If Your Baby Has Dandruff Try Coconut Oil

Anybody, even babies, and toddlers are susceptible to dandruff. When it comes to treating dandruff for babies, you will have to take a little bit of extra caution. Babies have very sensitive skin, so it’s always a good idea to use natural remedies whenever you can. Most of the anti-dandruff shampoos usually contain harsh chemicals which can be too intense for your little one.

Luckily, there are plenty of safe ways to treat your baby’s dandruff. One particularly effective treatment is coconut oil. Let me first take the time to explain to you a little bit about dandruff in toddlers. After that, let’s look at the benefits of coconut oil and why it works so well against dandruff, especially for babies.

Dandruff in Toddlers

It’s not very often that babies get dandruff. It still happens though, for a number of different reasons. Usually, toddlers will get dandruff from either too many baths or not enough. If a baby is bathed too often, their scalp can become dry and flaky [1]. This also happens if you use shampoos that contain harsh chemicals.

Make sure that the shampoos you use on your baby are baby safe. Some parents bathe their babies frequently in an effort to fight against germs. Babies and toddlers are also messy eaters and sometimes require baths on a daily basis.

Other times, babies don’t get enough baths. This is usually because babies might not appear to be dirty. Some parents also don’t frequently bathe their little ones often because they are just going to get messy again. Washing your baby’s hair infrequently can also cause dandruff, due to product and natural oil (sebum) build up on their scalp.

Your baby can also develop dandruff if they have a certain skin condition, such as eczema, psoriasis,  and cradle cap (doctors refer to it as infantile seborrheic dermatitis) [2]. If your baby’s dandruff is reoccurring and the treatments are not effective, you may want to find out if your toddler has any skin conditions that could be causing dandruff.

If you can’t figure it out, you may want to seek the advice from a doctor or dermatologist. This will help to make sure that you’re treating the right problem.

When babies get dandruff, their scalp will flake and itch, just as anyone else’s would when having dandruff. It’s important to find a remedy that works so that you can provide your baby the comfort they need. One wonderful and natural home treatment for babies that I recommend is the use of coconut oil.

Why Coconut Oil is Good for Dandruff

You have probably already heard plenty of good things about coconut oil. It has many different uses, and it’s a nice natural alternative to other home remedies. Besides being used as a natural skin moisturizer, coconut oil serves another great purpose—it’s great for dandruff!

As the name suggests, coconut oil is made from coconuts. Look for a pure or natural option and make sure that it doesn’t contain any unnecessary ingredients. When using products on small children, it’s always a good idea to avoid using harsh ingredients.

Coconut oil is especially great for babies and toddlers who have dandruff. It’s all natural and very gentle. It doesn’t contain any potentially dangerous chemicals. This is important because our little ones have very sensitive skin. Some of the most common dandruff shampoos and treatment options shouldn’t be used on babies, for precisely that reason.

Another reason why coconut oil is great for babies with dandruff is that it restores oil back into the scalp [3]. This helps relieve any itching and flaking. It can also be applied at the first sign of a dry scalp, even before any shedding has begun.

In addition to providing relief from the itching and flaking, coconut oil also has anti-fungal properties [4]. Dandruff is often caused by a fungus called Malassezia (a fungus that grows naturally on all our scalps). By using coconut oil, you can treat dandruff effectively, by inhibiting fungus growth and at the same time restoring moisture back into the scalp of your baby.

One of the best things about coconut oil is that it can cure dandruff within about a week if you do the treatment correctly. Applying coconut oil should give your child some immediate relief from any itching and discomfort, as well as reduce any inflammation.

For babies, you might want to check with a doctor or dermatologist before using any commercial products on them. They will be able to guide you on what’s suitable or unsuitable for your baby. In most cases, coconut oil is 100% safe and an excellent dandruff remedy, due to its natural ingredients and anti-fungal properties.

Coconut Oil Home Remedies for Babies with Dandruff

You can put coconut oil directly onto your baby’s scalp for getting rid of dandruff. There are several home treatment recipes that can be used in combination with coconut oil. Let’s take a look at the 3 best home remedies with coconut oil for babies with dandruff!

Before applying the coconut oil mixtures on your baby’s scalp, it’s recommended that you place a towel underneath them. This will work to prevent oil stains. If you notice any irritation or worsening symptoms, stop using the recipe immediately, as your toddler may have an allergic reaction. Consult a doctor or dermatologist for additional guidance.

Home Treatment #1 – Coconut Oil and Lemon Juice

The first home treatment I would like to share with you is coconut oil and lemon juice. Both coconut oil and lemon are anti-fungal. Additionally, the acidity and anti-bacterial properties of the lemon juice will help treat dandruff, while the coconut oil nourishes your baby’s scalp.

Try coconut oil and lemon juice by following the instructions below:

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a bowl. Then, heat the ingredients until it becomes a liquid.
2. Rub the combination on your baby’s scalp. It might be challenging to keep your toddler still for this long, but aim for at least 5-10 minutes. If possible, let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes.
3. Following use, wash your baby’s hair. Be sure to use a gentle baby shampoo to prevent further irritation.
4. For best results, use this mixture once or twice per week. You can discontinue use once the dandruff is gone.

Home Treatment #2 – Coconut Oil and Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is another type of oil that is very gentle and useful in treating dandruff. It contains anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Additionally, jojoba oil is very similar to the natural oils produced by your toddler’s scalp. Together with coconut oil, your baby’s scalp will be sufficiently moisturized, at the same time inhibiting fungal growth.

Try coconut oil and jojoba oil by following the instructions below:

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil. Keep mixing it until it has a cohesive texture.
2. Rub the mixture on your baby’s scalp and let it sit for 30 minutes. Again, this may not be possible with an active toddler but try your best. Wash your little one’s hair with a gentle baby shampoo and rinse thoroughly.
3. Use this recipe 1-2 times per week as needed.

Home Treatment #3 – Coconut Oil and Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a great home remedy for dandruff because it is known to help with healing. Additionally, aloe vera has anti-bacterial properties and has a soothing effect on the scalp. If your baby is dealing with scalp irritation or inflammation, aloe vera is a great ingredient to use along with coconut oil.

Try coconut oil and aloe vera by following the instructions below:

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of heated coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera gel. Make sure that the mixture has the same consistency throughout.
2. Apply the mask to your baby’s head and massage it. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, if possible. Finally, rinse the mixture out by using a gentle baby shampoo.
3. You can use this mixture once or twice per week until the symptoms clear up.
4. If you want to use coconut oil on its own, simply heat it up and add a little bit of water. This will give the oil a more liquid consistency, which can then be applied to your baby’s scalp.