- Babies tend to have gas. A lil hing(asafetida) dissolved in water, applied with cotton around belly button can help bring relief.
- A baby can have dry mucous in the nose or dry skin which can be itchy. A lil cow ghee applied around nostrils, for baby to inhale the aroma, helps keep skin inside the nose soft and lubricated (ghee/oil drops shd never be put in the nose)
- Iron can be absorbed in the body only with help of vitamin C. Which is why it is advised to add few lemon drops to food that is given to babies.
- One small piece of onion can be added to baby food from early times. Onion is medicinal – especially white onion.
- A pinch of turmeric in baby food will help baby fight infections.
- Feeding baby in a silver spoon or in silver vati (bowl), will help baby fight infections and boost immunity since silver properties are transferred into food.
- A few drops of nilgiri oil in baby bath can help keep cold away, and also give aroma effect for baby to sleep soundly after bath.
- If a baby has cold and cough, this remedy can help – an onion can be heated in a covered pan (without water), till it becomes very soft. Then wrap it in a Turkish towel and use it like a heating pad on baby’s chest, temples and nose. Onion fumes are medicinal. Keep feeling the towel against your cheek to make sure it is lukewarm. It can also be left beside a baby’s pillow.
- Coconut oil is a good healing and cooling agent for bug bites. Calamine lotion and aloe vera can also be used.
- Baby nails can be bitten off easily. This is safest. Else a baby nailcutter can be used.
- Cooking lentils etc with ginger will help digestion. Soaking lentils overnight , changing water before cooking, and then once between cooking, will make sure baby does not have gas trouble due to lentils, and at the same time retain its nutrition value.
- Rice and dals can be soaked, then dried (not in sun), and then roasted. This mixture can be ground in a mixie or can simply be cooked to feed the baby. This will make rice and dal lighter and easier to digest.
- Jaggery and dates can be used to sweeten baby food, rather than sugar.
- Ragi is very nutritious, but many babies do not like it. It can be spiced up using a lil cumin powder and salt. It is best when soaked in buttermilk before serving.
- Lil wiggly babies make it difficult for us to towel them after bath. However important areas to dry are folds in the neck, between those chubby fingers and toes, inside and behind ears, and around the thigh folds. Powder should ideally not be applied on damp skin.
