Infants Skin Conditions

When it comes to your baby's skin, you can depend on one thing: It's bound to erupt into a rash during the first year. Why? The human skin acts as a protective barrier against all sorts of elements, from sun to bacteria, but it takes about a year for that epidermis to get up to speed and function effectively, says Bernard Cohen, M.D., director of pediatric dermatology at Johns Hopkins Children's Center. It starts out thinner, has less pigment, and doesn't regulate temperature as well as the skin of bigger kids and adults. Of course, no baby escapes the most common skin issue--diaper rash. The diaper area is warm and moist, which breaks down the skin on that tender tush. Add irritating poop and pee and you've got the perfect environment for breakouts. Keep diaper rash under control by changing your baby often, using petroleum jelly or a barrier cream with zinc oxide to protect his bum, and letting his naked bottom air out occasionally (put a sheet on the floor and let him loose). Protect the rest of that fragile birthday suit with mild products, such as hypoallergenic and fragrance-free soaps, washes, and lotions. Once your baby turns 1, you can relax a little--his skin will be thicker and more rash-proof.

Intertrigo

What It Is: A rash found mainly in a baby's skin folds, especially in the neck. It usually appears in chubby babies under 6 months.
What It Looks Like: A red, raw, weepy rash that looks worse inside the skin creases. Your baby may not notice it at all or it may cause some pain, depending on the amount of skin-to-skin friction in the affected area.
What Causes It: Excessive moisture from drool and spitup that collect in your baby's creases, which don't get any air.
What to Do: Wash out the inside of your baby's skin folds with water and apply a zinc-oxide barrier cream or petroleum jelly to protect them, recommends Dan Brennan, M.D., a pediatrician in Santa Barbara, CA. As babies get older and more mobile--they crane their necks-intertrigo goes away.

Prickly Heat

What It Is: Also known as miliaria, prickly heat rash may occur on the face, neck, back, or bottom.
What It Looks Like: Tiny red bumps.
What Causes It: Since a baby's skin isn't able to regulate heat well, says Dr. Cohen, just about anything that overheats your little one--hot, humid weather; overbundling him in tight clothing; or a long, hot car ride while strapped in a car seat--can set off a prickly heat rash.
What to Do: Get your baby out of the heat and dress him in loose, cool clothing. The rash should look much better in about 30 minutes

Seborrhea

What It Is: A rash that can appear on the scalp and eyebrows (where it's known as cradle cap), behind the ears, or on the neck, cheeks, and chest. It's most common in babies under 6 months.
What It Looks Like: On the scalp and eyebrows, seborrhea looks like dandruff, although it can also appear like thick, yellow or crusty scales. Behind the ears, seborrhea tends to look cracked and scaly; on the chest and neck, it may be pimply, and on the cheeks, it's red and bumpy. It can be unsightly but probably won't bother your baby at all.
What Causes It: No one knows.
What to Do: The traditional remedy is to rub a little olive or baby oil on your baby's scalp to loosen the scales, then gently brush them off. Dr. Brennan also recommends washing the scalp, behind the ears, and any other spots with a small amount of anti-dandruff shampoo.

Eczema

What It Is: Eczema can appear anywhere on a baby's body starting around 3 or 4 months, though it's not usually found in the diaper area. Up to 20 percent of babies will develop this very itchy rash.
What It Looks Like:  In its mildest form, eczema erupts in dry, patchy areas on the skin. It can also look like a bad case of windburn and cause the skin to turn red, ooze pus, and crust over.
What Causes It: Anything can be a trigger for babies prone to eczema (those with a genetic predis-position or a family history of allergies). Hot weather can cause sweating, which irritates the skin; cold weather can dry it out. Soaps and clothing, especially wool, can also spark an outbreak.
What to Do: Wash the skin with a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser--ask your pediatrician or dermatologist for a recommendation--and then slather moisturizer onto damp skin twice a day. For a more severe case, talk to your doctor about a steroid ointment, which will reduce the inflammation.

Contact Dermatitis

What It Is:  A skin reaction to something your baby came in contact with--from soaps and detergents to grass and other plants.
What It Looks Like: Red, itchy bumps at the contact site.
What Causes It: If the rash is all over your baby's body, then soap or detergent is probably to blame. If the chest and arms are affected, the culprit could be a new, unwashed shirt. Rashy legs? For some super-sensitive infants, all it takes is the unfamiliar texture of a rug or grass.
What to Do:  If the rash looks dry, moisturize it. If it's not bothering your baby, just remove the trigger (roll up the rug, wash the shirt, try a milder soap, a gentler laundry detergent). If the rash is itchy, talk to your doctor about a hydrocortisone cream or an antihistamine.

