothing, moisturising and relaxing. This can be done and enjoyed by both baby and mum.
6. TEETHING PAIN RELIEVER
Virgin coconut oil is pure and safe to eat; therefore it is also safe to pop into babyโs mouth. Rub the oil directly onto gums of teething babies and children to ease the pain.
THE HEALTHY COCONUT – Coconut Magic is committed to bringing you the highest quality coconut products, backed by sustainable, fairly traded production and well-being education. It is available at all retailers and online at www.rockpoolpublishing.com.au
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