Health
COCONUT OIL
6 Uses for Baby Care
BY: JENNI MADISON
T
he best way to start giving your baby the benefits of coconut oil is to consume it yourself while you’re still breastfeeding. Once they’re past that phase you can start to use it in their foods when they move on to solids. It’s 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 – 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 baby’s skin. It can be used in a variety of ways, here are a few:
Can I Give My Baby Coconut Oil? ANSWER: YES. 1. NAPPY RASH CREAM
3. BABY MASSAGE OIL
That’s right. Good old coconut oil which lives in your pantry for cooking can be used to soothe baby’s little red bottom. There is no risk because coconut oil is pure and has no chemicals. With it’s 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.
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 baby’s tender and sensitive newly born skin. The beautiful subtle aroma of coconut is also calming for your baby’s senses. As it is perfectly natural, coconut oil will not cause any harm to your baby’s 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.
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 baby’s scalp and leave it on for about 20 minutes. The coconut oil will moisturise and nourish baby’s 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 baby’s scalp moistened and nourished regularly will help prevent the cradle cap from re-occurring.
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Peninsula Kids – Winter 2016