Refer:

• Baby Skin
• Baby Skin : FAQs
• Baby Skin Care : Sun Protection
• Newborn Skin : Common Issues
• Baby Skin : Sensitive Products
• Bathing And Soothing Your Baby`s Skin
• Diaper Rashes : Causes And Treatment
• Some Common Skin Rashes In Babies

Diarrhoea

How can I tell if my baby has diarrhoea?

Many parents worry that their baby has loose motions because newborns tend to have a lot of bowel movements. Your baby's potty will depend very much on whether she's being breastfed or formula fed. The stools of breastfed newborn babies are usually yellowish, on the soft or liquid side and may occur up to five times daily. The stools of formula-fed babies, on the other hand, tend to occur once a day and are fairly firm. Check out our baby potty visual guide for more information. 

Sometimes a breastfed baby will do potty during or immediately after each breastfeeding session. Within a month, most breastfed babies are down to one or two potties a day. Occasional loose stools are normal for both breastfed as well as formula-fed babies. But your baby may have diarrhoea if:

• she is passing stools more frequently than usual
• her stools are smelly, watery, and mucus-streaked (one doctor says it looks like you've blown your nose in your child's nappy)
• she has a fever or appears to be losing weight

In addition to this, your baby may be cranky and not eating well. See your doctor if you suspect your baby has diarrhoea. 

What causes diarrhoea in a baby?

The most common cause of loose motions is a virus called rotavirus. Rotavirus infects the gut causing gastroenteritis. This damages the inner lining of the intestine. The injured lining leaks fluid and allows food to pass through without absorbing any nutrients. Most children get affected by this virus a couple of times before they turn five. Children aged between 6 and 24 months are more likely to catch this virus as it gets tougher to maintain hygiene once they begin crawling.

Diarrhoea in babies can also be caused by:

• formula feeds, if they are not properly diluted
• colds
• antibiotics
• allergies
• food poisoning
• enzyme deficiencies in rare cases
• 
  

Can diarrhoea in a baby be prevented?

The organisms that cause diarrhoea can easily be passed from hand to mouth. So, proper hygiene can help prevent diarrhoea. Wash your hands thoroughly for at least 15 seconds with an antibacterial soap after handling soiled nappies or using the toilet. Keep non-alcoholic wipes handy and wipe your baby's hands frequently when she is crawling around. You could also use a damp washcloth for this purpose. 

How should I treat my baby's diarrhoea?

Make sure your baby drinks plenty of fluids to stop her from dehydrating. If your baby is taking her breast or formula feeds well, stick with them. In addition, older babies may be given sips of water, oral rehydration solution (ORS) or electrolyte solution. Coconut water (elaneer/naariyal pani) is a rich source of electrolytes. 

You can prepare ORS at home as well. Take one litre of water, boiled and then cooled. Stir in 8 teaspoons of sugar and one teaspoon of salt. Give her sips of this mixture every time she vomits and passes stool or urine. 

Babies older than 9 months can also have well-diluted fruit juices. Juices made with 1 part juice added to 10 parts water are ideal. If your child is reluctant to drink, she may prefer homemade ice lollies instead. But it is best not to use any artificial flavouring or food colours when you are making them. Avoid glucose drinks, fizzy drinks and undiluted fruit juices (concentrated sugar draws water into the intestine and can increase diarrhoea). 

Check with your paediatrician before giving your baby anything. Remember that you should not give any anti-diarrhoeal medicine to children below 12 years as they could have serious side-effects. Also avoid herbal remedies without consulting your paediatrician. 

Are breastfed babies less likely to get loose motions?

Yes. Breast-fed babies are better protected from infections that might come from drinking water or feeding bottles. Also, certain elements in breast milk can hinder the growth of the organisms that cause diarrhoea. 

Should I stop giving my baby solid foods if she has diarrhoea?

No. Unless your baby is vomiting frequently, you can continue giving her solid foods. If your child is six months or older you could try foods like bananas, rice, apple puree and dry toast. For an older baby or toddler you could try small amounts of chicken soup and starchy foods like mashed potatoes and pasta. Boiled rice and moong dal would work too. But don't worry if she doesn't want to eat. It's more important that she keeps taking fluids to avoid dehydration. 

