About Coconut Oil

The coconut oil is derived from the fruit of the coconut palm tree. In the past, coconut oil has been demonized because it contains saturated fat. It is one of the richest sources of saturated fat with almost 90% of the fatty acids in it being saturated. Per the American Heart Association and other health organizations, it is advisable to limit your intake of saturated fats. It is important to understand that not all saturated fats can have an adverse impact on your body. The American Heart Association recommends saturated fats should make up no more than 5 to 6% of your daily calorie count.

When it comes to your baby’s soft skin, you want to take precaution even if you’re accustomed to using these products yourself. Before you start using coconut oil on your newborn baby, after talking to your doctor, make sure you have tested it on a small area of skin. Wait a few minutes to see if there is a reaction. If your baby starts crying, or you notice redness or other signs of irritation, do not use it on your baby. Don’t warm it up to scalding. Only enough to get it a little more malleable. You can do so by rubbing it between the palms of your hands instead of opting for a microwave or warm water bath to melt your oil.

How to Buy Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is so popular now that it’s very easy to find it in most grocery stores. Not all coconut oil products are created equal. Because of the popularity of coconut oil in recent years, it is now being mass-produced and many brands have gone through chemical processing like refining and bleaching. When purchasing coconut oil, be sure to choose ORGANIC VIRGIN coconut oil. This is especially important for pregnancy or delicate baby skin. Virgin coconut oil derived from the milk of fresh coconuts. It retains antioxidants and has a pleasant smell and taste as it’s not heated during the process of extraction.
Type of oil extracted from coconut palms grown using natural manure is organic coconut oil. No chemicals are used even during the process of extraction. Organic virgin coconut oil it’s extracted from organically grown coconuts. Extraction and processing also do not involve any chemicals.

Uses of Coconut Oil for Baby and Mommy

Healthy Acid

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which is only otherwise found in a mother’s breast milk. Lauric acid has been shown to be useful in increasing immunity and fighting viruses and disease, perfect for new mothers. Expectant mothers can ingest 2-3 tablespoons a day to boost their immune function. Mix it into a smoothie, your favorite herbal tea or in a warm breakfast porridge. Pregnant and nursing mothers should eat coconut oil to increase the quality of the womb environment and breast milk. L acid helps with milk production during and after pregnancy so that your baby ends up getting high-quality breast milk that will keep him healthy. Coconut oil is also a natural energy enhancer which is perfect for long nights with baby. This medium chain-triglyceride is a powerful anti-microbial fatty acid that protects the immune system of the fetus and newborn.

Cradle Cap

Cradle cap or dry scalp is a condition that affects many newborns during early weeks after birth. The condition is characterized by a flaky scalp and seems like your little one has dandruff. The condition is prominent around the area of the baby’s head that touches the cot the most. Coconut oil can work wonders in this situation.

Diaper Rush

Use coconut oil to battle your baby’s diaper rash. It is especially good for a yeast infection rash. Only use a very small amount, and ask your pediatrician before you use it. If your baby’s doctor gives you the go-ahead, you can also make your own natural baby wipes with soft microfiber cloths and coconut oil to prevent the diaper rashes from forming in the first place. Most babies can tolerate coconut oil with no trouble, but always test it first and ensure it is not too warm after you have melted it.

Topically Uses

Coconut oil is also effective when used topically. It is a natural moisturizer that prevents the harmful effects of chemical-based moisturizers. It prevents stretch marks on the stomach and itchy skin that seems to grow with your belly. Frequent applications of coconut oil during pregnancy may prevent the formation of stretch marks as the oil moisturizes the skin and improves elasticity. Coconut oil taken both internally and topically can help treat the yeast that causes both thrush and candida. A little oil dabbed inside your baby’s mouth, as well as mom eating it and applying it to her nipples before breastfeeding is very effective. Breastfeeding mamas can use it on their nipples when they become cracked or painful.

Eczema

Eczema is a condition where the skin becomes very dry and, as a result, there could be itching too. Eczema is common in babies, as their skin is quite sensitive and can dry out quickly. The condition often goes away by itself as the baby grows, but it can be uncomfortable and can lead to infection in case the baby scratches the dry areas. Use coconut-oil, which is a good hydrating agent, can give some relief to your little one. Massage your baby with coconut oil before or after bath time and once at bedtime to provide adequate moisture and hydration to the skin. With regular coconut oil massage, your baby’s eczema will gradually decrease.

Pregnancy Related Symptoms

Coconut oil will help you with other pregnancy-related symptoms, such as morning sickness, heartburn, and constipation.

Hair Care

Coconut oil makes a great hair conditioner that can tame that weird dry/falling out stage your hair goes through after pregnancy. Also, if your baby has rough or dry hair, massaging coconut oil regularly can help nourish and moisturize it, and make it stronger and healthier.

Baby Acne

Coconut oil, when applied directly to the skin, can fight the acne-causing bacteria owing to it’s natural antibacterial action, which makes it one of the best natural remedies for baby acne. It also has a gentle healing action, which soothes the skin, and can help lighten acne scars and spots too. Swap your baby’s massage oil with coconut oil. Not only is it healthier but cost effective as well. Before putting your baby to bed, massage a little coconut oil onto the area affected by acne. Create a half and half mixture of coconut oil and baby lotion, and use it instead of just regular lotion.

Teething Pain

The phase your baby goes through during teething can be full of pain that can cause your baby to be irritable and may also interrupt with regular feeding routine. Your baby can start the teething phase as early as four months. Coconut oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe inflammation that is often caused as part of teething and causes pain and discomfort to your baby. Take a little amount of coconut oil on your fingers and gently dab on your baby’s gums. Applying coconut oil will ensure that your baby gets some natural relief from pain.