Croup and Colic - The Natural Choice

Croup and Colic will affect most children at some point.  I would always say if you are worried then got o your Doctor. 

There are some simple natural methods that can help with these issues.

CROUP

• Cold air - Cold air is an old remedy.  Wrap the baby up warm and either go out into the cold air or stand by an open freezer until the child feels relief
• Steam inhalations - The best way is to shut yourself and your baby in the bathroom, turn on the hot taps and allow steam to fill the room, you can add 2-3 drops of peppermint oil to help open the airways if you like.  Another steam option is to make a steam bath and ho; your baby on your lap with a towel over both of you and the bath,  and inhale in the steam
• Elderberry - Elderberry syrup is lovely for upper respiratory problems and enhances the immune system.
• Calm - Either you amor the baby - Chamomile tea with honey is a nice relaxing blend.  If your child is crying it is likely to bring on a coughing fit.
• Herbs - Lobelia and Mullein are wonderful herbs for the lungs but should only be taken under strict supervision of a qualified herbalist.

COLIC

• Hold the baby completely upright whilst feeding and wind well before lying down.
• Small feeds - sometimes smaller more frequent feeds can help if the  baby is not digesting very well
• Breastfeeding - change your diet - there may be something you are eating that is upsetting your baby's digestion or causing an intolerance  check with a nutritional therapist what may be the cause and get a nutrition plan to make sure you are getting enough nutrients of you and baby.  Common causes are: dairy foods especially cows milk, coffee, tea, chocolate, sulphur foods (broccoli, onion, cauliflower, cabbage, garlic, brussel sprouts), wheat and gluten
• Rule out reflux - if persistent check that baby doesn't have reflux
• Fresh air - get out into the fresh air with baby
• Warm Baths - use lavender/chamomile in the bath
• Get moving - baby that is - Certain baby exercises can do wonders for releasing trapped gas. You can try doing bicycle legs, bent legs or put their bellies on your thighs for gentle pressure. You can also do gentle belly massages. (Always do clockwise motion when rubbing baby’s tummy.)
• ​Baby probiotic
• Herbs - Fennel, Chamomile or Lemon Balm can be used with the assistance of a herbalist.  If the mother is breastfeeding she can drink the teas and it will pass through into the milk.  If on formula the tea can be added to the baby's formula water.  Start with very small doses and build up.  Make the tea weak.
• Formula - try changing the formula if you think there may be something in the formula upsetting the digestion

If the problem persist seek medical advice.

Always check with a herbalist before using herbs or supplements with young children.

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