We all have our favorite uses for coconut oil. From body butter to toast topping, coconut oil has a use in every part of our home. Where I’ve completely slacked is in finding uses for coconut oil for my kids. They’re not exactly excited about homemade moisturizers and make-up remover. There are a few uses that I’ve found to be well received in the under eighteen set around here, and while I’m sure there are more, these are my most tried and true.
1. Smoothie booster
Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil not only adds a delicious tropical flavor to your fresh fruit smoothies but it also aids in the absorption of nutrients. Try it with frozen pineapple, peaches and a dash of unsweetened almond milk.
2. Diaper rash cream
Many creams and ointments sold to help prevent diaper rash can contain harsh chemicals and petroleum based ingredients. Coconut Oil is dafe, non-toxic, and gentle on your little one’s bottom.
3. Hair detangler
Swimming pools, ocean water, hours in the sun and sand. All of these fun outdoor summer activities make your children’s hair dry, tangled, and impossible to comb through. Rub a quarter to half a teaspoon of coconut hair oil in your hands and smooth through their hair to avoid yanking and pulling while combing after a full day of beach blanket bingo.
4. Soothe bug bites
With outdoor play comes outdoor bugs. Bugs that often like to bite. The warm summer months bring out mosquitoes, fleas, and various other itch-inducing critters. A good way to calm that urge to scratch is first apply ice to the affected area, then apply a small dab of coconut oil to skin help sooth and heal the bite.
5. Homemade Chocolate Sauce
Melt down one cup of organic chocolate chips with one tablespoon of organic coconut oil. Dip in fresh or frozen fruit for a quick treat or dip then freeze for two hours for an even more summer friendly treat.
