We all know that being a parent is not an easy task and with the love of a new born comes a load of responsibilities. Babies have a weaker and developing immune system which makes them more prone to catching diseases and falling ill. Whether you live in the countryside or enjoy the city life, baby ailments are one thing that will never leave your mind till the child grows to a considerable age and is not that susceptible to diseases. With age the capacity of the immune system to fight and protect the child also increases. As parents you must have observed how your child is more sensitive to certain things and conditions may have some allergic reaction and what not therefore some home remedies are a must for all new parents.

Parents must have a brief knowledge about the common ailments that might infect the body of their child and also keep some home remedies handy with themselves. Here is a list of some of the most common child ailments along with the home remedies you can administer to your child for immediate relief.

51 Natural Home Remedies for Baby Ailments

Chicken pox

Chickenpox is very common among kids. It is generally caused by a virus called as Varicella-Zoster which is highly communicable by air, or through the mucus, saliva or oozing from blisters of one infected with chickenpox.

• A cool bath with added baking soda, uncooked oatmeal or colloidal oatmeal — a finely ground oatmeal that is made for soaking.
• Calamine lotion dabbed on the spots. A soft, bland diet if chickenpox sores develop in the mouth..
• Tylenol, aspirin or any other paracetamol for a mild fever.

Ear infection

An ear infection occurs in the middle ear. The middle ear gets inflamed because of accumulation of bacteria that happens when the fluid secreted from the ear gets trapped.

• A warm compress near the child’s ear for 10-15 minutes
• Applying few drops of warm olive oil on your child’s ear can also remedy the infection. Consult your doctor before doing this home remedy.
• Proper and timely hydration of the child’s body
• Keep the child’s head in an elevated position to avoid any fluid from reaching the brain

Cough

Runny nose and severe congestion is a stage that every individual faces as a child. Some of the common remedies of the same are;

• Gargling Salt water in the morning
• A clean and dust free house
• Regular washing of the hands
• Adequate amount of sleep
• Honey water

Cold

A common illness in children, cold can often lead to irritation and insomnia in children. Some of the effective home remedies are;

• Gargling Salt water in the morning
• A clean and dust free house
• Regular washing of the hands
• Adequate amount of sleep
• Honey water
• A Tylenol if necessary

Fever

Children are extremely prone to catching fever. Some of the best home remedies are;

• Hot soup
• Place a cool, damp washcloth on your child’s forehead while she rests.
• Give your child a lukewarm tub bath or a sponge bath. …
• Offer your child plenty of fluids and chilled foods, such as ice pops and yogurt, to help cool the body from the inside out and keep her hydrated.
• Remove layers of clothing so your child can lose heat more easily through her skin. Dress her in one light layer. If she’s shivering, give her a light blanket until she’s warm again.

Vomiting

• Increase the fluid intake of the child. Vomiting can drain your child and the best way to regain the lost energy is through a liquid diet.
• Rice water helps in curing vomiting that result from gastritis. White rice is a better option rather than taking brown rice for making rice water.
• Cinnamon helps in soothing and calming the stomach. It provides relief from nausea and vomiting.

Colic

Colic pain is an extremely common problem in children. If your baby is particularly restless, the odds are he/she must be suffering from colic. Remedies for the same are

• Swaddle baby snugly in a blanket.
• Lay him/her across your lap and gently rub his/her back.
• Try infant massage.
• Put a warm water bottle on your baby’s belly.
• Have the baby suck on a pacifier.
• Soak in a warm bath.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is usually caused by food poisoning, indigestion, and a situation of irritable bowel syndrome. Whatever the cause may be, if your baby is suffering from diarrhoea, you must be extra careful in taking care of the little one and making sure that you feed them the right kind of food.

• Keep on a normal diet.
• Eat more starchy foods (such as cereal, crackers, rice).
• Drink more fluids. Formula feeding or milk are good choices for this illness.
• Do not use fruit juices or soft drinks as they can make diarrhoea worse.

Constipation

One of the most common causes of constipation among infants is transitioning from breast milk to formula and eating semi-solids. This change in the diet and reduction in fluid intake can lead to constipation.

• A high-fibre diet. A diet rich in fibre can help your child’s body form soft, bulky stool.
• Adequate fluids. Water and other fluids will help soften your child’s stool.
• Adequate time for bowel movements.
• Be supportive. Don’t rush the child or make them feel embarrassed.