When should I call the doctor if my baby has diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea can be worrying if it lasts more than a few hours, but it will usually clear up on its own. If your child is continually passing loose, smelly and watery stools more than 3-4 times in a few hours, call your doctor immediately. The biggest concern with diarrhoea is dehydration, so don't delay in calling your doctor if your child shows these signs of fluid loss:

• dry skin or lips
• listlessness
• tearless crying
• a sunken fontanelle
• discoloured hands and feet
• dark yellow urine or fewer wet nappies than usual

You should also consult your paediatrician if your child shows the following symptoms:

• refuses to drink water, milk, or any other fluid
• has a fever which lasts longer than 24 hours
• has blood in her stools
• has diarrhoea accompanied by vomiting, which lasts longer than 12 hours 
• has a swollen abdomen
• 
  

If your baby's uncomfortable during a bout of diarrhoea, try to comfort her as much as possible. Keep her dry. Be gentle when changing nappies since her delicate bottom may be raw from the frequent passing of stools. Use a barrier cream to prevent irritation if the diarrhoea lasts for more than a day. And try not to worry too much, with the right care, your baby will soon bounce back.

Baby Care : Staying healthy during weather changes

Weather changes can bring on infections. These can be tough on your baby's developing immune system. You can do a few simple things to keep her safe from infections. 


Breastfeed and immunise 

Experts promote breastfeeding and immunisation. Studies show that these build your baby's immune system. It will help her ward off possible infections and diseases. 

Dress for the weather 

• Dress your baby appropriately, especially when you are planning to be out for a couple of hours.
• Dress your baby in layers when you take her outdoors, especially when the seasons change. You can remove or add layers if there is a sudden change in temperature. This is particularly important in North Indian states during March, late October and early November. In cities like Mumbai, Chennai or Cochin, you might not have to worry too much about seasonal changes. However, the sea breeze can get quite nippy in the evenings when seasons change.
• Avoid bundling up your baby with warm clothes at the slightest temperature dip. Her immunity will strengthen as her body adapts to weather changes.

Bath your baby regularly and establish a routine 

• Get your baby into the habit of bathing at a particular time of the day.
• Close the door and the windows to the bathroom while you are giving her a bath.
• Avoid late evening or night baths. Late morning baths are the best. Even if it is cold outside, your baby will have enough time to warm up during the day.
• After a bath, dry and clothe your baby before turning on the air conditioner. Make sure to dry her hair thoroughly. Also, protect her from the direct blast of cold air. Keep her away from the AC or cooler. Abrupt temperature changes can cause chills.

Give your baby a balanced diet 

• If your baby is already on solids, make sure that she has well-balanced meals. A good diet can give her the vitamins and minerals she needs to help fight infections. It's even more important to make sure your baby gets enough vitamins and minerals if she is a fussy eater or is on a restricted diet like lactose intolerant babies. Little evidence supports mega dosing with certain vitamins and minerals as a preventive measure.

If your baby is younger than six months, all she needs is your breastmilk. Your breastmilk gives her all the nutrients she needs.

Insist on health and hygiene 

• Make sure that people handling your baby are well and maintain personal hygiene. A sick maid or family member is more likely to give your baby an infection, rather than weather changes.
• Ensure that your baby's maid wears clean clothes and washes her hands with an antiseptic soap. She should keep her nails trimmed and her hair tied up whenever she is with your baby. Keep a hand sanitiser for people to use before they touch your baby. This will reduce the risk of infection.

Stay away from crowded places 

• Protect your baby by avoiding crowded areas where she can come into close contact with ill people. She could catch an infection such as conjunctivitis from other children or staff at her daycare centre or playschool.

Use natural remedies to prevent seasonal illnesses 

• If your child is prone to seasonal illnesses, you can try natural remedies or preventive homoeopathic medicine.
• For babies older than one year, ginger juice with honey in winter can help to guard against colds and chest infections.
• Buttermilk, lassi and coconut water are good for the stomach in the hot summer months.
• Crushed cinnamon (dalchini)with Holy basil (tulsi) juice may help to ward off flu. The flu is common during the monsoon season.

Keep your baby well-hydrated 

• Dehydration is common in babies. It can occur at any time of the year. It can sometimes be serious. Give your baby lots of fluids to stop her going thirsty.
• If your baby is younger than six months, all she needs is breastmilk. Make sure to feed her as often as she wants and as long as she wants. If your baby is older than six months, you could give clean filtered water and fresh fruit juices to drink. In winter, soups are one of the healthiest options to keep your baby warm and hydrated.

Your baby is likely to fall ill despite your best efforts. This can be due to weather changes, infections they pick up or anything else. Many doctors say it is important your baby falls ill once in a while. Fighting an infection strengthens her immunity. Babies usually recover quickly from illnesses. 

Learn more about common infections such as the 

• Cough
• Cold
• Natural Remedies

Ayurveda and Babycare

Ayurveda, a 5,000 year old Indian system of medicine, focuses on the concept of holistic healing. CharakaSamhita, one of Ayurveda’s prime texts, offers a comprehensive theory and practice of childcare, which is known as KaumaraBhritya. This branch of medicine deals with health maintenance and treatment of ailments in children from birth to adolescence. KaumaraBhritya occupies the prized second position amongst eight specialty branches of Ayurveda.

