Medical expert of the article
New publications
Preparations
Chamomile for newborns: can I give, how to brew and cook?
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Chamomile for newborns can be not only a useful remedy, but also preventive. This plant has many useful elements that are used in the treatment of colds, skin diseases and for other purposes. Every young mother needs to know about the benefits of chamomile and restrictions, when using it can be dangerous.
Useful properties of chamomile grass
Despite the achievements in modern medicine, many mothers are increasingly inclined to use home remedies. Herbal remedies are natural and, as a rule, have significantly fewer side effects than the synthetic drugs offered today in pharmacies. These natural remedies are also usually cheaper than conventional medications. Chamomile belongs to such cheap and useful medicines.
For centuries, this healing herb has been used to treat many problems, such as wounds, skin irritation, ulcers, colic, croup, this list continues. These dried flowers contain so-called terpenoids and flavonoids, biologically active ingredients, which, when applied or consumed by the body, are active elements in the metabolism of many cells.
Chamomile is a relaxant for the nervous system, which especially helps restless children. It is believed that flavonoids in the chamomile bind to receptors in the brain, causing mild sedation effects, helping to induce sleep. If you ever wondered if tea is safe from chamomile for newborns, the answer is YES - in fact, it has many benefits for the baby.
Chamomile relieves abdominal pain caused by dyspepsia, colic, gas and constipation. Due to its ability to relax the muscles, this tea, therefore, allows the gastrointestinal tract to relax and improve the stool, so it causes a calming effect. Antibacterial compounds also help to strengthen the immune system of the child, and also help to fight with already existing bacteria that can cause inflammation of the larynx, trachea and bronchi.
Chamomile can suppress blood sugar levels by increasing the action of glycogen and inhibiting sorbitol in human erythrocytes.
In chamomile tea, there are many vitamins that are good for the baby, including calcium, magnesium, folic acid and vitamin A. In addition, it also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-pyreptic and anti-allergenic properties and can strengthen the immune system.
Although vitamins and minerals are not huge in quantity, most mothers give their children chamomile teas to help with a number of problems. The main indications for the use of such tea are colic, gas, sleeping problems.
Chamomile for newborns with colic is used very widely. This is because the fennel in the chamomile relaxes the baby's intestines, which helps get rid of these conditions. Although colic does not have an identifiable cause, it can be caused by gastrointestinal discomfort. Chamomile has long been a remedy for intestinal cramps, so it is great for colic. The problems of colic in infants can be so tense and painful for children that it can interfere with sleep and normal feeding.
Chamomile for newborns with constipation is also effective. Apple pectin, contained in the extract of chamomile, improves intestinal motility, which allows using this herb for constipation.
Chamomile for newborns for colds and coughs is used as a means that contributes to the isolation of viruses. Although there is no evidence that chamomile tea will help your stuffy nose and cough, a moderate amount of tea is probably safe for most people. Many liquids that do not contain caffeine can be useful for washing out bacteria from the body. Tea with chamomile for newborns can be taken as an additional therapy, even with breastfeeding and not only the baby, but also the mother. Although some doctors say that a healthy child does not need anything but a breast, but here we are talking about healthy babies. Chamomile due to antiseptic properties has not only a detoxification function, but also it contributes to the death of bacteria and viruses.
How to give chamomile babies and how to brew chamomile for babies in bags? Chamomile tea is widely available both in the form of loose tea, and in tea bags. Organic chamomile tea is grown and harvested without the use of chemical herbicides or pesticides. Therefore, newborns should only choose environmentally friendly, tested varieties of chamomile and give preference to pharmacy products. Chamomile in bags should be brewed in boiling but not hot water for 5 minutes. When the tea becomes warm, you can water the baby with a teaspoon. The way of application and the dose of such tea is limited to reception no more than five times a day. It is best to give the child in an acute period on a teaspoon of chamomile every two hours in breaks between feedings. It will be useful in parallel and my mother drink this tea. Tea "Hipp" for newborns with chamomile can be an excellent alternative to pharmacy teas, as this is a special ecologically pure children's tea. But mum can choose at own discretion.
