Good day! Magician Azal is with you, and today we are discussing herbs for bathing a newborn. I will tell you what herbs to bathe a newborn baby in, what herbs are traditional for baby water treatments, how many herbs are needed, how to brew and how to dilute.
First, I will tell you about the herbal decoction that is prepared for the ritual of the first bath of a newborn (follow the link to read more about this ritual). Then we’ll talk about the traditional subsequent bathing of infants in herbs. Also in the article I will give proofreading texts that were used when bathing babies in herbs.
What herbs should a newborn baby be bathed in during his first ritual bath?
I listed herbs for bathing a newborn in the article “ First bathing of a newborn
” - this is a string, chamomile, elecampane root and lovage. This collection is considered traditional. Both freshly picked and dried herbs are used.
According to folk signs and beliefs, these herbs are credited with magical and medicinal properties, which have a beneficial effect on the baby during the bathing process.
- The tripartite sequence
dries out skin inflammation, heals wounds, ulcers, eczema and allergic rashes. It is a natural bactericidal agent and is used against scrofula in infants. It is also credited with cleansing and protective magical properties. - Chamomile
is a natural antiseptic and is famous for its anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, this weed will make the baby attractive in the eyes of others and will add success to his life. - Elecampane root
is a plant that imparts good health, adding “nine strength”. Its decoction has a tonic, antimicrobial effect and relieves skin inflammation. - Lovage
has an anti-inflammatory, tonic and wound healing effect. They bathe in lovage “so that people will love.”
Beneficial features
If there is still a need for herbal medicine, it is very important to wisely decide which herb to add when bathing a newborn, since each of them has specific beneficial properties. Decide why you need therapeutic and prophylactic baths and choose a plant according to the indications.
Skin problems
Very often, the pediatrician recommends adding herbs when bathing babies if they have skin diseases, a tendency to allergic reactions and diaper rash.
If there are such indications, the following medicinal plants can be used:
- chamomile, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, relieves skin irritations, is prescribed for allergic rashes;
- the series is used to treat almost all skin diseases, eliminates seborrheic crusts;
- nettle, which has a general strengthening and anti-inflammatory effect, softens the skin, and heals microdamages;
- oak bark is recommended for any skin irritations: prickly heat, allergies, diaper rash - it forms a protective barrier, has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties;
- Noble laurel is used for allergic rashes and suppurations, has a disinfecting effect;
- St. John's wort is prescribed for pyoderma, atopic dermatitis or diathesis, as it promotes rapid tissue regeneration.
Does your newborn suffer from skin rashes and diaper rash? Consult with a specialist which herb from this list he recommends adding to the bathtub to improve the condition of children's skin.
Calming
One of the most common problems that most parents have to deal with is disorders of the baby’s nervous system. Hyperactivity, poor sleep, constant irritability, frequent crying that turns into screaming, a shift in the circadian cycle (sleeps during the day and is awake at night) - all this can be easily eliminated if you use soothing herbs that have sedative properties for bathing newborns.
Here is a list of them and their benefits:
- lavender has calming, antispasmodic, antiseptic properties;
- valerian relieves tension from the nervous system;
- peppermint has a calming, analgesic, anti-inflammatory effect, and increases appetite;
- chamomile is the most popular and widely used calming herb; it makes the newborn much calmer and helps him fall asleep soundly and quickly;
- motherwort will also calm the nervous system and eliminate colic;
- oregano is recommended for the treatment of various disorders of the nervous system, is an excellent sedative, relieves pain syndromes, at the same time has a beneficial effect on the stomach, and is prescribed for exudative diathesis.
After bathing with such herbs, newborns become noticeably calmer, fall asleep faster, and their daily cycle is established.
For colic
There are herbs for colic, which torment most newborns. Sometimes there is no need to treat them with medications - just add the appropriate plant to the bath:
- bearberry relieves muscle tension, contains tannins that strengthen the intestines; simultaneously has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties;
- motherwort has an antispasmodic effect, regulates the functioning of the small intestines, and has calming properties;
- Hop cones are prescribed for stomach disorders; they have an antispasmodic, relaxing, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effect.
Since many newborns suffer from colic, all parents should know this list, but in practice it turns out that almost no one uses these herbs when bathing.
For the reproductive system
The reproductive system of newborns is still developing, but it is very important that its development is without pathologies and deviations. There are herbs that promote just this if you add them when bathing from the first days of life.
So, for boys, pediatricians recommend using St. John’s wort (that’s what they call “male power”). Chamomile, lemon balm and mint are good for girls. These herbs help avoid inflammation and infections in the genitourinary system.
For hypo- and hypertonicity
To eliminate hypo- and hypertonicity, it is recommended to use a collection of herbs for bathing newborns, after consulting with a doctor.
Hypertonicity:
- sedative collection No. 2: motherwort, peppermint, valerian, licorice, hop cones, sometimes knotweed;
- fir oil;
- chamomile with baby sea salt;
- pine extract.
Hypotonicity:
- pine extract;
- walnut (leaves);
- string, thyme, oats;
- nettle, oregano;
- birch, currant;
- lungwort, horsetail;
- chamomile, lavender, sage;
- string with lavender oil;
- chamomile with lemon balm oil;
- pine extract with fir and thyme oils.
Be sure to use herbs for bathing newborns only as directed. Remember that they have a powerful medicinal effect, which can be harmful for a healthy baby. Once the plant is selected, decide in what form you would prefer to use it.
