Is chamomile safe for newborns?

Is Chamomile Safe for Newborns?
Chamomile, a popular herb known for its calming properties, has been used for centuries in various cultures for its potential health benefits. However, when it comes to newborns, parents often wonder about the safety of introducing this herbal remedy to their little ones.
Understanding Chamomile
Chamomile is derived from the flowers of the chamomile plant, primarily the German chamomile (*Matricaria chamomilla*) and Roman chamomile (*Chamaemelum nobile*). It is commonly consumed as a tea and is praised for its soothing effects on digestion, sleep, and anxiety. Some parents consider chamomile as a natural remedy to help ease colic and promote sleep in their infants.
Safety Concerns for Newborns
While chamomile is generally regarded as safe for adults and older children, its use in newborns is more controversial. Here are some essential points to consider:
1. Lack of Research: There is limited scientific research specifically examining the safety of chamomile for newborns. Most studies focus on older children and adults, leaving a gap in knowledge regarding infants.
2. Allergic Reactions: Chamomile belongs to the daisy family, which includes other plants such as ragweed. Some infants may have allergies to these plants, leading to potential allergic reactions. Symptoms can include rashes, digestive issues, or respiratory problems.
3. Dosage and Preparation: If parents are considering giving chamomile tea to their newborn, the appropriate dosage and preparation methods are unclear. The concentration of active compounds in chamomile can vary significantly, making it challenging to determine a safe amount for infants.
4. Consulting Healthcare Providers: It is crucial for parents to consult with a pediatrician or healthcare provider before introducing any herbal remedies, including chamomile, to newborns. Healthcare professionals can provide personalized advice based on the infant’s health and any potential allergies.
Expert Opinions
Pediatricians often emphasize that breast milk or formula is the best source of nutrition for newborns. Some experts recommend waiting until the child is at least six months old before introducing herbal teas or supplements, as their digestive systems are still developing.
Conclusion
In summary, while chamomile has potential benefits for older children and adults, its safety for newborns remains uncertain. Due to the lack of research and the risk of allergic reactions, parents are advised to exercise caution. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential before considering chamomile or any other herbal remedies for infants. Prioritizing the health and well-being of newborns should always be the foremost concern for parents and caregivers.

What causes colic in newborn babies?

Infant colic is regular, unexplained crying fits that usually last for at least three hours. The cause is unknown, but theories include immaturity of the bowel, food allergies and ‘gas’ or ‘wind’. Colic tends to go away without treatment after a few weeks.

What teas are safe for newborns?

We give teas like chamomile, roiboos, fennel, rosehip, lemon balm or fruit teas to toddlers. After 6 months old, a lot of parents give a little bit of chamomile, caraway or anise tea to help with digestion. You should not give black tea, green tea or mint tea. And there’s a controversy around fennel tea.

Is chamomile oil safe for newborns?

It’s one of the best essential oils to use for infant massage. Dilute chamomile with a carrier oil and apply a small amount between your palms to warm the oil. Next, gently massage the oil onto your baby’s back, chest, belly, and feet. This is great practice after a bath, before bedtime.

Can I give my 2 week old baby chamomile tea?

Doctors do recommend waiting until your child is at least six months old before giving them chamomile and starting with very small doses only at first. Chamomile is ripe with essential vitamins, anti-bacterial properties, immune-boosting goodness, and minerals like calcium and folate acid too.

Does chamomile tea pass through breast milk?

[7] It has been safely and effectively used alone and with other herbs in infants for the treatment of colic, diarrhea, and other conditions,[8-11] so the smaller amounts expected (but not demonstrated) in breastmilk are likely not to be harmful with usual maternal doses.

What effect does chamomile have on a baby?

Chamomile tea for babies is said to have calming properties; peppermint may ease intestinal spasms; dill helps soothe gas; and fennel has been reported to dilate intestinal blood vessels, perhaps facilitating digestion. Interestingly, some studies have shown a lessening in crying after fussy babies are given herbs.

Is chamomile tea good for gassy babies?

Colic, gas, sore tummy Chamomile tea can soothe a colicky or gassy baby. Although colic has no identifiable cause, it can stem from gastrointestinal discomfort. Chamomile has long been a remedy for intestinal spasms so that’s why it works great for colic.

Does chamomile pass through breast milk?

[7] It has been safely and effectively used alone and with other herbs in infants for the treatment of colic, diarrhea, and other conditions,[8-11] so the smaller amounts expected (but not demonstrated) in breastmilk are likely not to be harmful with usual maternal doses.

Why is manzanilla not good for babies?

It can cause: skin reactions (itching, rash, redness), allergic reaction (hives, difficulty of breathing, swelling of face, lips and tongue), contact dermatitis, eye irritation (if applied on the eyes), and it can cause problems for G6PD-deficient babies. These are some of the possible reactions to manzanilla.

How does chamomile affect breast milk?

The phytoestrogenic compounds of chamomile cause galactogogue effects by acting on dopamine receptors, and in human studies, the extract of this plant has been shown to increase lactogenesis in lactating woman (Silva et al., 2018) .