The concept of childcare in Ayurveda is ‘complete or ‘all-encompassing’, taking into account all elements that could potentially impact a child’s health. Ayurvedic texts outline health measures starting from pre-conception, antenatal care for the mother and fetus, right through to childbirth, baby’s growth and development until adolescence.

As a primarily botanical healing system, Ayurveda recommends the use of herbs and herbal compositions for various health conditions. For example, the combination of Thyme-Leaved Gatriola (Brahmi), Calamus (Vacha) and Bindweed (Shankhapushpi) with Honey and Ghee improves overall immunity and intelligence in children. Similarly, Celery (Ajamoda) and Cumin (Jeeraka) are potent digestives and are beneficial in the treatment of colic. Indian Gooseberry (Amalaki) relieves respiratory problems, Turmeric (Haridra) and Neem (Nimba) alleviates skin disorders, while Pomegranate (Dadima) and Ginger (Sunthi) are recommended for treating diarrhea and nausea, respectively.

Oil massage plays an important role in baby’s growth. Various benefits of oil massage have been also been recorded in recent times. Ayurvedic texts refer to massage or Abhyanga with oils of herbs like Country Mallow (Bala) and Sesame (Tila) to protect baby’s skin against topical infections. Bathwater should also be disinfected with herbal extracts of Sandal (Chandana) and Banyan Tree (Vata), which are fragrant and possess antimicrobial properties respectively.

Mental development of a child is extremely important in Ayurveda. The concept of Balagraha lists herbal solutions for common mental and psychosomatic disturbances that could affect children. Inclusion of aromatic herbs such as Rasana (Pluchealanceolata) and Spikenard (Jatamansi) are recommended in massage oils and bath water to soothe, relax and calm young children. Tonics orrasayanas like Chyavanaprasha, which contains Thyme-Leaved Gatriola (Brahmi) and Indian Pennywort (Madukaparni) amongst others, enhances a child’s concentration ability and intelligence. In fact, recent research studies have found that Thyme-Leaved Gatriola and Indian Pennywort are indeed beneficial in maintaining cognitive functions, improving memory and learning abilities.

The holistic interpretation of health propagated by Ayurveda ensures that child is healthy, both mentally and physically.

Baby Care : Cough Remedies

Cooler temperatures are upon us and our babies (under 1!) are already suffering through coughs and colds. We don’t use many herbs for babies under one but there are safe, mild, natural remedies to help clear coughs in an infant. We just went through this in our house with Giant Baby who is not even six months yet so I thought I’d post some encouragement and share what we used.

Coughs can be a good thing if they’re clearing congestion. However, let them go too long or be unaware about the kind of cough you’re hearing and coughs can progress into something serious.

By nursing my kids through coughs, I’ve learned that to clear them quickly, it’s best to

• Keep congestion thin and moving (moisturize inside & out)
• Boost the immune system

As I regularly say – natural remedies work best when applied as soon as the onset of symptoms occur. When noses start running and coughs begin, head it off at the pass! The duration of illness is usually shorter and not as severe.

Here’s what we used on Giant Baby. I used all of these steps at once because I don’t mess around with coughs.

1. Steam, Steam, STEAM!
If the coughing isn’t clearing the congestion within minutes and a hacking fit seems imminent, we head straight to the shower. I shut the door, drop a little Eucalyptus oil in the corners of the shower and relax until he’s been cough free for several minutes.

I also shower him before bed to moisten his sinuses & loosen congestion because lying down automatically seems to trigger coughing because it’s harder for congestion to clear in that position. The extra moisture helps! I keep him warm after we get out of the shower.

If he coughs in the night and can’t seem to stop, we head right back into the shower no matter how tired I am. I have learned that it’s worth it. It’s the fastest way to calm the cough. I think we showered about three times a day while he was coughing.

2. Hose the nose.In babies, the nose, throat, ears are so close together and the passages are small. Congestion affects them all. During coughs, congestion or earaches, I “hose my kids’ noses” to loosen congestion so it will clear more easily. Don’t be intimidated by this.

3. Massage the chest.After the shower, using a little coconut oil (NO VICKS for babies this small – it’s just too harsh), we rub that little chest gently but firmly. It seems to help ease the cough and  Giant Baby loves it because we talk with him while we do it.

4. Garlic oil.
Man, this stuff is magic! I use it for my kids (and me!) when our ears are sore and my herbalist also suggested we could safely rub a little on Giant Baby’s feet. I probably used 1/2 t. (maybe less?) and massaged his feet gently. I’m not gonna lie to ya’. It was skunk-a-licious! But, it seemed to calm him and he coughed less afterward.

5. Moisturize the air.
We use either a vaporizer or humidifier in the bedroom to add moisture and keep congestion moving.

