We offer you a range of soothing warm herbal drinks for infants. If you are a new mother looking for ways to soothe your baby's colic and help him sleep, Lahlooba offers you today the best options for warm herbal drinks that can be given to infants in addition to breastfeeding. These drinks help relieve stomach pain and bloating, making it easier for the baby to sleep peacefully. Among these drinks, anise is one of the most famous options used to soothe colic and gas, but there are other options as well, and we will explain that to you through Dalily Medical. You can also put the warm herbal drink in a feeding bottle to make it easier to give to your baby at this age.

What is herbal feeding?

 

Herbal feeding is a formula that contains one or more types of herbs that are beneficial to the baby, aiming to provide comfort and relaxation for him, and relieve the pain associated with colic. This feeding contains soothing and sleeping herbs that help treat many health problems that the baby may face in his stomach, and also contribute to improving the process of digesting food more smoothly.

Although herbal formula is made up of natural and safe ingredients, it is recommended not to take it without consulting a specialist doctor, to avoid any negative effects on the child's health. If the child does not suffer from colic or cramps, it is preferable to rely on breast milk only.

Some types of herbs are prohibited for use with infants, such as nutmeg, parsley, and thyme, due to their negative effect on the child's health. It is preferable not to take them until the child completes his sixth month.

Herbs that can be used in preparing formula include: mint, caraway, anise, chamomile, and linden.

It is important to note that no sweeteners are added to the herbs intended for infants, and to ensure that these herbs are packaged to ensure their cleanliness and quality. It is preferable to give the child the recommended amount of herbs using a syringe instead of a bottle.

The amount should not exceed 90 cm maximum, at a rate of twice a day, to avoid any harm to the child.

Tips to calm your baby and help him sleep

 

If your baby cries for no apparent reason, you can follow the following tips to help him relax and feel calm, which enhances his desire to sleep.

If your baby continues to cry for a long time and you cannot figure out the reason, you can hand him over to someone around you to try to calm him down, before you feel frustrated or stressed.

Hug your baby to feel safe, as your touch gives him reassurance and comfort.

Make sure to give your baby a daily bath with warm water, as this helps relax his body muscles and makes him feel comfortable.

Make sure your baby is full and does not feel cold or hot. If so, you should consider the number of pieces he wears according to the current temperature.

You can change the place or room where the baby is sitting, or move him for a few minutes in the air, whether outside or through a window, as this helps calm his nerves.

Make sure to rock your baby and put him in a rocking bed, as this will help you relax and rest.

Give your baby some toys that will keep him busy and attract his attention, such as toys that make sounds or music when played, or those that contain bright colors.

Do herbs provide nutritional value to the baby?

 

If the baby is less than six months old, herbs are not beneficial to him and do not provide him with any nutritional value. However, if the doctor recommends it, you can give it to him alongside breastfeeding, which remains necessary for the baby's healthy growth.

The only benefit of taking soothing and sleeping herbs for infants is to reduce the severity of colic and bloating that he suffers from. You can enhance this by following the methods of relieving bloating mentioned above.

After giving the herbs to your baby, you can gently raise his feet until they are in front of his stomach, making sure to do this slowly and comfortably to avoid any harm to the baby. You can also turn the baby on his stomach and pat his back gently, paying attention to make sure that he is breathing properly.

**The harms of lack of sleep on the health and mental development of infants**

 

If the baby suffers from lack of sleep, this may negatively affect his health and mental development. Lack of sleep can lead to increased night waking, excessive crying, irritability, and emotional instability. These problems can affect the infant's ability to concentrate and interact socially. Therefore, it is essential to provide a suitable environment for good sleep for infants. One of the natural and safe ways to achieve this is to use soothing and hypnotic herbs, as there are many useful herbs that can help calm infants and improve the quality of their sleep.

Cases in which herbs can be used with the infant

Umbilical cord care

Caring for the umbilical cord in the first weeks of the infant's life is very important. Bleeding or inflammation may occur in the navel area, and it is known that this area must be kept dry at all times, while avoiding the use of alcohol to clean it. Therefore, you must be careful to keep the umbilical cord clean and dry until it falls off naturally.