Food allergies

Food allergies are very common during middle childhood, allergies to dairy products and cow milk being the most common ones. Other common food allergies include allergies to foods like seafood, poultry, nuts, soy, chocolate, wheat, and mushrooms.

• Stop eating. If your body is reacting to a food you’ve eaten, the first step is simple: Stop eating the food.
• Over-the-counter antihistamines may help lessen the symptoms of a mild reaction.
• Acupuncture and Homeopathic treatments can also prove effective

Teething

With the emerging teeth, the baby starts feeling a lot of irritation and discomfort. And, it is really difficult for a mother to witness her child losing his appetite and sleep due to this. Here are some home remedies to soothe the pain

• Frozen Food in a Mesh Feeder can help the child
• Ground Cloves provide relief to the gums
• Freeze a washcloth and give it to the child to suck on
• Chewing on a toothbrush or using vanilla extract and popsicles can help the baby
• Organic Teething Rings are also a good option while teething

Allergies

In an allergic reaction, your child’s immune system kicks in and starts working to defend what according to the body is not a normal substance.

• Some recommend over-the-counter medicines are antihistamines, prescription antihistamines, or epinephrine.
• A visit to the doctor is necessary in such cases to test the severity

Mumps

• Use a warm or cold compress to ease the pain of swollen glands.
• Wear an athletic supporter and use cold compresses to ease the pain of tender organs.
• Avoid foods that require lots of chewing. Instead, try broth-based soups or soft foods, such as mashed potatoes or cooked oatmeal, for nourishment.

Measles

• Sip something. Drink plenty of water, fruit juice and herbal tea to replace fluids lost by fever and sweating. Seek respiratory relief.
• Use a humidifier to relieve a cough and sore throat
• Do consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Use home remedies just as an adjunct treatment

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, also referred as pinkeye, is usually the inflammation of the conjunctiva. The condition can be alarming as it causes redness in the eyes and spreads quite fast. However, it does not cause any damage to the vision. Newborns are especially at higher risk of contracting pink eye and can develop more serious complications if not treated at the right time.

• Put a warm, damp washcloth over the child’s eyes for a few minutes
• To make a warm compress, soak a clean, lint-free washcloth in water then wring it out so it’s not dripping and place it on the infected eye.
• Use a clean washcloth each time so you don’t spread the infection.
• If the child has the infectious pink eye in both eyes, use a different washcloth for each eye.
• Half or mild ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain killer
• Use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops (artificial tears)

Gastroenteritis

• Let the stomach settle. Try sucking on ice chips or taking small sips of water before slowly easing the child back into eating.
• Avoid certain foods and substances until you feel better.
• Give plenty of rest to the child. Be cautious with medications and ensure they have no side effects for the child.

Fungal infections

• Add a cup of this vinegar to a toddler’s bath water.
• Either mix a clove of raw garlic into a toddler’s food or mash it into a paste and spread it over the affected area of skin.
• Boil one half-cup of water and allow it to cool. Add 5 drops of tea tree oil and use the solution to clean the affected area.
• Oatmeal can help to ease the symptoms of a yeast infection. Place half a cup in a cheesecloth or similar pouch and drop it into the toddler’s bath water.

Roseola

• Let your child rest in bed until the fever disappears.
• Give plenty of fluids to the child.
• Encourage your child to drink clear fluids, such as water, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, clear broth, or an electrolyte rehydration solution (Pedialyte, others) or sports drinks, such as Gatorade or PowerAde, to prevent dehydration

Respiratory synctial virus

Home remedies that help relieve the symptoms of RSV include the following:

• Drink plenty of fluids (in infants, make sure they are breastfeeding or bottle feeding)
• Use a humidifier to keep air moist.
• Saline nasal drops help keep nasal passages lubricated.

Strep throat

Home remedies are a good way to alleviate the discomfort caused by a strep throat.

• Make sure he rests and gets plenty to drink.
• When your child drinks extra fluids, it thins his mucus, which helps it to drain.
• Drinking can also ease his sore throat. Try a variety of fluids, such as warm water or tea with lemon and honey (for children over age 1), ice pops, or chicken soup.

Fifth disease

Fifth disease, often called as “slapped cheek disease is caused by a virus named Pavovirus B19. It often results in red rash on legs, arms and cheeks. It is common and mild in most children.

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Take acetaminophen (Tylenol, for example) to control the fever. Avoid aspirin due to the risk of developing Reye’s syndrome in a child with fever.
• Wash your hands, and take care not to spread the virus.