6. Eucalyptus oil or Vicks.
I wouldn’t put Eucalyptus oil or Vicks on an infant. But, I DO think it’s ok to use them to scent a room to provide their expectorant powers. I place a little vicks or Eucalyptus oil on an old diaper and wave it around the room (to infuse it into the air) and then lay it near to the bed so we can smell it all night.

***REMINDER!! While Essential oils are wonderfully healing, they are also super concentrated (read: powerful) and should never be left where little hands can reach them. Be safe. Educate your little ones not to touch them & store them out of reach.***

7. Keep the fluids coming.
I would have offered him warm chamomile tea but my little guy wanted to nurse. So, nurse I did. The only caution I’d add with chamomile is that people with known allergies to ragweed should avoid it.

8. Elevate the sleeping position.It’s hard for congestion to clear when a baby is flat on his back. That’s why coughing increases at night. Our baby sleeps with us so it’s easy to elevate him on my arm and keep a close ear on him in the night. I sleep better and so does he.If we used a crib, I’d find a way to safely elevate the mattress slightly (no pillows in a crib!).

9. Garlic.
Again? Yep. Only this is for nursing moms. Since I nurse, my baby gets the benefit of what I eat. I ate sliced fresh garlic on buttered toast to pass on it’s immune system boosting benefits.

10. Echinacea tincture.
Another immune booster for use by the nursing mama. I took a few droppers 3 times a day.

Using these remedies from the very start of his little cold to the end, Giant Baby only coughed for about three days and it was very mild, usually worse at night.

Remember – the key to successful natural remedies is to jump on that cough as soon it projects its loud sound. Don’t wait till it sounds scary.

Teething : Home Remedies

Just when you thought your bouncing bundle had started sleeping through the night, she decides to wake up the neighborhood with a 3 A.M. concert. You wander, bleary-eyed, into her room, wondering what in the world is the matter. You pick her up and hold her for a bit. As soon as you sit in your trusty rocker, your little miss sticks your finger in her mouth and starts gnawing. She's been doing this for a few months, but tonight you feel something firm and hard protruding out of her bottom gums. Her first tooth!

Your baby's first tooth is certainly a time for rejoicing. It's a real milestone in her life. And it also explains why your kid has been a drool factory, why she's been sticking anything and everything into her mouth lately, and why she's been so cranky. By the time that first tooth cuts through the gums, your baby has endured swollen, painful, inflamed gums for days or even months. They don't call it "cutting" teeth for nothing. Getting those first teeth is an ordeal for any kid.

In this article, we'll offer 17 ways to ease the pain of teething, from home remedies using things found in your kitchen to tips about how to make your baby more comfortable. But first: What is teething, exactly?

Babies actually have tooth buds in place, resting right under the gums, before they're born. The primary teeth, which form before the baby is born, usually begin surfacing around six or seven months of age with a single lower central incisor. But, like many things in nature, there is a wide range of "normal" when it comes to the timing of tooth eruption. Don't be surprised, then, if a baby starts sprouting choppers at 2 months or doesn't begin teething until he or she is 12 months old.

In general, teeth begin to appear on the following schedule: the central incisors, the teeth right in the middle of the jaw on the top and bottom, come in at 6 to 12 months; lateral incisors at 9 to 13 months; canine (cuspids) at 16 to 22 months; the first molars at 13 to 19 months; and the second molars at 25 to 33 months. Most children have all of their primary teeth by age three.

The process of teething, or "cutting" all of these baby teeth, can be painful for both the baby and the caregivers. When a tooth pushes through the sensitive gum mucosa, it hurts, and the baby is likely to become cranky and fussy.

The process of getting primary teeth continues until close to the third birthday. Your sweet pea will probably get her bottom front teeth first, followed by her top front teeth. Don't fret if she has huge gaps between teeth or if the teeth grow in a little crooked. Things will straighten out over time.

By the time your little one is finished getting that first set of teeth, she'll have 20 munching, crunching teeth. These will stay in place until she's ready for permanent teeth, sometime around her sixth birthday.

Teething symptoms often include crankiness, drooling, chewing, crying, gum redness, decreased appetite, and difficulty sleeping. In addition, some babies spit up and have mild diarrhea due to gastrointestinal reactions to changes in the character and amount of their own saliva. Other babies develop a red and slightly swollen rash on the cheeks, chin, neck, and chest from the saliva's contact with the skin. Sometimes, teething causes babies to develop a mild fever, congestion, and ear pulling that often mimics middle ear infection. All of these symptoms are normal. (But of course, if you are worried, you can always call your pediatrician's office just to put your mind at ease.)

