Herbs to Have on Hand for Infants

As perfectly adorable as new babies are, they can still have their little trials and tribulations.  And, unfortunately, they don’t come with an instruction manual, and they can’t tell us how they feel.  It can be frustrating, but many common infant issues can respond quite nicely to herbal solutions.   

Gas Relief

It is not surprising that infants develop gas when they leave the womb and begin to digest food for the first time.  Whether they are breastfed or bottle-fed, because their digestive systems are just waking up, drinking milk can result in uncomfortable gas and painful cries.

Both Catnip and Fennel are well known resource for gas relief.  Catnip works as a relaxant and fennel just tastes good, so it isn’t very difficult to get your baby to take this.

Simply squirt a few drops of each tincture (the glycerin formula is sweeter and non-alcohol) into their mouth before each nursing or feeding session to help counteract any gas that may be caused from nursing complications or an immature digestive system.

Diaper Rash

Diaper rash is more controllable if you use cloth diapers and/or change diapers more frequently.  Nothing is better than fresh air for your baby’s bottom, so let them air it out as much as possible. And if you use a natural wipe solution or unscented, alcohol-free wipes during changes, there is less chance of chafing or a rash. But no matter what you do, it will happen from time to time. 

And when it does, a mixture of  garlic, chamomile, and calendula, when mixed with coconut oil and used as a cream, provide a protective healing barrier for their skin.  You can use these same herbs, mixed with distilled water, as a wash during each diaper change. Better yet, do both!

Umbilical Cord Care

Caring for an umbilical cord during the first few weeks can be worrisome, especially when it is your first baby. They can bleed, get infected, and there is no shortage of conflicting advice, but the point is to keep it clean and dry, and until it falls off on its own. But herbs can help you through this process.  A mixture of distilled water, Castille soap and a few drops of Calendula tincture (an antimicrobial herb) and Comfrey tincture (heals the tissue) can clean and soothe the area, when gently dabbed around the umbilical area. 

Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is a common infant malady that can be very frustrating for mothers, but thankfully it is easy to deal with. Because Rosemary is stimulating to the scalp, it is a beneficial cradle cap remedy.  Simply add Rosemary tincture to jojoba oil and apply to your baby’s head.  Let this sit for several hours before washing their hair.  Then gently comb the cradle cap out. As a bonus, the aroma of Rosemary will be very soothing.

Runny Eyes

A blocked tear duct is quite common in infants but can be quite alarming to a new mom when it results in a swollen, goopy eye.   An herbal wash can be made from distilled water and Eyebright Leaf (Euphrasia officinalis) .  Simply dip a cotton ball in the mixture and gently dab your baby’s eye with it several times a day. Or you can drop a few droplets into the corner of the eye and massage that area a bit. The swelling and discharge should clear up within 4-6 days.

Sleep

Babies do not have the same concept of time that we do.  So, it is not uncommon for them to sleep most of the day and stay awake at night.  Creating a good routine of stimulating them to encourage them to wake for brief periods of time during the day and minimizing stimulation in the later hours of the day and may help sooth them to sleep during nap times and bedtime.  But, if for some reason your child is a night owl a simple and safe herbal glycerite (non-alcohol) tincture mix, using chamomile, Lavender, and Catnip may help sooth them to sleep. Give baby a few drops of each before bed and then another half if they wake up to nurse at night.