4 Ways You Can Use Coconut Oil For Baby Care

1. Nappy Rash Cream
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. As an added bonus coconut oil smells delicious. It will not ruin cloth nappies like many other nappy rash creams do. 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 of the oil, 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.

3. Baby Massage Oil
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.

4. Baby Bath Time
Mix coconut oil with a drop of pure lavender oil to make the bath water soothing, moisturising and relaxing. This can be done and enjoyed by both baby and mum.

Jenni Madison is the author of The Healthy Coconut (Rockpool Publishing, May 2016, $34.95)