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Although coconut oil is a miracle worker in so many ways — including benefits for your little one — you should always speak with your pediatrician before using it topically or letting your baby ingest it.

Curious about trying it out? First, get a free sample of coconut oil (along with a few other baby freebies.)

Then, take a look at these 13 ways the soothing, antibacterial properties of coconut oil are beneficial to your baby :

 

1. Make homemade baby wash.

You’ll need one tablespoon of distilled water, one tablespoon of Castile soap, one tablespoon of coconut oil, one teaspoon of vegetable glycerin (optional) and 3-4 drops of essential oils (optional).

Apply to your baby as normal during bath time and rinse.

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2. Treat diaper rash and eczema.

After a bath or diaper changes, apply coconut oil around the diaper area.

Coconut oil will help moisturize the skin while acting as an antibacterial.

 

3. Treat cradle cap.

Apply coconut oil to your baby’s head and let sit for 20 minutes or so. Use a soft brush to remove flakes on their scalp. After the flakes have been removed, rinse with warm water.

 

4. Make a chest rub similar to Vicks VapoRub when your baby has a cold.

Combine eucalyptus essential oil with a few teaspoons of coconut oil (to dilute it), and apply on your baby’s chest.

 

5. Treat thrush (candida).

Drink a spoonful of coconut oil each day if your baby suffers from thrush while breastfeeding. Your baby will receive the benefits of coconut oil through your breast milk.

You can also rub coconut oil around your nipples before breastfeeding.

 

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6. Remove meconium.

Coconut oil is a miracle worker when it comes to removing meconium — that tar-like substance that comes out during the first few bowel movements.

Use coconut oil to remove that nasty residue.

 

7. Ease teething pain.

Dab coconut oil on your baby’s gums or their teething toys to ease teething pains. The coconut oil has antibacterial properties and will ensure there’s no chance for infection.

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8. Soothe insect bites.

Apply coconut oil to visible insect bites. The antibacterial properties will help reduce swelling and redness in the bug bite. Leave it on until the next bath time.

 

9. Treat baby acne.

Rub coconut oil over your baby’s face and let sit. This acts as a natural non-chemical treatment!

 

10. Make baby “toothpaste.”

Use a little bit of coconut oil on your finger to gently dab on their gums. Massage the coconut on oil every morning and evening until your baby gets their first tooth!

 

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11. Sunburn remedy.

If your baby gets a little sunburn (no matter how much sunscreen you applied), rub coconut oil on the area to soothe, heal and moisturize.

 

12. Treat dry and chapped lips.

Use a Q-tip to apply coconut oil to your baby’s lips as well as the area surrounding.

 

13. Prevent constipation.

Adding coconut oil to homemade food helps make digestion easier for your baby, which helps prevent constipation. Coconut oil also helps babies to absorb nutrients.

Love doing DIY products for your baby? Check out our easy DIY baby items that will save you hundreds.

 

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13 Incredible Ways to Use Coconut Oil on Your Baby