Functional colic in babies is a fairly common problem. To ease the child's suffering, loving parents are ready to do anything. However, there are not so many ways to relieve pain. One of them is anti-colic tea for newborns.
This method has been tested by time and the experience of many generations. If several decades ago herbal infusions were prepared by hand, now modern manufacturers offer all kinds of balanced and ready-to-use products for infants. In order not to harm the baby, you should know which tea to choose in a particular case and how to use it.
Why does colic occur?
Colic in newborns is pain in the intestines that occurs from excess gas formation. Children suffer from a similar problem in the first 2-3 months of life. The symptoms of this process are simple: some time after feeding, the child begins to worry, draw in his legs, groan, and sometimes scream forcefully.
- The fact is that three weeks after birth, the newborn’s gastrointestinal tract is actively developing. This process is quite lengthy and painful for the baby. Changes in intestinal microflora are accompanied by gas separation, which inevitably leads to bloating.
- Gas formation in the baby's intestines also depends on the mother's nutrition. In addition, at the initial stage of development, the baby receives small portions of mother's milk, since the mother's body also adapts to the child's feeding regimen. Further, the volume of milk secreted increases, and the newborn absorbs more nutrition. At the same time, his stomach and intestines straighten out and gain strength.
- When sucking milk, the baby swallows air, which can also cause intestinal colic. Transferring a child from breastfeeding to artificial feeding is also one of the causes of colic, since the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract changes.
How to deal with baby colic in effective ways
How to help your baby and eliminate colic? The pain will disappear when the gas goes away and the baby poops. You can ease your baby's suffering in the following way: using baby oil, massage his belly clockwise, lightly pressing on the area near the navel. This method is also effective: put the baby on his stomach and keep him in this position for 10 - 15 minutes. A baby heating pad relieves colic quickly enough and without any discomfort for the baby. The secret of the heating pad is that by emitting dry heat, it eliminates pain, improves blood circulation, and simply warms up the baby, who so needs warmth in the first months of life. A warm heating pad is applied to the child’s belly, after which the bubbles accumulated in the intestines burst and disappear, which means the discomfort disappears. In recent years, salt warmers, which are a sealed container with reagents that react with each other and thereby generate heat, have become in particular demand. The effectiveness of the heating pad (both silicone and salt), as well as its safety for the baby, has been tested by time. Thanks to this, it can be used as many times as needed, but we must not forget that it should be on the baby’s tummy for no more than 5 minutes.
In order for infant intestinal colic to bother the baby as little as possible, a nursing mother needs to monitor her diet, avoiding foods that cause bloating in the baby. It is known that cabbage, tomatoes, radishes, radishes, onions, apples, pears, grapes, peaches, bananas, legumes (beans, peas, beans, lentils), flour products, kvass, and brown bread lead to gas formation.
What remedies help relieve a baby from colic?
- You should watch the baby. Having found out when the first symptoms of intestinal problems appear, at what time of day and at what interval after feeding, it will not be difficult for you to describe the situation to a specialist.
- After feeding, it is recommended to hold the baby upright to allow excess air to escape.
- Massaging your baby's tummy against colic promotes rapid digestion and strengthens the intestines.
- Tea for newborns for colic relieves spasms and promotes better absorption of food.
Tummy massage and exercises for colic
There is a special tummy massage technique that is necessary not only to combat intestinal colic, but also to generally strengthen the body. With the help of massage, food moves more actively through the intestines, and air comes out without difficulty and does not create spasms.
Mom or dad can do the massage themselves - the technique is not complicated. Before the procedure, the baby's tummy needs to be warmed up a little. To do this, apply a warm diaper to it, but it is better to use a regular or salt heating pad, as they retain heat longer.
For massage, you should place the child on a hard, stable surface (for example, on a couch), which must first be covered with a diaper. This is necessary, since after the procedure a small ventricle can present surprises.
The massage should be careful and soft. It must be done with warm hands to make the baby feel good. Read more about massage techniques.
Special exercises will help get rid of excess gases in the newborn’s stomach and make defecation easier. With the help of exercises, the necessary pressure is provided on the abdominal wall, which helps cleanse the stomach. They can be done when the mother sees that the baby has begun to be bothered by colic:
- "Bike". The baby is placed on his back, taken by the feet with his hands and his legs are bent, pressing his knees to his stomach. At the same time, it can be rolled from one side to the other.
