Using Coconut Oil For Babies’ Skin: Everything You Need To Know

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If you are anything like me, finding natural and chemical free skincare for your baby is a must. Store bought baby creams and oils can be packed full of nasty chemicals and additives that can make us very weary of what we are putting on our babies skin.

Many products, like body moisturisers and massage oils for babies, contain a heap of additional ingredients and in the age of information we know that keeping it natural and chemical free is often the best way to go, especially when it comes to babies’ skin.

Using coconut oil for babies’ skin is a natural and chemical free oil that can nourish, protect, soothe and moisturise your babies skin. Research has proven coconut oil is safe for the use on babies skin and can even be used on premature babies to help strengthen their little skin. Studies have also found that no adverse effects have been seen on coconut oil baby skin.

Coconut oil babies skin is a great match. Coconut oil is not only super nourishing and moisturising, it also has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties that can make it a great topical treatment for conditions such as nappy rash, cradle cap and beyond.

If your baby has experienced conditions such as dry skin or eczema, coconut oil for babies dry skin and eczema can be an effective treatment. A study has been conducted noting that coconut oil has the ability to reduce eczema in children. However consulting with your paediatrician before using a new product on any skin condition is a must.

There are a number of varieties of coconut oil available such as refined, unrefined (virgin) and partially hydrogenated. I recommend using only unrefined coconut oil on your babies skin.

Organic coconut oil baby skin is even better, organic products ensure less chance of any chemicals. However, any unrefined coconut oil will do fine.

Click here to buy coconut oil now.

If you looking to learn more about using coconut oil on newborn skin, keep reading!

Below, I cover the top benefits of using coconut oil on baby skin, whether coconut oil can ever be bad for babies and exactly how to use coconut oil on your baby’s skin for the best results.

What Is Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is a white fat that is solid at temperatures below 25 degrees celcius. If you live in a warm climate, your coconut oil will be a thin, clear liquid and it is usually easier to use this way. You can also purchase liquid coconut oil. However, it is more expensive.

Coconut oil comes in three varieties that are known as refined, unrefined/virgin and partially hydrogenated.

All three forms of coconut oils are made from coconuts. Coconuts come from coconut trees and the oils are derived from the white fleshy meat and the copra (the kernel) of the coconut. The meat and copra are pressed fresh or dried to release the oils.

Refined coconut oil refers to coconut oil that has undergone additional treatment such as chemical and high heat exposure. This makes the coconut oil easier to cook with. However, the chemical and high heat processing takes away most of the goodness coconut oil has to offer and can leave it useless for use on skin. I do not recommend using refined coconut oil on your babies skin.

Coconut oilPin
Coconut oil

Unrefined/virgin coconut oil refers to coconut oil that has not undergone this additional treatment. The coconut meat and copra are simply cold pressed to release the oils. This method is the best way to get the most nutrients and benefits out of your coconut oil. I recommend only using this type of coconut oil on your babies skin.

Partially hydrogenated coconut oil refers to the extended process of partial hydrogenation of the coconut oil, where unsaturated fats are converted into trans fats. This helps extend coconut oil’s shelf life and maintain the solid form in warm temperatures. It also makes the coconut oil super unhealthy to cook with and reduces any beneficial effects on the skin to near zero. This is another form of coconut oil you do not want to use on your babies skin.

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Is Coconut Oil Good For Baby Skin?

If you’ve been curious to know is coconut oil safe for babies skin, the short answer is yes!

Coconut oil is a skincare product that has been used around the world for centuries. With many studies indicating coconut oil for infants skin is a good choice of baby oil, I have compiled my list of the top benefits of coconut oil baby skincare.

Top Benefits Of Coconut Oil On Baby Skin

Coconut Oil Can Treat Nappy Rash

Coconut oil is safe for baby skin and is nourishing and healing. Sometimes, nappy rash can be caused by skin irritation due to the nappy rubbing on the skin, and coconut oil provides a great barrier.

Coconut oil contains antibacterial properties that could also help with bacterial nappy rashes.

Coconut Oil Can Treat Cradle Cap

Coconut oil for newborn dry skin issues like cradle cap is a great option.

Simply take some coconut oil and massage it into your baby’s scalp. Leave it for 20 minutes and wash off.

The coconut oil can loosen the cradle cap by providing moisture while also nourishing your baby’s scalp.

Olive oil vs coconut oil for baby skin cradle cap? My winner is coconut oil as it provides a delicious scent to babies hair.

Coconut Oil Can Be Used As A Baby Wash

Coconut oil and baby dry skin is a match in heaven. Coconut oil can even be used as a baby wash for your little one, replacing nasty chemicals with natural, chemical free goodness.

A particularly great idea if your baby has dry skin. To make coconut oil baby wash you’ll need castile soap, coconut oil and water. Find more details below.

Coconut Oil Can Be Used As Baby Massage Oil

There are a heap of known benefits from giving your baby a massage.

It is stimulating, relaxing and provides bonding time. Coconut oil is good for baby skin as it’s nourishing, moisturising and protective. It gives off a lovely coconut aroma and is a great choice of oil for baby massage.

Coconut Oil Has Antifungal, Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties

Coconut oil is known to have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties that when topically applied can protect against infections such as staph, for example.

It can also be used to treat a range of fungal infections.

Coconut Oil Is A Versatile Product For Baby

When asking can I use coconut oil on baby skin, the answer is yes and there are plenty of uses for it as you can see above!