This is interesting. Useful herbs are different: official (listed in the State Register of Medicines of the Russian Federation), pharmacopoeial (requirements for their quality are set out in the State Pharmacopoeia), folk (their beneficial properties are not officially confirmed). The last group is not advisable to use when bathing newborns.
How to prepare a herbal decoction for your first bath
During the ritual first washing, a decoction of string, chamomile, lovage and elecampane root is prepared. To do this, dry crushed ingredients are mixed in equal proportions.
The total amount of the herbal mixture should fit in the palm of your hand. Don't be intimidated by the fact that everyone's palms are different. Previously, according to tradition, they took it this way, and everyone guessed.
Pour the herbs into a saucepan, add 2 liters of water and bring to a boil. You can let the broth boil for no more than two minutes. After this, turn off the fire, cover the pan with a lid and let the broth brew. After half an hour, the broth is filtered and added to the water for washing the child.
It is customary not to throw the herbs used for decoction into the trash, but to take them out of the house and leave them under any tree.
Please note - if you wash your child in herbs, do not use cosmetic skin cleansers (soap, gel, shampoo, etc.).
Herbs for the following baby water treatments
A collection of herbs like string, chamomile, lovage and elecampane root was traditionally used only during the first ritual washing of infants.
Then they prepared baths with only one of the herbs and took turns bathing the newborn in string, chamomile or lovage. Elecampane root was not taken.
The babies were bathed in herbs every other time: once with herbs, once without them. Thus, one time you wash the child in herbs, and the next time it will be a purely hygienic water procedure with soap, shampoo and any other means you wish.
Series for bathing newborns - how to brew and how to bathe
Let's talk about how to bathe a newborn in a series. In general, bathing a newborn in a series is especially useful if the child has skin inflammation, diaper rash or an allergic rash. In this case, you can bathe the newborn in a series more often than according to the indicated scheme.
How many strings do you need to bathe a newborn?
We take dry crushed grass in the traditional amount - the string for bathing babies should fit on the palm of your hand. This amount is quite enough for the volume of water for a baby bath.
How to brew a series for bathing a newborn baby
Pour 2 liters of water over the herb, bring to a boil and turn off the heat. Let it sit with the lid closed for half an hour and pour the strained infusion of the string for bathing newborns into the water of the bath.
A line for bathing newborns in bags
Not so long ago, baby showers began to be packaged in bags. In them, the herb is highly crushed, quickly brewed. For one bath for a baby, they usually take 2 sachets, pour boiling water over them and leave for about half an hour.
The sachets are convenient because you don’t need to strain the infusion - you just take out the sachet and that’s it. Otherwise everything is the same.
Security measures
I would like to immediately remind young parents that any drug must be approved for use by your treating pediatrician. Even such an innocent remedy as a herbal decoction. You need to use decoctions especially carefully in cases where your baby suffers from allergic rashes from birth, if he has atopic, sensitive skin prone to redness.
Healing herbs are usually not added to bathing water if:
- Your treating pediatrician or neonatologist at the maternity hospital did not advise this.
- When a child suffers from severe allergic rashes or itching from the very first days of his life.
- If there are extensive pustular areas on the baby’s skin, very severe diaper rash, open wounds.
- In case of individual intolerance.
But don't be scared! This is just common sense information that any mom should know. Most children, from the very first days of life, bathe in infusions from various plants.
Many experts recommend adding decoctions to water, because this is the best prevention of all common problems. For example, with the help of special herbs you can soothe your baby’s irritated skin and get rid of heat rash faster. Or relieve redness on the newborn’s body caused by diaper dermatitis.
Decoctions will help cope with restless and interrupted sleep, and will immediately come to the rescue if the baby is suffering from intestinal colic.
How to bathe a newborn in chamomile
Bathing a newborn in chamomile is useful not only to cleanse the skin, but also to remove inflammation and diaper rash on the skin, if any.
How much chamomile do you need to bathe a newborn?
Again, take the traditional portion of dry chamomile - in the palm of your hand. If you have freshly picked chamomile on hand, use a little more.
If you use chamomile in bags, take 2 bags for one baby water procedure.
How to brew chamomile for bathing a newborn
Chamomile for bathing newborns is brewed in the same way as the string. A portion “on the palm” of 2 liters of water. Bring to a boil and then leave for about half an hour. Strain the resulting broth through a strainer with gauze.
Soothing herbs for bathing newborns
Herbs for bathing newborns are also selected according to need. Calming herbs are often used to help a child sleep soundly. It is especially rational to use them in evening bathing before bed.
The most commonly used calming herbs are:
- lavender,
- mint,
- Melissa.
According to popular belief and the magical properties of mint, I will say that this herb is not suitable for boys. For boys, use lavender or lemon balm. All three herbs are suitable for girls. You can use these herbs in combination to bathe babies.
Herbal infusions for infants
How long should a newborn sleep for up to a month?
Herbs for newborns for bathing are sold in pharmacies in the form of fees. They are called differently and have a characteristic effect. Suitable for newborns:
- For sleep: motherwort, hops, lavender, anise.
- For healthy skin: string, calendula, chamomile.
- Combined: thyme, calendula, lemon.
- Antiallergic: chamomile, string, celandine.
- Against tummy pain: bearberry, motherwort, hops.
- Sedatives: motherwort, mint, pine needles, juniper, lavender.
- Strengthening: nettle, mint, plantain, sage, thyme.
Any collection is available in pharmacies and children's stores. Preparations are available in the form of dry raw materials or ready-made solutions.