- Exercise with a ball. The baby is placed on an inflatable ball, tummy down. In this case, the child needs to be held and slightly rolled. Light pressure ensures proper bowel function.
- Exercise with warming the tummy. Performed on a flat, slightly soft surface. The baby is placed on his stomach, and a warm rolled up towel or a salt heating pad is placed under him. The legs need to be spread apart and at the same time pulled towards the tummy.
Perform each action 5-7 times.
Video massage for colic
What is herbal tea for babies?
- As a rule, chamomile is the basis for preparing a herbal drink for newborns. This plant has many valuable properties. It is a sedative and at the same time strengthens the immune system and improves digestion.
- Dill seeds can be brewed and given to a baby at the age of 1 month. The famous “dill water” promotes gas separation, relieves cramps and bloating.
- Fennel can relieve pain in your baby, improve digestion, and cure your baby from colic. A mixture of dill and fennel is a good base for brewing a weak decoction, which is quite suitable for an infant.
If you are often in nature, in the forest or outside the city, you can prepare herbs yourself and not use pharmaceutical preparations. Chamomile and dill seed are affordable plants that can be easily harvested and dried in the sun on warm summer days.
To properly brew tea for babies against colic, you should pour the required amount of herb with boiling water and immediately drain it. Repeated brewing will be clean and will allow the plant to release all the substances necessary for the child’s health.
How to brew tea correctly
- Chamomile tea. Take a glass of boiling water for one teaspoon of chamomile flowers. The grass is poured and infused for an hour. After this, the tea should be strained. You can give your child a drink starting with half a teaspoon.
- Dill water. Brew a teaspoon of dill seeds with a glass of boiling water. The anti-colic drink is infused under the lid for an hour. Dill water should be given to the baby one teaspoon before each feeding.
- Fennel tea. Fennel seed is brewed in the same way as dill seed. To enhance the effect, you can mix them together and pour boiling water over them. After infusing the solution under the lid for an hour, the resulting decoction should be strained.
Any of the decoctions to combat colic should be given to a baby no earlier than he is one month old.
Hipp tea for newborns from the 1st week: recommendations for use
It has produced special tea bags for newborns, the packaging of which bears the special HiPP ORGANIC quality mark. It is intended for children from the 1st week. For babies, 2 types of tea are produced from organic raw materials: fennel and chamomile. Such products are subject to increased requirements in accordance with European Union legislation.
Organic raw materials for tea are grown on special farms and controlled by an independent Institute of Control. Parents can be sure that it does not contain harmful or toxic substances.
Recommendations for use are as follows:
- Hipp tea for newborns from the first week of life can be given starting with one teaspoon per day, gradually increasing the volume to the daily norm of 50-100 ml. This amount of tea is given from the 1st week to 3 months;
- from 4 to 6 months the volume is increased from 100 to 150 ml;
- at 7 to 12 months, the baby is allowed to drink 150-200 ml of tea per day.
After 1 year, Hipp tea is offered to the child depending on his needs.
Benefits of tea for babies
- In addition to breast milk, the baby needs simple clean water. Tea will partially replace water and allow the baby to replenish the lack of moisture and quench his thirst. If the baby is bottle-fed, then even more fluid is required.
- 100 ml liquid bottle. - this is the norm consumed by the baby per day. Sometimes a newborn is capricious because he wants to drink rather than eat. In this case, the decoction is an excellent alternative to formula and breast milk.
- Tea for babies helps prevent colic, constipation and other problems with the digestive system.
- A chamomile or dill drink helps improve intestinal function, prevent bloating, and reduce gas formation.
Indications for use
The product has a natural composition, therefore it is approved for use from an early age.
Approved for use from an early age
The main indications for use include:
- Intestinal dysbiosis, frequent constipation, bloating.
- Systematic regurgitation and vomiting.
- Vitamin deficiency, a lack of nutrients in the child’s body.
- Lack of calcium in the body.
- Anxiety, restlessness, poor sleep.
Tea is used to quench thirst during hot periods.
Pharmacy options
Young mothers often prefer to use a ready-made product to feed their baby in order to save time. Tea that you can buy is much more convenient than herbal tea prepared by hand. Portion bags allow you to quickly and effortlessly get a healthy drink for your baby.
Hipp for babies
Hipp baby food products are extremely easy to use. As a rule, tea is intended for children aged 5-6 months. But colic can torment a baby from two weeks of life. Fennel tea from Hipp can improve the well-being of babies starting from 1 month of life.