Teething is, of course, just a part of life. But there are some things you can grab in the kitchen that will ease your baby's discomfort and make her a happy camper -- at least for a while. In the next section, we'll discuss home remedies for calming teething pain.

Teething can cause infants pain -- and it's mom to the rescue! A number of home remedies exist to help babies feel better (and moms get some peace and quiet). The following are some suggested teething pain solutions, many of which include simple foods or kitchen items.

Home Remedies from the Freezer

Banana for baby. Stick a banana in the freezer, and then let baby put the soothing, sweet treat to her gums.

Ice a Towel. Wrap some ice in a dishtowel and let baby suck on the towel. The cold ice will keep swelling down and ease baby's pain. But don't let her suck on just the ice -- it can harm your baby's gums.

Home Remedies from the Cupboard

Ice a baby bottle. One trick for making baby happier during teething is to put water in a baby bottle and freeze the bottle upside down (so the water is frozen at the nipple). Give it to the baby when he gets fussy, and let him chew on the cold, comforting nipple for a while.

Offer a teething biscuit. These hard, unsweetened, cracker-like biscuits are great for gnawing on when teeth are making their way through the gums.

Home Remedies from the Drawer

Wet a dishcloth. Put a clean, wet dishcloth or towel in the refrigerator, and let it get cold. Then give it to Junior, and let him gnaw away on the cloth. This will help ease inflamed gums and will just plain feel good in baby's mouth.

Slide your baby a spoon. Take a tip from the American Dental Association -- stick a spoon in the fridge for a few hours, and then let baby have at it. The cold metal against her gums will put a smile on her face.

Home Remedies from the Refrigerator

All applesauce. Cold foods like straight-from-the-fridge applesauce taste good and are gum-friendly.

Buy a bagel. Refrigerate an ordinary bagel, and it will become your very own homemade teething ring. It's great for babies to gum on while they're getting teeth in and can help ease that teething ache.

Find fruit. You might try giving the baby apple wedges, or for younger babies, apple wedges placed in a washcloth that you hold.

Carry a carrot. Get a carrot -- a full-sized carrot, not miniature "baby" carrots -- out of the fridge, wash it thoroughly or peel it, and let your baby gum it to her heart's content.

Home Remedies from the Medicine Cabinet

Try pain relievers. An over-the-counter pain reliever designed specifically for children, such as children's-strength liquid acetaminophen (Children's Liquid Tylenol is one brand), can offer relief for up to four hours. You can't give children pain relievers around the clock, however, so save them for when they are most needed -- such as bedtime or when none of the other suggestions is helping. Be sure to follow the package directions carefully, and don't give the medicine more often than three times in 24 hours.  The amount you give your baby is based on weight, so if you're not sure how much to give, check with your pediatrician. Warning: Never give aspirin to a baby, as this could lead to Reye syndrome, a life-threatening condition.

Numb those gums. Commercial oral anesthetic teething gels (for example, Orajel and Anbesol) give temporary relief (30 to 40 minutes worth) and can often get baby through a difficult time.

Home Remedies from Mom

Massage those gums. Gentle pressure can help relieve teething pain. Softly rub the baby's gums with a clean finger.

Distract them. The best solution may be to keep your baby's mind off his or her erupting gums. Try playing together with a favorite toy or rocking or dancing around with the child in your arms. Sometimes, a rousing game of peekaboo is all that's needed to distract baby from the discomfort.

Let 'em chew. Chewing can help teeth work their way through the gums, so keep your baby's jaws moving. Any object is fair game as long as it's clean, nontoxic, chewable, and either too large or too small to block the child's airway should it get swallowed.

Keep a towel handy. Teething often causes plenty of drooling, and the saliva can cause skin irritation that will only make baby feel more uncomfortable. Keep a soft towel handy to wipe off the baby's mouth and chin area. If that isn't enough, protect the skin with petroleum jelly or zinc oxide ointment.

Keep the mouth clean. The American Dental Association says it's never too early to keep your baby's teeth and gums clean. Rub those gums with some gauze or a fresh cloth to clean the area and soothe teething pain. If your baby has already sprouted some teeth, try brushing them with a soft, child's toothbrush.

Teething won't last forever -- but while it does last, the above tricks can help moms comfort and calm their new babies. At least for a little while!

Natural Remedies for newborn (6 months)

Having a baby who is sick and unable to breathe well can be incredibly scary for parents. Because babies are obligate nose breathers, it is very important to help them clear their airways. And because they are still so small (and often still have a virgin gut), we don’t want to use anything unnatural to help their bodies fight off illness.

Below are natural remedies for helping your newborn get over congestion (colds), coughs, and fever. If you have any other natural remedies, please let me know in the comments so I can add them to the list.