You can use some herbs that may help in this process, such as calendula and comfrey tea. You can add a little castile soap, such as Nabulsi soap, to the mixture. All you have to do is mix these herbs together, then soak a cotton ball in the mixture and use it to wipe the area around your baby’s navel when changing the diaper.

Calendula is an effective plant in fighting microbes, while comfrey tea is used to treat tissues. Castile soap helps keep the area clean and dry in a balanced manner, preventing any peeling or irritation of the skin, in addition to the absence of moisture that allows bacteria to grow.

**Eye infection**

A blocked tear duct is an annoying and common problem, as it leads to the accumulation of secretions in the corner of the eye. To treat this condition, you can use the herb eyebright byDip a cotton ball in it and massage the baby's eye with it several times throughout the day. You can also use a few drops of black tea in the corner of the eye with a light massage of the area. The condition usually improves within 4-6 days, which helps get rid of the viscosity that affects the eye.

Gas and infant colic

Gas is a common problem among newborns, regardless of the type of feeding, whether it is breastfeeding or using a milk bottle. This is because their digestive system is still developing and adapting to consuming and digesting milk, which may lead to the formation of some annoying gases and affect their comfort, causing them to cry a lot.

Gas and infant colic are problems that can be treated using herbs with children. Among the available options, you can use gripe water, which contains natural ingredients such as fennel, ginger, chamomile, cardamom, licorice, cinnamon, cloves, dill, lemon balm or mint, and wild mint, in addition to fennel syrup. These herbs are known for their effectiveness in relieving these symptoms, as wild mint helps relax the child, while fennel has a delicious taste, making it easy to encourage the child to take this mixture.

As for the method of use, the child can be given a full drop orally before breastfeeding time, to help reduce the formation of gases that may occur as a result of a mistake in the breastfeeding process or due to an incomplete digestive system.

**Diaper rash**

Diaper rash is a common problem among newborns. Its occurrence can be reduced by using cotton cloth diapers, changing the diaper regularly, in addition to ventilating the lower area of ​​the child's body during the changing process. The use of natural, unscented and alcohol-free wet wipes also plays an important role in reducing this problem.

However, some children may develop this rash even with these precautions. This rash is one of the cases in which herbs can be used to treat it. Garlic, chamomile, and calendula can be used in this context. An oil can be extracted from this mixture, or an ointment or cream can be prepared to be used as a barrier to protect the skin. A lotion can also be prepared from these herbs and used during diaper changes. For best results, it is preferable to use both methods together.

Dandruff

Dandruff is one of the conditions that herbs can be used to treat in infants. This can be easily done by adding rosemary to jojoba oil, then soaking the hair in this mixture. It is then placed on the infant's head and left for several hours before washing the hair. After that, the dandruff can be gently combed to remove it. Rosemary stimulates the scalp, making it an effective addition to this quick treatment.

**Difficulty sleeping**

Parents should first prepare their child by creating a suitable daily routine, and trying to calm him down so that he can sleep, while avoiding stimulating him during nap times or at bedtime at night. However, if the child decides to stay awake all night for some reason, an herbal infusion consisting of chamomile, lavender, and wild mint can be prepared to help him sleep. All you have to do is give him half a dropper full before bedtime, and repeat the amount if he wakes up during the night to breastfeed.

**Recommended Doses and Safe Methods of Use**

 

When using soothing and sleeping herbs for newborns, it is essential to adhere to the recommended doses and follow safe methods of use. It is always preferable to consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting to use any type of herbs to get the appropriate instructions. Soothing and sleeping herbs for infants can be used in the following manner:

Please adhere to the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist regarding the appropriate dose and frequency of use. Use soothing and sleeping herbs approved by health authorities and that comply with international safety standards. 

Make sure to monitor the infant carefully after using the herbs, and stop using them if any skin reactions or abnormal symptoms appear.

