Our Top Natural Health Tips for Your Babies

Five Essential Products to Keep Your Baby Healthy

Baby probiotics. Probiotics for children? Yes, there’s such a thing. Ideally it should be in liquid or powder form so you can mix it with their milk for easy compliance. Ideally a baby probiotic will contain a variety of friendly microorganisms including Lactobacillus infantis, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, and Saccharomyces boulardii. Studies have also shown that children who take probiotics during acute episodes of diarrhoea recover faster and better than those who weren’t given probiotics. Studies have also documented a reduction in the incidence of allergies when babies were given probiotics.
Cod Liver Oil. Cod liver oil has a long traditional history of use in European societies. It naturally contains antioxidants and fat-soluble Vitamins A, D, and K. Also, it contains the essential fatty acids DHA and EPA. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is needed for the optimal functioning of your baby’s brain and development. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is required in the synthesis of prostaglandins, which have hormone-like effects on our body tissues.
Echinacea. Make sure that the one you buy is specially formulated for babies and follow the drop-dosage instructions (herbal extracts for adults most often contain alcohol).

Echinacea is a fantastic immune-modulator for your baby’s immune system and shortens illness significantly.
Lavender massage oil. Babies love to be touched and massaged. Try lavender massage oil and see how they react to it. You can easily make your own by adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to a base oil like sweet almond. 2-3 drops added to their bath is another way it can be used. With calming properties Lavender oil is a lovely way to promote relaxation as part of the bedtime routine.
Baby balm. Nappy rash is a common skin condition which can make your baby’s bottom area red, scaly, tender and sore. It can result from an allergy to the material of the nappy, an infection, irritation or to a certain food in the mother’s (if breastfeeding) or baby’s diet. Soothe, heal and protect the skin by using a baby balm regularly.

Essential Home Tips to Help Take Care of Your Baby

Babies can’t clear their noses of mucous. A stuffy nose will become a big hindrance when it comes to bottle-feeding or breastfeeding, not to mention the dreaded evening sleep routine! Using a bulb syringe to extract mucous will do the trick, especially for young babies.
If they have a stuffy nose (congested), it really helps to keep the head end of their bassinet/cot elevated while sleeping (slightly elevated so they don’t slip down). It makes breathing easier. You can do this by placing something underneath the legs of the actual bassinet/cot, or by placing a pillow underneath their mattress. (Never place the pillow on the mattress in case their head gets caught between the pillow and the bassinet/cot.)
You can make your own saline nasal drops to help dissolve mucus and clear blocked nasal passages. Add ¼ tsp of sea salt or himalayan salt to 1 cup of water which has just boiled, stir to dissolve. Once this has cooled, use a bulb syringe and put 1-2 drops up each of baby’s nostrils.
Add a drop of eucalyptus essential oil to some baby balm and mix. Use this as a chest rub to help clear congestion. It also helps babies sleep better at night.
Chamomile tea. According to the American Academy of Paediatrics, German chamomile tea can be used to help eliminate colic in infants. With soothing and relaxing properties it also makes a great addition as a natural sleep aid. Chamomile has been used for centuries as a gentle digestive carminative and has a long track record for safety and effectiveness. A must-have in your family's’ home-remedy kit!

Don’t forget to follow your instincts as a parent. Common sense is a good thing, and don’t be closed to the tried and trusted advice of our Mums, Grandmothers, Aunts and Sisters. If ever in doubt about your baby’s health always seek the advice and assessment of your family GP first.

Use natural ingredients and substances as much as possible when it comes to your baby. Don’t simply go for the more expensive stuff. Make sure you read what’s on a product's label so that you know what you are giving your baby.