Parents of young children need fast-acting, natural remedies to heal the coughs and irritations that sometimes can lead to infections. While practicing prevention is a smart action, there are also practical tricks to help kids stay healthy or recover quickly!
Humidifiers
A cool-mist humidifier is a parent’s number-one solution to keep dry skin, croup, sinus infections, colds, and upper respiratory tract infections at bay. The disadvantage of frequent cleanings and refills is well-worth the effort! Newborns and toddlers, who sleep with a humidifier, are much healthier and spend less time at a pediatrician’s office.
Tip: Some brands offer tanks that run for 20 hours without a refill, while others include attractive perks, such as a starry night-light.
Steam Baths
A seal-like cough, often diagnosed as croup, is an instantaneous sound of alarm and heartbreak. One solution is to give your little one a warm, not hot, bath. The effects of steam will help soothe inflamed airways and decrease mucus buildup. And, continue to hydrate.
Oatmeal Baths
Say the phrase “bath time,” and most toddlers will divest themselves of their clothes before reaching the bathroom. Twenty minutes of soaking in an oatmeal bath can ease the redness and pain from diaper rashes or eczema. Simply grind one cup of oats into a fine powder and swirl the contents into warm water; or, you can buy pre-made oatmeal packets.
Calming Effects of Lavender
“Safe and gentle,” “soothes skin,” and “aids sleep” are all appealing phrases, especially if the body wash or lotion features lavender. The herbal aroma has magical effects, from fostering sleep to soothing skin allergies, such as diaper and skin rashes.
TIP: Be forewarned! Not thoroughly washing your hands after application will lead you to succumb to dreamland.
Methol Rubs
Mentholated vapor rubs are still on the market. Today, various brands offer a chest rub for kids. Most contain camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil to provide relief from coughs and congestion. Rather than apply to the chest, take a small dab and apply it to the feet.
Keep a Supply of Icy Pops
If hydration equals health, during the winter months the one food that eases thirst is an icy pop. As an inexpensive solution, icy pops may not give children essential vitamins and minerals; yet, they will aid their intake of liquids. Stock up! Keep a few extra boxes in supply. You’ll be thankful!
Chamomile and Peppermint Tea
Natural, ancient medicines, specifically herbal teas, have beneficial value to breastfed infants age six months or older. Chamomile tea has calming properties for colic, while peppermint eases upset stomachs and gas. When giving tea to an infant, use no more than a teaspoon in a medicine dropper between feedings to ensure the baby continues to breastfeed.
Smoothie Sensations
“How can I get my 18-month-old to eat more vegetables?” Picky kids require creative and sneaky recipes. Try blending fruits and vegetables into a smoothie. As a result, children receive vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein from the process. Some recipes:
- 8 oz. milk, 1 banana, 1 tsp. peanut butter, and ice.
- ½ cup of low-sugar yogurt, 1 banana, 3 strawberries, kale, and ice.
Tip: Jessica Seinfeld, the author of the cookbook, Deceptively Delicious, promotes ingenious ingredients to encourage kids to eat healthy foods.
Fruit Versus Bread
One of the first snacks children consume regularly is some form of bread. Animal crackers are self-contained and do not create a mess if dropped; however, think outside the box and consider other types of snacks, such as grapes, apple, orange, or banana slices. You can even try dehydrated apple slices for a nine-month-old.
Social media is a vital tool to help moms learn from one another. Start reaching out and asking family and friends to offer their effective natural remedies to promote wellness!
