Contents:
- Medical Video: Baby Massage
- Types of coconut oil that are good for babies
- Pure coconut oil
- Virgin coconut oil (VCO)
- Organic coconut oil
- Various uses of coconut oil for babies
- 1. Treat diaper rash
- 2. Overcoming canker sores
- 3. Eliminate acne in infants
- 4. Treat insect bites
- 5. Protect the skin from irritation
- 6. Relieves pain when teeth want to grow
- 7. Relieves colds
- 8. Treating cradle cap
- 9. Stimulates hair growth
Medical Video: Baby Massage
Image: Livestrong
Unlike adults, care for babies usually requires more attention. Because the baby is still very sensitive and gentle so you must be careful in choosing the right care product. Even some products that are made specifically for babies are still there that use chemicals that can cause irritation or allergies. If this problem is bothering you, it's time for you to try natural baby care products that are free of harmful chemicals. Coconut oil is an alternative baby care that you can try because there are many benefits of coconut oil for your baby.
Types of coconut oil that are good for babies
Coconut oil can be used for various things, from cooking, beauty care, or for consumption. Here are three types of coconut oil that are safe to use as a substitute for external medicine for your baby.
Pure coconut oil
This oil is extracted from the flesh of the coconut which is dried in the sun. The trick is to grind and crush the dried coconut meat until the oil comes out. Pure coconut oil does not contain any additional chemicals.
Virgin coconut oil (VCO)
Virgin coconut oil is believed to have higher quality than pure coconut oil. The difference lies in the extraction process. VCO is taken from coconut milk so it does not undergo a drying process and is not heated in the sun. Then the aroma of VCO is fresher than pure coconut oil. In addition, the antioxidants contained in VCO are also richer because they are not through heating.
Organic coconut oil
Organic coconut oil is pure coconut oil or virgin coconut oil (VCO) which is extracted from coconut trees that grow organically. This means that in the care and growth, coconut trees are not contaminated with any chemicals such as chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Various uses of coconut oil for babies
The efficacy of coconut has been proven by people all over the world and has been passed down from generation to generation to the next. Apparently, coconut oil is also safe and beneficial for babies. Not only adults can enjoy the use of coconut oil.
1. Treat diaper rash
Almost all babies have experienced rashes due to the use of diapers. To treat the rash and prevent it from coming back, apply coconut oil to your baby's diaper rash after a gentle shower and massage. Coconut oil has moisturizing properties so the rash will heal faster while the antibacterial content can prevent the rash from coming back.
2. Overcoming canker sores
Your baby can experience canker sores because of the process of giving breast milk (ASI). To overcome this with coconut oil, apply lightly to the nipples of breastfeeding mothers when giving breast milk. You can also dab a little coconut oil in the baby's mouth to speed up healing because coconut oil has an antifungal function that can fight canker sores.
3. Eliminate acne in infants
Because the skin is still very sensitive, your baby is susceptible to acne. You can definitely see reddish spots on the skin. Sometimes, these acne spots appear inflamed and feel a little itchy so your baby will feel uncomfortable. If not treated, acne in your baby is at risk for infection. So, use coconut oil to get rid of pimples in babies by pouring a little coconut oil on the palm of your hand. Rub it in your hands until it feels warm and apply it to the skin of the baby with acne. Let stand for several hours and rinse thoroughly with warm water.
4. Treat insect bites
Baby's skin which is bitten by an insect will be quicker, inflamed and swollen than adult skin. Your baby can also become fussy if the bite feels hot or itchy. Therefore, immediately deal with coconut oil. Apply to insect bites and let stand for a few moments or until the skin appears to be healed as usual. Coconut oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties so it can treat insect bites.
5. Protect the skin from irritation
Your baby does not need moisturizers. But the weather, sunburn or room temperature can sometimes make your baby's skin dry. If left unchecked, dry skin will become irritated. Coconut oil can be a safe choice to protect your baby's skin from irritation by applying it to the baby's skin after you rub it in your palm until it feels warm.
6. Relieves pain when teeth want to grow
When babies are 4 to 6 months old, their teeth will begin to grow. Usually the baby's teeth that want to grow will cause various symptoms such as gums that feel painful and itchy. This can make your baby cranky and fussy. So, immediately deal with coconut oil which is applied slowly to the baby's gums.
7. Relieves colds
Coconut oil mixed with essential oils such as eucalyptus or peppermint for decades has been used as a balm to relieve nasal congestion due to a cold. Various balm products available in stores usually contain various chemicals and the smell is very strong. So your baby will feel more comfortable with a mixture of coconut oil and essential oil that is applied to your baby's chest and let it sit all night.
8. Treating cradle cap
Your baby's scalp is also still sensitive, so it is not uncommon for babies to experience seborrheic dermatitis or cradle cap. This disease is caused by fungi which in adults usually appear in the form of dandruff. Because coconut oil is an antifungal agent, coconut oil can treat seborrheic dermatitis in infants safely.
9. Stimulates hair growth
If your baby has hair growth problems or his hair is very thin compared to a baby his age, you can try using coconut oil. The content of vitamin E and K which is rich in coconut oil will stimulate hair roots to become stronger and faster to grow. Wet your baby's hair first with warm water and pour enough coconut oil on your baby's scalp. After that, massage gently and let stand for half an hour. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