The tea is brewed with boiling water and infused for 10 minutes. After this, you can start giving the baby a decoction of 1 teaspoon so that the body gets used to the new product. If the child accepts the drink well, the volume of liquid should be increased.
What is good about Hipp bio-fennel tea for colic? Firstly, it is completely natural, without flavor enhancers, preservatives or dyes. The sweetener contained in tea is inulin, an extract from chicory. A natural sweetener has a beneficial effect on the newborn’s digestive system. Secondly, it has a pleasant taste and aroma. Thirdly, it is easy to prepare and the process does not take much time.
Fennel seeds contain vitamins C and A, as well as group B, and contain calcium, which is necessary for the growth of a child’s bones. This drink is an excellent prevention of colic and digestive disorders in a baby.
Grandma's basket
This baby tea is intended for babies 4 months of age. It also contains fennel. Convenience lies in the fact that fennel seeds are in portioned packets that are easy to brew with boiling water. Glucose is added as a sweetener, which is necessary for the child.
To help your baby get rid of colic, fennel tea should be given regularly in small amounts 5-10 minutes before feeding. Gradually, the baby's bowel movements will improve, colic will no longer bother you, and restful sleep will return after each intake of breast milk or formula.
Humana for babies
The difference between this tea and all others is that it is a mixture of fennel and cumin seeds. Recommended for use from 1 month of a baby's life. Cumin, which is part of the product, is an antispasmodic, relaxes the smooth muscles of the intestines, and reduces gas formation.
In addition to these components, Humana for overcoming colic contains lactose, which is a carbohydrate necessary for the normal functioning of the baby’s digestive system.
Plantex
Moms leave a lot of positive reviews about Plantex tea. It contains fennel fruits and essential oils. The granules dissolve easily in warm boiled water and have virtually no taste. Therefore, children usually drink this decoction for colic without any problems.
Herbal treatment
Treatment of flatulence with folk remedies will help to gently and safely relieve the body of frequent pain, indigestion, and increased gas formation. To begin therapy for gas formation with herbs, you must first consult with a doctor specializing in gastroenterology. Often self-medication can lead to undesirable consequences.
Herbs and plants that help in the fight against flatulence are prepared independently or purchased at the pharmacy. Doctors recommend using the following plants:
- dill;
- parsley;
- dandelion;
- ginger;
- chamomile;
- mint.
Vegetables: potatoes and carrots also help to combat the problem of active gas formation. The main thing is to prepare the decoctions and tinctures correctly and not to overdo it with the ingredients.
Dill infusion
Very often you can hear that practically nothing helps with colic that a newborn baby suffers from. This is where traditional medicine comes to the rescue, namely dill water.
Dill infusion is easy to prepare. A tablespoon of plant seeds is poured with boiling water (0.5 liters). The container with the liquid is wrapped in a towel for 3 hours.
Children should be given a teaspoon of infusion between meals, 4 times a day. Adults should drink 150 ml of the product before meals (3 times a day).
Dill water
People suffering from frequent gas formation need to take a decoction of this aromatic plant. To prepare the healing liquid, dill seeds are poured with a glass of cold water. Then bring to a boil and boil for another 10 minutes. After this, filter through cheesecloth and take cool in the morning before breakfast and at night.
The difference between a decoction and a tincture made from dill is that the decoction must be prepared every day to keep it fresh. The tincture can be stored longer.
Parsley roots
Parsley, like dill, has a beneficial effect on the stomach. This herb eliminates increased gas formation and belching. To prepare the medicine, you need to take parsley root, chop it, then add cold water and heat it. Once the water is hot enough, turn off the heat and let it brew.
The prepared liquid is poured into a glass and taken one sip at a time throughout the day. The container must be completely drained within a day.
Dried thyme and dill seeds
Dill seeds are brewed either separately or as an additional raw material for another medicinal plant, such as thyme. To prepare the infusion, you need to take one teaspoon of each component and pour a glass of boiling water. Let stand for about 10 minutes, then heat the broth and strain it. Take 30 ml of dill-thyme decoction throughout the day (every hour).
Dill oil
Dill is one of the most popular and widespread remedies for flatulence. The plant is used not only as a tincture, but also as dill oil. You can purchase the finished product at the pharmacy.