Necessary Precautions When Using Herbs with Newborns

When using soothing and sleeping herbs for newborns, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Here are some tips:

Avoid using herbs that are not approved or whose source you do not know.

Make sure to get herbs from reliable sources to ensure their quality and freedom from harmful substances. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before using any type of herbs. 

Monitor the baby carefully after using herbs and be aware of any abnormal reactions.

Although soothing and sedative herbs may be useful in helping newborns sleep, it is necessary to take the necessary precautions and consult a doctor before using them. 

We must always remember that the safety of the baby comes first.

Warm soothing herbal drinks for infants

Lavender

Lavender has a high ability to calm the nervous system of newborns; it is a pain reliever, anti-anxiety, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-depressant, and it promotes wound healing. It can be given to the baby by mixing a few tablespoons of dried lavender in the bathtub, which gives the baby a feeling of comfort and calm, and helps him sleep by inhaling its fragrant scent.

- Anise:

Anise is considered one of the best warm herbal drinks that help relieve stomach pain, colic, and bloating. It also contributes to promoting a sense of calm and relaxation, so it is recommended to give it to infants before bedtime to ensure a peaceful sleep free of disturbances.

- Chamomile:

Chamomile is an ideal warm herbal drink to help infants sleep peacefully for long periods without waking up due to stomach cramps or gases andFor bloating. Therefore, it is recommended to provide it during the day alongside breastfeeding to relieve stomach pain in infants.

- Caraway:

A warm caraway drink helps relieve stomach cramps, bloating and gases that may affect children at this age. Therefore, it is recommended to provide a warm caraway decoction to the infant during the day, especially before bedtime, which helps him relax and fall asleep quickly.

- Lavender:

Lavender is considered one of the soothing herbs that are beneficial for infants, as it is characterized by its fragrant scent and soothing effect. A few drops of lavender oil can be placed on the child's pillow or in the tub in which he sleeps, which helps him relax and improve the quality of his sleep.

**Fennel**

Fennel is considered one of the natural herbs that are beneficial for all age groups, as it contains vitamin C and vitamin A in addition to a group of essential nutrients such as calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium. Therefore, doctors recommend using it because of its many benefits for children. Fennel is characterized by its ability to resist acidity that may affect infants, and it is considered one of the best natural sedatives, which helps the child sleep faster. In addition, it contributes to expelling gases and relieving bloating.

It works to eliminate colic completely.

Fennel plays an important role in strengthening bones and increasing the body's immunity.

Fennel also contributes to improving eye health.

**Limestone**

Limestone is one of the most common herbs in treating colds and flu. It helps relieve coughing, and it is also effective in preventing constipation. After the child reaches the age of six months, he can be given up to half a cup of coffee once or twice a day, according to the doctor's recommendations.

**Cumin**

Cumin is one of the drinks that has many benefits for young and old when consumed.

It helps relieve bloating and gas, especially in infants.

It plays an important role in treating diarrhea.

It works to calm respiratory disorders such as coughing.

It also has the ability to eliminate worms without causing any side effects for the child, thanks to the thymol compound found in cumin, which is considered one of the most effective substances in killing worms.

- Chamomile herb

Chamomile herb is one of the top 10 soothing and sleeping herbs for newborns, as it helps relieve cramps that children suffer from, and reduces the possibility of vomiting.

This herb helps the child feel relaxed and calm when sleeping, and also helps reduce the percentage of jaundice that may affect many children after birth.

Doctors have succeeded in proving the effectiveness of this treatment in treating chest diseases, as it helps relieve bronchitis, reduce coughing, and treat respiratory tract inflammation. It also helps expel phlegm that causes great discomfort to children. In addition, it has a clear effect in expelling gases and softening the intestines, which facilitates the digestion process.

You can prepare a chamomile herb drink in the following way:

 

Add a tablespoon of chamomile to boiling water and leave it to soak for five to ten minutes. After that, filter the drink to be ready to drink.