Congestion/Colds

1. Breastfeed Often So Baby Is Hydrated: Make sure baby is getting enough milk. She may need to nurse more often than usual, because she may not get as much at each feeding. Why? If she is congested, she will not be able to breathe as well while nursing, so she may tire out and not empty your breast as much as usual. If your baby is not breastfed, keep him hydrated with whatever formula he is used to drinking. “Don’t give straight water to babies younger than 6 months; their kidneys can’t process it correctly and an electrolyte imbalance may occur.”
2. Give Expressed Breastmilk from a Cup, Dropper, or Spoon: If baby is having a lot of trouble nursing, consider expressing your milk and giving it in a cup, dropper, or spoon – especially in an infant younger than four weeks so as to avoid nipple confusion. For more, see Kellymom.
3. Breastfeed So Baby Receives Antibodies: Breastmilk is rich in antibodies specific to baby’s environment, and this is why breastfed infants “contract fewer infections than do those who are given formula.” But what I find even more fascinating is that once your breastfed infant (or child) does get sick, her saliva actually influences the content of your breastmilk! “[I]f a baby contracts an illness that mom has not been exposed to previously, he will transfer this organism through his saliva to the breast, where antibodies are manufactured on site and then sent back to the baby via the milk to help him cope.”So keep breastfeeding your sick baby, your body is actively working to make her healthy!
4. Squirt Breastmilk in Baby’s Nose and/or Eyes: Breastmilk’s antimicrobial properties can also help baby when you squirt it into baby’s nose. If the cold settles in baby’s eyes, you can also squirt breastmilk into her eyes to help clear up the infection.
5. Use Nasal Suction: Babies cannot clear their nasal passages by themselves, so parents need to gently assist them. And instead of using the old-fashioned nasal bulb, that can hurt the delicate linings of your baby’s nose, try one that does not go inside the nostril. I’ve used the NoseFrida for years and love it. You can squirt some saline solution or breastmilk into baby’s nose to help loosen up the mucus before sucking it out.
6. Coconut Oil: Use your finger to gently rub liquid coconut oil in/around baby’s nostrils. Be sure not to put solid coconut oil in the nose, as you do not want to inhibit breathing. You can also rub coconut oil onto baby’s body.
7. Visit Your Chiropractor: A properly adjusted spine can help with clear respiration, and regular chiropractor visits can actually help prevent colds.
8. Use a Humidifier and/or a Pot of Water on the Stove: Especially in winter when our air is much dryer, putting moisture in the air is essential for helping moisten and heal the sensitive linings of baby’s nose. Keeping the nasal passages moist helps thin the mucus, easing congestion.⁷ So use a humidifier and get a pot of water simmering on the stove for added moisture.
9. Try Steam Treatment: Along with using your humidifier, really make an effort to let baby breathe that steamy air. You’ll often hear people say to steam up your bathroom – but that takes time and a lot of hot water. Instead, get a towel and drape it over your head and baby’s head (cradled on your chest in a carrier) while standing over your warm air humidifier. Or have your partner help you get some water hot and steamy in a big stock pot, set the pot on a lower surface like a kitchen table (safely – you don’t want to be at risk of spilling or knocking into it), then drape the towel over you and baby. Be sure to stay under the blanket with baby – you need to know how much steam baby is exposed to.Steam can burn – don’t overdo it!
10. Sleep Upright: Help your baby sleep upright, so the mucus can drain. You can sleep securely in a chair or on the bed propped up against pillows, holding baby against your chest.
11. Nurse Upright: Kellymom has a tutorial on some good positions for nursing upright.
12. Carry Baby Upright: Try not to let baby spend too much time on his back. Wear baby in an upright position to help mucus drain – many mamas like stretchy or woven wraps in the early months.
13. Consider Probiotics for Mama and Baby: There is evidence that regularly taking probiotics can decrease a baby’s chance of respiratory illness. Kellymom has an article about how to give babies probiotics.
14. Diffuse Essential Oils: There are quite a few essential oils that can aid in relieving congestion. You can either put some in a room diffuser, or put a few drops in your pot of water. Remember, never use any essential oil directly on baby. The essential oils that are good to diffuse to help with congestion are: Cedarwood, Clove, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Lemon, Melaleuca (ericifolia), Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood, and Thyme.Add some lavender to help baby relax. See Essential Oil Remedies for Children: What to Use for more on EOs, and for more on the basics of using essential oils, see Essential Oil Remedies for Children: The Basics.
15. Make a Chest and Feet Rub from Essential Oils: Alternatively, add one or more essential oils to a carrier oil and run some on your baby’s feet or chest. A few that should be safe to try are eucalyptus, lemon, and sandalwood (peppermint is not recommended).Again, add some lavender for its relaxing properties.
16. Sinus pressure massage: With firm but gentle pressure, run your fingers just under baby’s cheekbones to help relieve sinus pressure.  YouTube video shows massage techniques on an adult to relieve congestion.
17. Get Skin to Skin: Don’t put baby down, try to keep her in arms or a carrier, and give her as much skin to skin contact as possible.
18. Try a Natural Vapor Rub: There are vapor rubs available with natural ingredients. My favorite is from The Natural Newborn.