Influenza

Influenza, also known as ‘flu’ commonly, is an infection of the respiratory system caused by influenza virus. The viral infection affects the air passages present in the lungs.

• Breathing moist air helps loosen the mucus in the nasal passages. A warm bath is very relaxing, too.
• Tip your child’s head back and squeeze two or three saline drops into each nostril to thin and loosen the mucus.
• Choose a drink your child enjoys. Plain water is great, but your child might not find it very appealing. Try fruit smoothies for good results.

Pin worms

Children are at a higher risk of contracting this infection, with more than 30% of them being infected by pinworms proper knowledge in regards to its cure is mandatory.

• Wash your child’s hands regularly.
• Keep the fingernails short, and refrain the child from biting their nails.
• Make them wear tight underwear.
• Change the child’s sleepwear regularly.
• Mop or vacuum the floors in all living spaces. Wash all linens and bedding in hot water.

Sore throat

• Sip warm liquids.
• At times eat cold or frozen liquids (such as ice pops) also help
• Gargle with saltwater.
• Suck on hard candy or throat lozenges (for kids age 4 or older)
• Give ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed.

Urinary tract infection

Children suffer urinary tract infections (UTIs) when bacteria enter the urethra and go up the urinary tract. The most common cause of infection is bacteria that is present in the large intestine and is present in the stools.

• Encourage-but do not force-your child to drink extra fluids as soon as you notice the symptoms and for the next 24 hours. This will help make the urine less concentrated and wash out the infection-causing bacteria.
• Do not give your child caffeinated or carbonated beverages, which can irritate the bladder
• Cranberry juice is also helpful

Bronchitis

Toddlers and older infants who are crawling normally fall prey to bronchitis more than youngsters. Here are some home treatments many doctors have recommended

• Thin the mucus using saline nose drops recommended by your child’s doctor. Never use non-prescription nose drops that contain any medicine.
• Clear your baby’s nose with a suction bulb. Squeeze the bulb first. Gently put the rubber tip into one nostril, and slowly release the bulb.
• Use OTC pain reliever and maintain a smoke-free environment.

Rashes

• Make Your Own Diaper Rash Cream. Make your own natural diaper cream, such as the protective barrier balm.
• Use Apple Cider Vinegar and create an Essential Oil Spray for the child
• Try applying Little Tea with Honey.
• Go with Aloe Vera for a trustworthy and safe treatment
• Draw an Oatmeal Bath for the child
• Apply Corn starch over the rash

Sinusitis

Sinusitis means an inflammation of the sinuses. It is a common problem in children and adolescents. Children are a vulnerable population when it comes to developing sinusitis and parents must be aware of this problem, so that they can help their child regain their healthy life as soon as possible.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) reports that there are over 1 billion suffering patients in the United States per year, with children averaging 3 to 5 years.

• Try clearing your little ones nose with saline- salt water drops (do not use drops with medications in them).
• If your toddler cannot blow her nose you can use a bulb syringe but also just let it drip out .
• You can use “boogie” wipes with plain saline solution on them to help wipe and prevent nasal soreness.

Croup

A respiratory illness common among children that changes their breathing is called croup. It is identified by the hoarse voice and croup cough that it causes. Children with croup have infected vocal cords, windpipe and bronchial tubes.

• Stay calm. Comfort or distract your child — cuddle, read a book or play a quiet game.
• Moisten the air.
• Hold your child in a comfortable upright position.
• Offer fluids and encourage the child to rest.
• Skip the cold medicines.

Cold sores

• Give your child over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to treat pain and fever. Do not give ibuprofen to infants 6 months of age or less or to a child who is dehydrated or constantly vomiting. Do not give aspirin to a child. This can put your child at risk of a serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.
• Cold liquids, ice, or frozen juice bars may help soothe mouth pain. Avoid giving your child spicy or acidic foods.
• Liquid antacid 4 times a day may help relieve the pain. For children older than age 6, a teaspoon (5 mL) as a mouthwash may be given after meals. Younger children should have the antacid applied to the mouth sore using a cotton swab.

Scarlet fever

Scarlet fever is a contagious disease that occurs in the body as a result of a budding infection and is more common in children because of their weak and developing immune system. Though it is a rare disease yet it is more commonly observed in children who have strep throat or sensitive skin.

