Brand new baby skin. Seriously, is there anything sweeter? That soft, delicate, right out-of-the box newness just makes your heart melt a little. Even if there are a few slight imperfections, such as baby acne or diaper rash, it’s really just something to be admired, isn’t it? So, how do you care for, and protect it? Can you use natural ingredients such as coconut oil for newborn skin? We’ve got the answers below.
Why is Newborn Skin So Delicate?
In the first few months of life, a baby is busy growing and developing in every way. This includes his/her immune system. Everything that goes onto a babies skin is absorbed into their tiny bodies where that developing immune system has to figure out what to do with it. That’s why it’s so important to stick to all-natural products, such as coconut oil for newborn skin.
Why Choose Coconut Oil for Newborn Skin?
Coconut oil is a great choice for treating irritated newborn skin. That’s because coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that soothes dry, itchy skin. Some studies even show that applying it to the skin daily for 8 weeks actually improved skin hydration in children with eczema. Researchers think the reason it’s so beneficial is because it contains lauric acid, which is a healthy fatty acid also found in breast milk. Lauric acid has been shown to have tremendous benefits for our skin.
What to Look for in Coconut Oil Products
Coconut oil for newborn skin isn’t your only choice when looking for all-natural skin products. When searching for products for your baby’s skin, make sure you read the label first. To ensure the product’s safety, here’s what to look for:
- No Artificial Dyes
- No Artificial Colors
- No Artificial Perfumes
- Phthalate and Paraben Free
Products We Recommend:
For natural, gentle coconut oil products, you can’t go wrong with Coconut Oil by NOW Foods, which is formulated especially to protect hydration of skin and hair. We also recommend trying Fractionated Coconut Oil from Life-Flo and Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil by Nature’s Way.
Newborn Skin Concerns
We try so hard to keep our babies safe, happy and healthy. But, skin sensitivities do happen, sometimes no matter how hard we try. Some of the most common skin conditions we see in newborns are:
Eczema – Symptoms include red, itchy, and dry skin caused by inflammation. Safe, all-natural treatments for this condition include:
- Oatmeal Baths
- Soothing Lotions with Chamomile and Calendula
- Coconut Oil for Newborn Skin
- All-Natural Laundry Soaps
Diaper Rash – Red, sore and chapped skin caused by leaving a diaper on too long, rubbing or chaffing of the diaper on the skin, or other possible infections. All-natural treatments include:
- Baby Balms
- Calendula Oil
- Petroleum Jelly
- Using Organic or Cloth Diapers
- Using All-Natural Wipes
Cradle Cap – Common name for a condition known as seborrheic dermatitis. Patches of skin on the head, face or bottom may appear red and scaly or crusty and yellow. Cradle cap is often nothing to be concerned about and will generally clear itself up within the first year, if not weeks. Moisturizers such as coconut oil for newborn skin may help it clear up sooner.
What other ways do you use coconut oil for newborn skin? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