Dosing and administration
Chamomile is a natural relaxant that not only soothes irritability, but it can also help your child to have a good rest, even if you just bathe it in the chamomile grass. Also, this herb is a natural anti-inflammatory drug that will itself soothe your baby's skin, especially if it has itchy skin rashes or dry skin.
Chamomile for bathing newborns can also be used to soothe irritated skin. A bath with chamomile for a newborn is prepared very simply.
First you need to make tea, so you will need to boil some water. You can boil 1-2 cups of water. Once your water reaches the boil, you must remove it from the fire. Then let the boiling water cool down a bit and add 1 cup of dried chamomile to water and stir it gently with water. Then cover the pan with a lid and let it brew for 10-15 minutes.
After your tea is stained, you need to strain it. Chamomile in bathing tablets in this case will be more convenient, because it does not need to be filtered. How many chamomiles for bathing a newborn should be added, if it's ordinary domestic grass? If you have ordinary grass, then you can also use it to calculate one tablespoon of grass for two liters of bathing water.
When the chamomile has brewed, you can add your tea from the chamomile to the bath. Just pour this hot tea into the bath water and mix thoroughly.
Bathing does not differ from the usual bathing. Let your child play and bathe in the tub, but not more than 15-20 minutes. Infusion and broth of chamomile for bathing newborns can have a pungent smell, which can cause the child to have an allergic cough. Therefore, if you see that he does not like something, it is better to immediately react and stop bathing.
A sequence with chamomile for bathing newborns can also be used, but only if you have already used these herbs separately, and the child did not have any reactions. The sequence complements the antiseptic effect of chamomile and improves the skin condition of the newborn.
Chamomile pharmacy for the face of the newborn can be used when the child has severe acne. Chamomile in this case has an antiseptic and soothing effect on the skin of the face. To do this, you need to wipe the child's face with a warm fresh chamomile solution in the morning as a wash.
Chamomile for washing the eyes of newborns is incredibly effective in treating conjunctivitis. This herb is known for its anti-irritating, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
To prepare drops for the eyes, you must first boil filtered water. Then make tea from a bag of chamomile and let it cool to room temperature.
Wash your hands and dry them thoroughly. Dip into the chamomile cotton swab. Squeeze a little and wipe from the inner eye to the outer eye in one motion. Wash your hands again and use a new cotton napkin for the next eye. Repeat every couple of hours for the day as long as you need.
Contraindications
Contraindications to the use of tea are allergic reactions to this plant from one of the members of the family. Also your child may suffer from side effects if you give him a large amount of chamomile tea. Some children are known to suffer from skin rashes, consuming too much. It is better to dilute the chamomile tea as much as possible in such cases. Water with chamomile for newborns is bred in a ratio of one to one. In this case, water must also be boiled. To give such tea it is necessary in the same dose some times for a day.
If you do not want to take risks, and do not know if the baby's allergies will be, it's best to take a test. To test your child's sensitivity to this herb, you have a couple options. First, you can rub the daisy on the underside of the child's wrist or on the stomach and monitor redness or swelling. If the child is allergic to it, you will see typical reactions such as a rash, stuffy nose, swelling.
Storage conditions
Storage conditions and shelf life are not limited, except for high humidity.
[8],
Feedback from the reception of chamomile is positive. Bathing in the daisy also has a beneficial effect on the baby. But before using any remedy, your newborn child should always consult with the doctor, as each case is individual.
Chamomile for newborns can have a very positive effect not only when bathing, but also as a means for internal use. This herb has many useful elements that normalize the processes of intestinal motility in the child and can affect colic. Therefore, mothers should be aware of these benefits and consider them in treatment, but with a doctor's advice.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Chamomile for newborns: can I give, how to brew and cook?" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.