It is always heart breaking to see your baby or child suffering. Here are some more natural and homemade remedies to treat common complaints and colds.
Herbal Teas
For colicky babies or babies suffering from gas, you can try giving them some herbal teas made of chamomile or fennel, or a mixture of the two. Some herbs, in fact many, are not meant for babies and can even be dangerous for them. Chamomile and fennel have been given the green light by doctors, but it can still be a good idea to double check with your child’s pediatrician before trying it. If your baby is colicky try steeping the herbs and then allowing it to cool to a lukewarm temperature before giving it to your baby. Only give the tea to them in small amounts a few times a day, you don’t want to give them too much in any given time period.
Cucumbers and Rice Packs
Cucumbers reduce mild swelling that your child might be having. Simply place a cool slice on the swelling spot. When it gets warm grab another cool slice from the fridge.
Rice packs are really simple to make and are great hot or cold packs. You can sew a little bag or just use a sock. Fill it with uncooked rice and tie or sew the bag or sock shut. You can keep some in the freezer or warm one in a microwave to treat different ailments your little one is having.
Familiar Smells
Aromatherapy can be a great way to help babies and mommy alike to feel more calm and treat some common ailments that babies deal with. Putting a drop or two of an essential oil into your baby’s bath can help them feel better. (Bath’s can also help calm your baby.) You can match certain symptoms to specific essential oils such as eucalyptus for sick babies with congestion or you can enhance relaxation and calming by using a drop or two of lavender in their baths or on a napkin next to their crib.
Familiar smells are calming to babies so using a smell that your baby likes often can help them avoid anxiety in new situations in which they are exposed to that familiar smell.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a great and cheap option for helping reduce itching and agony from bug bites on your little one. Simply make a thick paste from baking soda and water and smear it on the bite. It will help reduce the swelling and reduce the itching.