• Use ibuprofen (Advil, Children’s Motrin, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to control the fever and minimize throat pain.
• Provide adequate fluids. Give your child plenty of water to keep the throat moist and prevent dehydration. Prepare a saltwater gargle
• Trim the child’s nails to avoid scratching from itching

Head lice

Lice or head lice are tiny wingless insects which infest, live, breed and feed on the human scalp. Though anyone can be prone to a head lice infection school going children are the most vulnerable. Head lice bite the scalp to get blood leading to intense itching and irritation in the scalp of your children along with visible red bumps in the scalp and on the neck area.

• Most home remedies, including the mayonnaise treatment used by this family, depend on some version of smothering the lice. They all work more or less the same: Slather peanut butter or olive oil or mayonnaise on the hair and then wrap the head with shower cap.
• Using a combination of essential oils and combing can kill lice
• Generally, doctors recommend over-the-counter treatments, such as Nix or Rid, for eliminating head lice. These are widely available in pharmacies.

Meningitis

• Garlic can be very beneficial for those suffering from meningitis as the allicin and various other organic compounds act as powerful antioxidants that have antiviral and antibacterial properties.
• Regularly using ice packs to keep the fever down can give your immune system more of a fighting chance against the inflammation and infection.
• You can turn to olive leaf extract, which has antiviral and antioxidant properties, in addition to its proven anti-inflammatory abilities to treat meningitis.

Hepatitis A

• Drink plenty of clear fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Avoid medicines and substances that can cause harm to the liver such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and preparations that contain acetaminophen.
• Hepatitis A is contracted when a child eats food or drinks water that is infected therefore avoid eating out.

Whooping cough

A chronic and painful cough accompanied by a respiratory infection is called a whooping cough or pertussis. Those afflicted by these coughs let out a whooping noise, hence this condition is called a whooping cough. Infants catch this disease easily.

• Gargling Salt water in the morning
• A clean and dust free house
• Regular washing of the hands
• Adequate amount of sleep
• Honey water

Rota virus

• Offer bland foods, such as soda crackers and toast.
• Plenty of liquids are important, too, including an oral rehydration fluid (Enfamil Enfalyte, Pedialyte, others).
• Avoid apple juice, dairy products and sugary foods, which can make a child’s diarrhoea worse. If the child is struggling with diarrhoea or vomiting, ORS solutions are a good option.

Heat rash

Baby Heat rash or prickly heat is a nightmare for babies in the summer months. It mostly affects people who live in hot and humid climates which causes excessive sweating and blocks the sweat glands. When they subsequently burst open it irritates the skin and causes prickly heat or heat rashes.

• Dry the skin. Let him air-dry or use a fan to dry and cool him off, rather than rubbing him with a towel. And unless your baby’s doctor has instructed you to do so, don’t use ointments or creams on the rash. Let the skin breathe.
• Move to a cooler and less humid place.
• Don’t let the child scratch their skin, or it could become infected.
• Keep the affected area dry. Don’t use ointments or creams that make the skin moist.
• You can put powder on the rash to make the child feel more comfortable.

Ring worm

• Garlic paste may be used as a topical treatment, although no studies have been conducted on its use.
• Soapy water, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera and coconut oil can be applied for relief.
• Turmeric paste has excellent antibacterial qualities and can help fight this disease.
• Powdered licorice.

Impetigo

Impetigo refers to a bacterial infection that occurs on the skin. It leads to red sores that beak open to release the fluid and develop a yellow-brown crust. These impetigo sores can occur on any part of the body. It is one of the most common skin infections that occur not only in children but in children as well.

• Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after treating the impetigo sores.
• Gently clean the sores with warm water and soap and then remove the crusts from non-bullous impetigo.
• Removing the crusts exposes the bacteria underneath. You can also soak the affected area in warm soapy water before removing the crusts.
• Apply antibiotic ointments three times a day, after cleaning the area. Then cover the sore with a bandage or gauze.

Asthma

Of all ailments affecting the respiratory system in the human body, Asthma gets a special mention. This is a chronic respiratory disease which inflames the airways –leading to temporary contraction of passage carrying oxygen to your lungs.

• Maintain low humidity at home and keep indoor air clean.
• Reduce pet dander and avoid floating pet hair in the house
• Use your air conditioner.
• Keep dust to a minimum.
• Reduce your child’s exposure to cold air.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection in lungs (one or both). It can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Pneumonia causes inflammation in the air sacs in your lungs, which are called as alveoli that fill with fluid or pus, thus making it difficult for one to breathe.