Coconut oil can also be used in cooking and in hair. It is also a great ingredient in DIY body butters and lip balms.

Coconut Oil Is Super Nourishing and Moisturising

Above all else, coconut oil is super nourishing for your baby’s skin.

It will soften, soothe and moisturise your baby’s precious skin.

Coconut oil for newborn dry skin is a great choice as it has been studied to be beneficial to preterm babies with no adverse effects seen.

Coconut Oil Is All Natural And Chemical Free

Finding all natural skin care products for babies can be hard, and it can also be super expensive.

Unrefined/virgin coconut oil is all natural and chemical free, cheap and easy to use. Meaning you are exposing your baby to less nasty chemicals and getting more bang for your buck.

Coconut Oil Is Easy To Use And Cheap

Coconut oil glides on the skin in an instant, it is so easy to apply that if you have a particularly wriggly baby, you may find it easier to apply than your typical lotion that requires rubbing in.

It is also a much cheaper option than a lot of other natural skin care on offer for baby.

Can Using Coconut Oil For Baby Skin Be Bad?

Is coconut oil safe for baby skin? What about coconut oil for newborn skin?

Numerous studies conducted on coconut oil have found coconut oil to be safe for the use on newborn and even preterm baby skin. A study conducted on over 2 thousand preterm babies found that coconut oil had helped to strengthen their skin and no adverse effects were reported in any of the babies.

Numerous other studies have been conducted on coconut oil and babies skin and no adverse effects have been found. However, this is not to replace the advice of your babies doctor. Always consult with your babes doctor first if you have any concerns.

Coconut oil safe for babies skin is demonstrated in the studies conducted. However, if your baby has an allergy to coconuts do not use coconut oil on their skin. Allergies to coconuts are rare and it is unlikely your baby will have a coconut allergy unless it runs in your family.

If you do not like the scent of coconuts, you may personally find coconut oil quite off-putting. However, many people enjoy the scent of coconuts and your baby may love it too.

Coconut oil for baby skin eczema may actually be a good choice as well. Coconut oil has been found in children to reduce the effects of eczema. Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe and reduce swollen skin. However, I cannot say if coconut oil will help baby eczema. This needs to be discussed with your babies doctor as the evidence is limited.

When using coconut oil baby for skin care, it is always a good idea to perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying the product all over your baby’s skin. This will ensure if your baby does have a reaction to the coconut oil it will be confined to only a small patch of skin.

Exactly How To Use Coconut Oil For Babies Skin

Coconut oil and baby skin are the perfect match and there are many ways you can use coconut oil on your baby’s skin. Coconut oil is going to nourish, protect and soothe your babies delicate skin and I go through a few of the uses below, including a recipe.

Apply Coconut Oil To Nappy Rash

To use coconut oil on your baby’s nappy rash, ensure your baby’s bottom is clean.

Then simply take a small amount of coconut oil and let it melt between your fingers and apply it to the affected area.

It will create a soothing barrier that can reduce swelling, redness and itchiness.

Apply Coconut Oil For Baby Massage

To use coconut oil for baby massage, simply take a small amount of coconut oil and let it melt between your fingers and palms.

Gently massage your babies skin all over with the melted coconut oil.

Apply Coconut Oil for Cradle Cap

To use virgin coconut oil for baby skin cradle cap, simply take some coconut oil, enough to smother the area of cradle cap and let it melt between your fingers.

Massage the coconut oil all over the cradle cap and let it sit for at least 20 minutes.

The cradle cap should loosen up from the moisture the coconut oil has provided while also nourishing your baby’s hair and scalp.

Use Coconut Oil As Baby Wash. Here’s A Recipe

Using coconut oil on infant skin as a baby wash is a great idea.

It is natural and chemical free, super nourishing, soothing and moisturising for your baby’s skin. You can use this baby wash as you would any other baby wash.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup of castile soap
  • 1 TBSP of coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup of water

Method

Melt your coconut oil and mix all the ingredients together. If you want your soap to be more foamy, you could also add 1 teaspoon of glycerin.

Once mixed you can use your soap as you would any other kind of baby wash.

Click here to buy coconut oil now.

Conclusion

Coconut oil is a super nourishing, soothing and moisturising skin oil for your baby. The best coconut oil for baby skin is unrefined/virgin coconut oil, and it can help strengthen your baby’s delicate little skin.

The many studies between coconut oil and baby’s skin can instill confidence that coconut oil for newborn baby skin is a safe choice for babies.

There are a number of ways you can use coconut oil on your baby’s skin which we have gone through above, and I hope you give a few of them a try. Coconut oil smells great, is nourishing and your baby will thank you for it.

I hope you have enjoyed this guide on using coconut oil on babies skin and now if someone asks is coconut oil good for newborn skin, you can tell them all you have learnt about the benefits and uses of coconut oil on babies skin.

Read more about using coconut oil on skin here or using coconut oil on sunburn here. Find all my guides to natural living here.

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By Sharon Gourlay

After discovering natural skincare, Sharon became a huge fan of making her own skincare products with her daughter, Soraya. After completing a Certificate in Making Natural Skincare Products and spending four years perfecting her craft, she loves making her own recipes that are perfectly nourishing and simply natural. You can find them all here! She also loves blogging about it here so you can take your own skincare journey - no nasty chemicals allowed!

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