**Meloba Herbs**

Meloba is an herbal tea with properties that enhance the health of the digestive system and help combat diseases associated with it.

It contributes to calming disorders, making the child feel relaxed, and also relieves stomach cramps.

It provides the child with energy and contains a group of vitamins necessary for his growth and health.

It includes ingredients such as chamomile and mint, in addition to many vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, vitamin D, vitamin B, and vitamin C. All of these elements contribute to reducing anxiety and tension in the child, which helps him sleep better.

It contributes to strengthening the body's immunity and relieving throat infections. Meloba tea works as an appetite stimulant, in addition to its role in calming the nerves. It also helps combat many diseases that may affect children, especially those related to the stomach and intestinal gases, thanks to the group of substances it contains that have a calming effect on the nerves.

You can prepare the Meloba herbal drink in the following way:

 

Add one cup of warm or cold water to a tablespoon of herbs, then mix them well in the baby's feeding bottle. After that, shake the bottle well until the drink is ready to use, using one of the top 10 soothing and sleeping herbs for newborns.

- Tilio

Tilio is also known as lemon blossom, and doctors recommend using it because it contains vitamins and minerals necessary for the growth of the infant's body.

One of the most prominent benefits of tilio is that it promotes relaxation for the child.

It also plays an important role in reducing the feeling of itching and relieving coughing.

It also helps relieve intestinal disorders and get rid of colic.

In addition, it helps eliminate bloating and gas completely.

It contributes to promoting deep sleep thanks to its ability to completely eliminate the problem of insomnia. To prepare the tilio drink, you can follow the following steps:

Soak a tablespoon of tilio leaves in a cup of boiling water, then cover the cup for about ten minutes. It is preferable to drink this drink twice a day.

**Thyme**

Thyme is characterized by its many benefits thanks to its content of a group of useful nutrients. It plays an important role in calming the nerves of infants, and it also works as an anti-inflammatory. In addition, it contains a high percentage of vitamin A, which is essential for healthy vision.

Thyme has a protective role thanks to its high content of vitamin C. However, it should be noted that eating thyme before the child reaches the age of six months may lead to a severe spasm in the epiglottis muscle located at the beginning of the throat, which may cause the child to choke.

**Mint**

Mint can be given to the child after the first monthFor six years old, it helps relieve digestive disorders and colic in infants. Mint is considered one of the natural drinks that promotes relaxation and calming of the infant, making it easier for him to fall into a deep and comfortable sleep. It also contributes to reducing bacterial infections that may affect the stomach. In addition, it is considered effective in relieving headaches, especially for children over thirty months old.

Vitamin C in mint contributes to strengthening the child's immunity, in addition to its protective role in supporting the respiratory system. Mint also contains folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, which plays an important role in protecting the nervous system.

Not everything that is herbal and natural is safe and harmless

The extensive use of medicinal herbs in our culture leads many parents to provide different types of herbal teas to their children from birth. However, the belief that everything that is natural or herbal is safe or beneficial may lead parents to wrong conclusions. Although many active substances in medicine are extracted from plants, they have serious side effects. Therefore, the points to be taken into consideration when preparing herbal tea for children can be summarized as follows:

Herbal tea should not be used without consulting a doctor.

It is better to avoid external plants or herbal mixtures, and instead, it is preferable to use reliable types of tea available in pharmacies.

Even when preparing tea for children, sugar or different flavors should be avoided.

Children under 6 months of age should not be given anything other than breast milk.

If children under 6 months of age suffer from problems such as gas pain or colic, they should not be given fennel or anise tea, which is believed to be beneficial for these conditions, but the mother should drink it, as it will be transmitted to the child through breastfeeding.

Herbal teas such as linden, chamomile, and lemon mint should be given to children after they reach 6 months of age, after consulting a doctor.

Herbal tea for children should not be boiled, but rather it is preferable to brew it in hot water and then wait for it to cool.

When giving herbal tea to children, it should be kept in mind that it is considered a type of medicine.

It is also recommended not to use herbal tea in large quantities or for long periods.