• Turmeric or ginger tea may help to ease chest pain caused by pneumonia.
• Chest pain may be caused when someone has a persistent cough. Dealing with a cough itself may help, but drinking a warm tea made with fresh ginger or turmeric root may also reduce this pain.
• Do consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Otitis

Otitis is the middle ear infection that occurs in children either due to fungal growth or water entering the ear during a bath. This condition can have far reaching consequences for the child therefore it demands immediate treatment.

• A warm, moist cloth over the affected ear.
• Non-prescription eardrops with a local anaesthetic.

Swollen lymph node

• Apply a warm, wet compress, such as a washcloth dipped in hot water and wrung out, to the affected area.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as aspirin and ibuprofen
• Give adequate rest to the child to boost their immune system.

Anaemia

Does your child feel constantly fatigued? Or has their skin been pale and dull recently? May be rest is not all that they need. Anaemia is a condition where the body is low on red blood cells. Healthy red blood cells are the main part of haemoglobin in your blood that binds the oxygen. Some effective remedies are

• Anaemia tends to weaken your immune system and thus, the child may be more prone to infections and inflammatory diseases. Adequate doses of Vitamin C can help fortify them from within and at the same time it also helps in the absorption of iron.
• A cup of yogurt twice a day, morning and afternoon, with a teaspoon of turmeric
• Fresh beetroot or pomegranate juice acts as great blood builders and also blood purifiers.

Rheumatic fever

Rheumatic fever is one of the most distressing illnesses that occur frequently in children of all ages, but mostly occurs in children between the ages of 5 and 15. Owing to neglect in upkeep of the nasal canal, as well as being exposed to harsh weather, results in the streptococcus bacteria becoming active in the salivary glands which culminates in rheumatic fever.

• Hot and cold compress helps a lot in easing the swelling of the joints. It can be done by applying an ice pack and hot water bottle, alternately.
• Almonds provide the child with the daily dose of vitamin E. It helps strengthen the immune system, which boosts up the process of treating the fever.
• Yogurt builds up the white blood cells in the body and helps produce antibodies. Daily consumption of yogurt protects the body against infection.

Diabetes mellitus

• Check your child’s blood sugar. You may need to administer an additional dose of insulin if blood sugar is above your child’s target range. Wait 15 minutes, and then recheck your child’s blood sugar.
• Celery, cucumbers, string beans, onions and garlic are especially beneficial. String bean pod tea is an excellent natural substitute for insulin and highly beneficial in diabetes.
• Recent scientific investigations have established that bitter gourd is highly beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. It contains insulin -like principle, known as plant-insulin which has been found effective in lowering the blood and urine sugar levels.

Shingles

• Do not scratch the skin where the rash is located. …
• After diagnosis and appropriate treatment, apply cool tap-water compresses to weeping blisters for 20 minutes several times a day to soothe and help dry the blisters. …
• Keep the area clean with mild soap and water.

Scabies

• Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing effect on sunburn and other skin ailments. Aloe vera is usually considered safe to use with minimal side effects reported.
• Tea tree oil can help alleviate some of the itchiness associated with scabies, in addition to other treatments.
• A single study showed that clove oil was effective in treating scabies in a group of rabbits and pigs. Other oils tested did not perform as well as clove oil

Polio

• Give one spoon honey and half spoon oil of smell fennel with half cup of warm water on empty stomach in the morning and at night after having meal to the patient of polio to get benefit.
• Shuffle two leaves of sacred fig with two leaves of sebstan and give it to the patient of polio after sieving with salt daily. Its use provides a lot of relief soon.
• Polio infection is ended by taking polio drops. Such children never become the victims of polio who have taken polio drops

Blisters

• Gently wash the area with clean water. …
• Don’t remove the flap of skin over a blister unless it’s very dirty or torn or there is pus under it. …
• You may cover the blister with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage.

Head ache

• Rest and relaxation. Encourage your child to rest in a dark, quiet room. …
• Use a cool, wet compress. While your child rests, place a cool, wet cloth on his or her forehead.
• Offer a healthy snack.
• Babies suffering from a migraine-type headache will have sensitivity to light therefore ensure that your house lights are not too bright.
• Thus here was list of some of the most effective remedies to the most common child ailments to not only reduce your worry but also make your parenting journey full of only happy and pleasant memories.