Cough

1. Take a Walk: When your baby has croup, her airways have become irritated and swollen, causing that nasty barking cough you hear. Cool air can help reduce the swelling and ease your baby’s cough.
2. Humidify the Air: As with congestion, moisture in the air can help ease your little one’s airways and reduce coughing.
3. Use Essential Oils in a Room Diffuser: Essential Oils good for coughs are: Eucalyptus, Lemon, Marjoram, Ravensara, Rosewood, Sandalwood, and Thyme. See the essential oils section above for more information on diffusing essential oils.
4. Sleep, Nurse, and Carry Baby Upright: As discussed above, keeping baby in an upright position will help relieve coughing.
5. Keep Baby Hydrated: Keep nursing as much as possible to keep your little one hydrated – that will help the airways remain moist and will pass along mama’s antibodies.
6. Rub Vapor Rub on Baby’s Feet: Put some natural vapor rub on baby’s feet, then put socks on him.

Fever

It is recommended that if a baby under 3 months has a rectal temperature higher than 100.4 degrees, consult your doctor immediately. For babies older than 3 months, consult a doctor if the rectal temperature is higher than 104.

1. Breastmilk: Again, breastmilk is so important for a sick baby. For a baby with a fever, you want to keep him hydrated with a plentiful supply of breastmilk (or whatever formula he normally drinks).
2. Take a Lukewarm Bath: Climb in the bathtub with baby – keep the water warm, but not too warm.
3. Stay Skin to Skin: Infants kept skin to skin are better able to regulate normal body temperature.
4. Diffuse Essential Oils: EOs good for fever include Lavender and Peppermint. Add a few drops to a diffuser or pot of water.
5. Apply Diluted Lavender Oil: Dilute lavender oil in a carrier oil and massage baby on the back of her neck, feet, and behind her ears.
6. Give Her Cold Feet: Put some cold, wet cotton socks on baby (water or vinegar), then pull some wool slippers or socks over them to help bring down a fever.
7. Vinegar Sponge Bath: Give baby a cool sponge bath with water or vinegar.
8. Onion in Socks: Cut large slices of onion and put them in baby’s socks (use an older sibling’s socks so they fit). When the onion turns brown, the fever should be down.

Natural Remedies For Babies

Safety and common sense are the first things to keep in mind when using home remedies and herbs to treat small children and babies. Kids are not just miniature adults, their still developing bodies are more sensitive making them more apt to experience unintended side effects. Even when using herbs that have a proven safety record, be careful when first giving a new herb, just as you would any new food to test for allergies.

Glycerin based extracts and herbal teas are well tolerated by children and the infirm. A good rule of thumb for children under the age of 13, is to reduce dosages to half that of an adult dose, and continue to reduce by age and weight.

Most children's remedies mentioned here are for common illnesses, diarrhea, tummy aches, teething, colic, colds and bed-wetting. If you intend to treat any long term, or serious condition, consult with a qualified herbalist and/or medical practitioner.

Bedwetting and diarrhea:Agrimony has an astringent action on the bladder and is used for control of bed-wetting in older children, and may help to control incontinence in adults as well. Sip a cup of Agrimony tea slowly before retiring to bed.

Meadowsweet is a specific for diarrhea in children, it's astringent action combined with nutritives makes it safe, mild, and effective. Use a generous amount of sugar or honey else the bitter taste can make it harder to get children to take it.

raspberry tea is an effective and safe remedy for children, and is given to reduce fever and calm diarrhea. A good tonic herb with a rich supply of vitamins and minerals that help build strong bones and general good health. Generally considered safe, with no unwanted side effects.

Colic, gas:Basil in considered a safe and gentle tonic for nursing mothers. Taken as a tea, it helps to expel gas in infants and increases lactation in the mother.

Distilled Caraway water is considered a useful remedy in the flatulent colic of infants, and is an excellent vehicle for children's medicine.

Catnip is good in restlessness, colic, insanity and nervousness, and is used as a mild nervine for children

Dill Water, which is a common domestic remedy for the flatulence of infants is a useful vehicle for children's medicine generally.

Spearmint relieves gas and tummy troubles, much like peppermint, but its effects are less powerful, making it better suited for use in children.

Hot chocolate may actually be a more effective cough medicine than traditional remedies making it a safe nighttime calmer for children. Turmeric and hot milk can also work safely and well.