Chamomile for newborns: when and how to give it.

Chamomile for babies: which chamomile to use for babies and children and why. When can chamomile be used and in what doses.

Chamomile for newborns

Does your baby have difficulty falling asleep? Are you often restless, irritable? The "grandmother's remedy" has been the same for decades: a good and warm chamomile. In fact, in the Italian tradition, a chamomile tea in the evening (for adults and children) predisposes to sleep in the best way thanks to its calming properties. In reality, modern scientific studies do not confirm that chamomile has sedative properties such as to promote sleep and moreover the herbal teas based on this plant are also rich in sugar. Rather, chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antispastic properties for the stomach and intestines and, therefore, is perfect to use to relieve pain and swelling of the intestine and stomach and for burning and belching. It is therefore a valid ally against gastritis and inflammatory states of the gastro-intestinal system. And it is well known that not having stomach and intestinal problems facilitates night sleep. Hence the tradition of evening chamomile probably. But can we, then, give chamomile tea to babies and children?

Which chamomile to use for babies and children and why

For children, even the smallest ones, it makes sense to use chamomile, especially associated with fennel, in case of gas colic or, combined with lemon balm and passionflower, we can then also use it for sleep disorders. The real problem, however, is that the soluble chamomile in granules that we find on the market most often contains only very small quantities of extracts from the plant and, being also rich in sugar and sweeteners, can disturb breastfeeding and act in negative way on the teeth. For gaseous colic or sleep disorders - associated with other plants with a mild sedative effect - it is better then to prefer chamomile as a component of well-formulated and quality syrups. And if we really want to use the herbal tea it is better to prepare it with the filter bag without adding sugar or, even better, with organic chamomile flowers. In any case, absolutely not the habit of having abundant quantities of herbal teas drink directly from the bottle.

When can you start using chamomile tea

Chamomile is considered safe for babies aged six months or older so when you start introducing other foods besides breast milk, chamomile can also be introduced. Usually the dosage for a 6 month old baby is about 15 ml three times a day but when it is administered for the first time it is good to start with an even smaller dose and always ask your pediatrician for an opinion first.

After all, the Italian Society of Pediatrics advises not to offer liquids other than breast milk to babies who are breastfed before - in fact - 6 months and the advice can also be extended to babies fed with artificial milk. As an alternative to chamomile, there are other carminative herbs that can be used with similar effects and are cumin, fennel and coriander. All known to aid digestion.

Why use sugar-free chamomile tea

Sugar is present both in buccal chamomile and, to a lesser extent, in sachet chamomile and an excessive amount of sugar can cause fatty liver and diabetes as well as lead to cardiovascular problems. Furthermore, the too early use of sugary liquids accustoms the baby's palate to sweetness and neuroscientists argue that the taste experiences made by the baby during weaning will affect his adult habits. Hence the advice to prefer sugar-free chamomile.

How to make chamomile tea for babies

The ideal would be to get chamomile flowers in herbalist's shops and from organic cultivation. Then the water is heated until it just begins to boil; pour two teaspoons of chamomile flowers into a cup of hot, not boiling water for 3-5 minutes and cover. At the end the infusion is filtered.

Alternatively we can buy a chamomile formulated specifically for newborns.

Allergic reactions

Chamomile is, in principle, safe for infants but allergic reactions cannot be completely ruled out. Particularly in children allergic to plants such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, calendula or daisies, a reaction to chamomile with itching around the lips and tongue, swelling of the face, diarrhea, nausea or lethargy may also occur.