Mature coconut flesh is the source of the sweet smelling coconut oil that is a perfect natural moisturizer. Coconut oil can be used in many ways including treatment of diaper rash. Coconut oil is nourishing and soothing and helps heal your baby’s bum and does not cause irritation or itching. If anything, it will leave the skin shiny and smooth.

Different Types of Coconut Oil for Babies

There are 5 main varieties of coconut oil. They include:

• Pure coconut oil: The oil is obtained from dried coconut flesh. The coconut meat is milled and crushed to extract the oil. Nothing is added to it and is thus considered pure.
• Refined coconut oil: The oil goes through a process of refining, bleaching and deodorization. This is done through chemical and mechanical processes and it is made odorless and colorless.
• Virgin coconut oil: This oil is obtained from the coconut milk and not the dried coconut meat. Since it is not heated during extraction, this oil has a pleasant taste and smell. It also retains the antioxidants since it is not heated.
• Organic coconut oil: This type of coconut oil is extracted from coconut palms that have been raised without any chemical fertilizers only natural mature. When the oil is being extracted no chemicals are involved as well.
• Organic virgin coconut oil: This oil is extracted from organically raised coconuts. No chemical are involved during extraction and processing as well.

Coconut Oil for Babies—10 Benefits You Can Enjoy

1. Baby Oil

Newborns actually do not require lotion, because they are born with vernix, which is a coat on the skin that protects them from the new environment. Coconut oil for babies just helps to protect the baby's skin. It has vitamins and healthy fats and moisturizing properties that keep the baby's skin moisturized as it grows. It is also recommended as it is pure and natural and contains no harsh smells.

2. Treatment for Diaper Rash

Instead of using chemical based ointments and oils, it is best to use coconut oil for babies after you change the diaper. It offers protection on the baby's bum and also treats any existing rash. The antibacterial properties of the oil also make sure that no further irritation occurs.

3. Cradle Cap Treatment

Cradle cap is a fungal condition that most infants get on their scalps. It can be easily treated at home by use of coconut oil. Coconut oil contains anti-microbial properties that soothe the inflamed area and provide moisture which makes the flakes loosen up and get rid of the fungus.

4. Treatment of Eczema

Thanks to the vitamins and antioxidant properties of coconut oil, it is a great solution for dry skin conditions like eczema. Once you apply the coconut oil, let it rest and keep the area cool and the eczema will clear out.

5. Massage Oil

Coconut oil for babies is one of the best oils for baby massage since it is chemical free and all-natural. Babies require massage to calm them down to sleep as well as activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

6. Removal of Meconium

Meconium is a tar like viscous substance that is normally the first bowel movement of a baby. It is normally very stubborn when it comes to removing it from the skin. However, the all-natural coconut oil will come to your rescue and ease the removal of the meconium.

7. Treatment of Thrush/Candida

Both the mother and the baby can get thrust as a result of breast feeding. You can use coconut oil to relieve this condition. Apply some on the nipples, eat some and dab just a little in the bay's mouth and it will clear out. Coconut oil also helps clear thrush on the baby's diaper folds.

8. Addition to Baby Food

Coconut oil for babies is a perfect addition to baby food. It is hypoallergenic and contains lauric acid, which makes digestion easier. It also makes it easy for a child to absorb nutrients from vegetables like carrots, leafy green, pumpkin as well as squash.

9. Healing Wounds

Virgin coconut oil helps with the stimulation of collagen due to its antioxidant properties. When the skin breaks, several processes take place in order to heal the wound. Collagen is vital for healing and coconut oil facilitates its formation.

10. Antimicrobial Agent

Coconut oil is a perfect antimicrobial agent as proven by research. The lauric acid and medium chain fatty acid are responsible for the antimicrobial function. It fights fungi, protozoa as well as viruses perfectly well.

Are There Any Risks with Coconut Oil for Babies?

Coconut allergies are rare to occur, but when the allergy happens, people can experience sneezing, coughing, shortness of breath, whizzing among others.

In extremely rare cases, severe allergies can occur and symptoms like face swelling, not being able to breath, increased heartbeat and lightheadedness. These symptoms can be rather fatal. If you experience any, seek medical advice.