The principle of treatment is to dissolve 3 drops of oil in warm water (1 glass). Then gauze is soaked in the liquid and applied to the stomach. Only this method is not suitable for those who have severe bloating, and it is accompanied by acute pain and cramps.
Dandelion
A simple and accessible plant like dandelion will help in the fight against bloating. To prepare the drug, its root is taken. It is crushed and poured with a glass of hot water. The decoction is infused for about a day, then taken several times a day, 50 ml.
Herbal collection
The herbal mixture is suitable specifically for those people who suffer from flatulence and heaviness in the stomach for a long time. And also when neither medications nor other means can help.
Fennel, mint, and valerian are suitable for herbal collection. Individually they are good tools in the fight against intestinal problems, and in combination they enhance their effect.
For the decoction, you need to take one tablespoon each of dried valerian and fennel, add two tablespoons of mint to them. Pour boiling water over the mixture and let stand. Best taken in the morning and before bed.
Ginger
Ginger root is a storehouse of nutrients. It quickly and effectively collapses the bubbles formed in the stomach and intestines and eliminates gas formation.
Ginger root can be used as an additional ingredient for meat, as well as a decoction. To prepare it, take one teaspoon of pre-cleaned and grated product and pour a glass of water. When the tincture boils over low heat, you need to boil it for another 10 minutes. Take the ginger remedy in the morning 20 minutes before meals.
Chamomile and its infusion
Pharmaceutical chamomile is found almost everywhere. Flowers, leaves, stems are dried and then brewed with boiling water. The aromatic plant helps not only with problems associated with the stomach, but also in treating the entire body.
The product can be purchased in sachets at the pharmacy and taken instead of tea. Self-collected plants are dried, crushed and poured with a glass of boiling water. You must wait until the infusion has cooled completely and take it before eating.
Potato juice
If you collect herbs that help with flatulence or it is difficult to buy them, potatoes will always come to the rescue. It is in every family. Potato juice has many beneficial properties:
- removes harmful substances;
- relieves flatulence;
- improves digestion;
- cleanses the stomach.
For treatment, you need to squeeze one glass of juice from peeled potatoes. Drink it on an empty stomach in the morning and lie still in bed for a while. You can eat food only after an hour. If a person suffers from ulcers or other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, you can drink this folk remedy for about 10 days.
Mint tea
Mint has an anti-inflammatory and calming effect. Tea made from this medicinal plant helps to quickly relieve intestinal spasms - this condition often accompanies flatulence. This is especially true for people whose increased gas formation is a consequence of nervous tension or stress.
The pharmacy has ready-made bags of mint leaves. But you can prepare and dry the plant at home. Both dried and fresh leaves are suitable for tea. A tablespoon of raw material is poured into a glass of boiled water. The prepared tea should be drunk immediately. A new portion is brewed for each dose. To achieve better results and prevent relapses, you should drink tea for a week.
Caraway
Cumin is taken at the rate of 4 teaspoons per 200 ml of water. Grind the seeds to a powder and pour boiling water over them. The infused mixture is filtered and taken half a glass every hour.
Carrot seeds
Carrot seeds can be purchased at the pharmacy or collected yourself when the carrots begin to bloom. Tincture from the seeds will eliminate increased gas formation, relieve belching and heartburn.
A tablespoon of seeds brewed in 0.5 liters of water is enough. Then simmer all this over low heat for about 10 minutes. Consume 50 g for 2 days (4 times a day), and then you can increase the dose to 100 grams.
Carrot seeds for the most part do not cause any side effects. The basic rule is not to use the tincture for a long time and not to exceed the prescribed dose.
Dandelion roots
Dandelion roots, like the whole plant, help fight not only flatulence, but also have an anti-inflammatory effect. To use, simply dig up the underground part of the plant and dry it.
A decoction of dandelion root is prepared daily - this is the basic requirement for successful therapy.
To prepare, take a tablespoon of ground raw materials, then add cold water (200 ml is enough). Bring everything to a boil and cook over low heat for about 10-15 minutes. You need to drink 50 ml of the product throughout the day. Continue treatment for 5-10 days.
Tea reviews
Fennel tea for babies works very well. I know this from my first child. With the birth of her second son, as soon as intestinal colic appeared, Hipp began giving tea. He helps a lot. I give half a teaspoon before feeding. Now my baby calmly falls asleep when he eats. Even unusual.
