“More and more parents are turning to natural, holistic, and alternative approaches to health care. As this demand increases, more and more classically trained physicians are learning integrative techniques. While some may doubt the efficacy of natural, holistic medicine, its safety has been well established with many decades of experienced clinicians. When compared to the numerous side effects and potentially severe, even fatal, reactions to various medications, integrative medicine often offers a safer approach to health care that works.”
That first child sure is exciting. It’s life changing when a baby enters the mix. Sure there’s sleep deprivation, but one little smile makes it all worthwhile.
Then again, becoming a parent stimulates your worry gene. Suddenly every cough, rash, whimper, bruise, and pain sends you running to the pediatrician. While Dr. Rosen would be happy to see you in his office, many treatments can be initiated at home. This chapter is designed to highlight the most common baby ailments you’ll face.
It’s one thing to have a crybaby; it’s quite another to have an inconsolable baby. Colic is estimated to affect at least one out of every five babies and is marked by the rule of threes: inconsolable crying for at least three hours a day, three days a week, for at least three weeks’ duration. Theories abound on the cause, but doctors now think that the babies’ nervous systems are not fully developed and some may become overstimulated by normal sights, sounds, and smells. Sometimes these babies need an extra month or two to adjust to life outside the uterus. Doctors also speculate that colic may be related to food sensitivities or a disturbance of intestinal bacteria.
According to Harvey Karp, MD, author of The Happiest Baby on the Block, colic is a serious problem. Dr. Karp suggests the key to understanding colic lies in the differences between the environments in and out of the womb and that babies are born before they’re ready for the abrupt change.
“In the womb, they enjoy a non-stop symphony of sensations: Touch, jiggly motion and the non-stop whoosh of the blood flow (louder than a vacuum cleaner … 24/7). So, to our babies, being placed alone in a dark, quiet room creates massive sensory deprivation. Some kids fall apart without the womb rhythms. However, when you correctly imitate the womb sensations, it literally turns on an inborn calming reflex. As with any reflex, it can only be turned on with simple, but precise actions. The five specific steps that imitate the womb and turn on the “calming reflex” are the “5 S’s” of swaddling, the side or stomach position, shushing, swinging or tiny jiggling motion, and sucking.”
The never-ending crying is the most common sign of a colicky baby. Other symptoms include irregular sleeping habits, gas, clenched fists, and general irritability.
If you’re at your wit’s end with a crying baby, consider these conventional and alternative treatment options before your patience disappears.
Colic Treatment Alternatives: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Conventional Remedy | Treatment Alternative | |
| Generic Treatment | Simethicone | Chamomile Tea |
| Sample Brand Name Treatment | Mylicon Infant Drops | Traditional Medicinals Organic Chamomile Tea |
| How it works | Helps break up gas bubbles in the abdomen, reducing bloating and discomfort | Contains natural chemicals that help relax a baby’s intestinal tract and nervous system |
| Dosage | Under 2 years and under 24 lbs: 0.3mL up to 12 doses per day; Over 2 years and over 24 lbs: 0.6mL up to 12 doses per day | 1 oz up to three times per day |
| Active Ingredients | Simethicone | Organic chamomile flower |
| Common Mild Side Effects | None | None |
| Less Common Serious Side Effects | Allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling, itching, trouble breathing) | Allergic reaction (hives, itching, trouble breathing, dizziness, chest tightness) |
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Science Says |
The Department of Pediatrics at the Italian Universita di Torino studied the effectiveness of an extract of chamomile, fennel, and lemon balm in breast-fed colicky infants. Ninety-three infants were given either a placebo or the phytotherapeutic agent twice a day for one week. Crying time reduction was observed in 85 percent of babies given the herbal extract versus just 49 percent of those getting the placebo.
If chamomile tea doesn’t do the job, consider olive oil. Rubbing warm olive oil on your baby’s belly in a circular motion as part of an infant massage routine may help soothe and relax him. You can also try adding a teaspoon of fennel seeds to boiling water, then serving this fennel tea, cooled to lukewarm, to your baby.
If only cradle cap referred to fashionable baby headgear worn in the crib. Babies everywhere could crawl the catwalk showing off their trendy cradle caps. It could become a billion-dollar industry.
Unfortunately, cradle cap is anything but fashionable. It’s patchy, yellow, flaky skin most commonly seen on a baby’s scalp. Cradle cap is also known to drift down to the eyebrows, forehead, and ears.
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Parental Guidance |
| “We’ve always found good success with olive oil for cradle cap. I put olive oil on my baby’s head, wait 15 minutes, and then take off any flakes with one of those lice nit combs. Then I give the baby a shampoo, and after washing the shampoo out and drying off the baby’s head, I comb out any residual scabs. I wait another week or so and do it again. The longer you let the olive oil stay on, the less it seems to hurt the baby when you use the comb.” | |
| —Carmiya, mom to three young kids |
According to popular myths, cradle cap can be caused by bacterial infections, allergies, or poor hygiene. In fact, doctors aren’t in agreement on the true cause of cradle cap. The two most common theories are fungal infections and overactive sebaceous glands.
While not a serious condition, there’s certainly nothing wrong with striving to give your offspring that baby-soft, flake-free skin back. Here’s a look at the most common conventional and alternative treatment options available.
Cradle Cap Treatment Alternatives: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Conventional Remedy | Treatment Alternative | |
| Generic Treatment | Mineral Oil | Olive Oil |
| Sample Brand Name Treatment | Johnson’s Baby Oil | Spectrum Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil |
| How it works | Helps loosen dead skin cells when applied to the scalp which can be combed out to remove flakes | Loosens dry flakes, which can be combed out; helps discourage fungal growth which may lead to cradle cap |
| Dosage | Cover affected area | Cover affected area |
| Active Ingredients | Mineral oil, fragrance | 100% organic first cold pressed extra virgin unrefined Arbequina olive oil |
| Common Mild Side Effects | None | None |
| Less Common Serious Side Effects | Allergic reaction could cause skin rash | Allergic reaction could cause rash or itchy skin |
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Science Says |
The Department of Botany at Cairo University in Egypt studied the antifungal activity of olive oil. The olive oil compounds led to a significant reduction in amylase, lipase, keratinase, and urease enzyme activities for all tested fungal species, including Candida albicans, Microsporum canis, and Trichophyton rubrum.
Aloe gel helps soothe and moisturize a baby’s dry scalp. