Coconut oil and babies – everything you need to know
Up until ten years ago the only thing I’d used a coconut for was making horse clip-clop noises. I’d have been as likely to rub coconut oil into a baby as I would be to bathe it in Piña Colada. But things have changed for the coconut. (And I do a lot fewer clip-clop noises since I left primary school.) It has had a meteoric rise in popularity. After being used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years it has finally gone mainstream. It is no longer confined to the shy, that pick and mix mushroom and Danny Kaye singing about his lovely bunch. Coconut oil is everywhere and becoming increasingly popular as a baby product. But how can you use it with a baby, does it actually do any good and which are the best coconut oils to buy?
How can I use coconut oil with a baby?
1. as a moisturiser
The molecular structure of coconut oil means that it can penetrate the skin really well. This makes it an excellent, natural moisturiser if your baby has dry skin. It helps improve elasticity and leaves skin soft and supple. There is the added bonus that your baby will smell like a Bounty bar.
2. it may help with eczema
Coconut oil can’t cure eczema. But it might help with the symptoms. Some studies have shown that it improved mild to moderate eczema more than mineral oil. It has also been shown to kill some of the bacteria that can aggravate eczema. This is because coconut oil is rich in lauric acid (also present in breast milk), which is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. There has been some debate over how much coconut oil retains these properties and whether they are in a high enough concentration. More research needs to be done but the general consensus is that it’s worth a try.
3. as a baby massage oil
Baby massage is a popular way to bond with your baby and some claim it can help with colic and digestive issues. Coconut oil is a good 100% natural oil to use. Don’t worry you don’t need to buy a mini massage table with that face hole. This guide will show you how to do it.
Some say coconut oil can stimulate baby hair growth but there is no scientific evidence for this. Massaging the scalp can stimulate blood circulation but don’t expect long flowing locks. If you’re desperate for more hair - buy a baby wig. (Please don’t). (Actually please do.)
Baby in a wig.
4. as a cradle cap treatment
It can, however, help with cradle cap. This is the name for the yellow scales that can appear on a baby’s scalp and eyebrows. It’s harmless and not itchy and will eventually disappear of its own accord. But you can help it on its way. Apply coconut oil using cotton wool, allow it to soften the scales (ideally overnight) and then brush them away with a soft-bristled brush. Be careful using it on the eyebrows as you don’t want to get any in your baby’s eyes.
5. it may help with baby acne
Yes, babies get acne. It’s thought that it’s a reaction to the mum’s pregnancy hormones still running riot around their bodies. But don’t reach for the Clearasil. Obviously. Some say breastmilk can help. Others swear by coconut oil. Once again, apply using cotton wool. Then resist all temptations to do spot squeezing.
6. as a nappy cream
Coconut oil works well as a natural nappy barrier cream to prevent irritation. You could also try it on nappy rash. If you use reusable wipes, it can also be added to a homemade wipes solution.
When can I start using coconut oil with my baby?
The NHS recommends that no oils or lotions are used on a baby’s skin for the first month because newborn skin is so delicate. After that, lather away.
What is the best kind of coconut oil to use with a baby?
There are several different types. On the label, you may see the words organic, raw, virgin and cold-pressed. It can get confusing. Here’s what they all mean.
virgin
Just like in convents - virgin is a good thing. It means the coconut oil has had the minimum amount of processing and freshly picked coconuts have been used. This results in more of the beneficial properties of coconuts being retained. You’ll see coconut oils described as both virgin and extra virgin. Unlike olive oil, there is no difference at all between the two. They both just mean unrefined.
refined
Unlike wine and manners, this is not a good thing. Unless you are planning on using the oil for deep frying. These have been highly processed at very high temperatures and very little of the smell or flavour remains. They are cheaper and dried coconuts have been used.
cold pressed
This refers to the method of extracting the oil. No chemicals and low temperatures are used. The coconut oil doesn’t lose any of the rich fatty acids that are so good for the skin.
Centrifuged
This is when spinning is used to separate the oil from the coconut milk. It is the purest and most expensive coconut oil.
Hydrogenated
At a high heat, hydrogen atoms are added to make the oil more solid and longer-lasting. This is the cheapest kind of coconut oil. Avoid.
raw
This would usually mean that something has not been processed at all. But coconuts have to have some processing to extract the oil. In this context, raw means that no heat has been used at all to retain all the natural benefits.
organic
The coconuts were grown without the use of pesticides and with no genetic modification.
Ethically sourced coconuts/fairtrade
This is a good thing to look out for. In some parts of the world, monkeys are bred and then used to pick coconuts, often in harsh conditions. When you see this on the label, you can also be sure the farmer has been fairly paid.
What are the best coconut oils to buy for a baby?
To discover six of the best coconut oils to use with your baby, click below.
Now you are 100% ready to go on Mastermind with coconut oil as your specialist subject. Good luck. And enjoy your very soft baby.