Irina
We tried all the possible teas: Hipp, Bebivita, and Heinz. The child does not want to drink anything. Except that Plantex could reluctantly take a sip. I started taking this particular tea myself, intended for babies. In my opinion, the situation has improved, colic occurs less frequently. I'll keep watching.
Angelina
Colic has been bothering my daughter since the first days after she was discharged from the hospital. We saved ourselves with a massage. When I was a month old, I started giving her tea. I bought a special one for babies - it didn’t help. I started brewing dill myself at the rate of ½ teaspoon per glass of boiling water. We grow dill ourselves, so we weren’t afraid for the baby. After a couple of days I noticed an improvement. In fact, when a child cries, I am ready to do anything to help.
Elizabeth
Useful properties for children
Hipp teas have antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties, due to which they help cope with stomach problems in children. Regular consumption of the drink can have a beneficial effect on other processes in the body.
Hipp teas have antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties
Main functions of Hipp tea:
- Getting rid of diarrhea, constipation, bloating, vomiting.
- Blocking pain sensations.
- Strengthening bone tissue and blood vessels.
- Restoring immunity, eliminating symptoms of vitamin deficiency.
- Fighting insomnia and nervous tension.
The drink has a preventive effect, preventing the occurrence of pathologies of various types.
Maternal nutrition
In order for the child to feel good, the nursing mother adheres to a certain diet. This is necessary because the formation of the baby’s gastrointestinal tract does not occur too quickly; the digestion process depends on the nutrition that is breast milk.
However, the diet does not have to be strict. The diet should be varied so that the newborn receives the full range of necessary vitamins and microelements. In this case, it is advisable to exclude those foods that contribute to gas formation in the child. These include flour and sweets, coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks, smoked foods, canned food, and spicy foods.
An important role is played by tea for baby colic, which is taken by a nursing mother. This could be Hipp's organic fennel and cumin tea for nursing mothers, which is made specifically to ensure that the newborn receives everything it needs through mother's milk.
Reviews from pediatricians and mothers
Natalya Pavlovna, 48 years old I recommend giving Hipp tea to babies if they have severe anxiety due to colic and gas. Chamomile tea helps cope with intestinal disorders. It has a positive effect on the baby’s body also during a cold. In my opinion, the drink helps to relax the intestines and relieve pain. Instant tea is used to eliminate diseases in the field of gastroenterology. Systemic use serves to prevent the development of disorders in the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, the granules contain a large amount of iron, which is necessary for the proper growth and development of the baby.
Valentina, 27 years old My daughter was prescribed tea at the age of 3 months to combat intestinal pain. After a week of use, I can highlight the following positive points: eliminates abdominal pain; delicious, so the baby drank it with pleasure; no sugar in the composition; helped cope with colic; It only takes a few minutes to brew; contains only natural ingredients; The baby began to sleep peacefully. The tea turned out to be effective, so in the future I will recommend it to my friends and their children.
Contraindications for use
- If a child is prone to diathesis, you should give him herbal tea for colic with caution, 1-2 drops.
- Tea contains active substances that can harm the baby. Therefore, it is recommended to follow the instructions and give a pharmaceutical drink for colic at the age specified in the instructions.
- If the decoction does not help the baby, you should try other methods recommended by experts to combat colic.
If you monitor your newborn and notice any changes in his behavior, it will be easy for you to consult a pediatrician. You can easily answer the specialist’s questions regarding the baby’s condition and receive competent advice on how to help normalize the functioning of the baby’s digestive system.
Since there are many ways to relieve a baby from colic, it is difficult for a nursing mother to decide and choose the only one that really works. Patience and attention are the main qualities that young parents need. Your baby will tell you by his behavior what is right for him.
Contraindications to drinking fennel tea and possible harm
Despite centuries-old recommendations and the naturalness of the product, nursing mothers should use the plant very carefully and with prior consultation with a doctor. Fennel contains potent substances that, in large dosages, negatively affect the body of both mother and child.
Improper use of fennel can harm the body
Side effects of the drink include:
- increased drowsiness;
- headache;
- increased likelihood of seizures and epileptic seizures;
- decreased blood sugar;
- decreased breast milk production with excessive consumption;
- allergic reactions (skin rash, redness, cough, difficulty breathing; in a child - diarrhea or constipation).
The main rule for drinking dill water is not to drink it constantly, but as a medicine, following the instructions of specialists. After use, carefully monitor the condition of both mother and baby.
