9 uses for coconut oil on your baby (and one for you)

Unless you have been living under a rock, you will know that coconut oil is now an absolute beauty and health must-have.

And while many of us are already using the precious drops on and for ourselves, did you know that your baby (and older children) could also benefit from coconut oil and its antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties? Seriously; ditch the chemical laden baby products, all you need is a little (organic) coconut oil.

Here are nine amazing uses for it for your precious baba – one one good one for you too, mamas:

1. Meconium

Newborn meconium (baby’s first poop!) can be difficult to clean off, but use a little coconut oil on a cotton swab, and voila; clean as a, ahem, baby’s bottom!

2. Massage

You don’t need to buy an expensive massage oil to enjoy some skin-on-skin time with your bundle. A little drop of coconut oil will work like a charm – and keep your baby’s skin soft and gorgeously coconut scented too!

3. Cradle Cap

Coconut oil is just like olive oil, and will work great for gently removing baby’s cradle cap.

4. Nappy rash

No, you don’t need Sudocream or any other store-bough ointment. Rub a little coconut oil on that red tush, and watch the rash disappear.

5. Hair

A tiny bit of coconut oil makes a great tamer for unruly children’s hair that will also add shine — and it can really help with curls! (We won’t tell if you also use it on your own locks!)

6. Bath Oil

Many babies get dry skin, especially in the winter when inside air is dry and warm. Combat this by putting a few drops of coconut oil in your baby’s bathwater. Hello, soft and instantly moisturize the skin.

7. Head lice

When used alone, or in conjunction with apple cider vinegar, many have warded off pesky head lice using good aul’ coconut oil.

8. Keratosis Pilaris

Many babies will suffer briefly from the skin condition called keratosis pilaris (“chicken skin”), but coconut oil is known to get rid of the little bumps with regular use.

9. Eczema

Is your baby or child battling eczema? Instead of topical steroids, try coconut oil. The anti-inflammatory properties might just help calm down the rash.

For breastfeeding mamas

Cracked and sore nipples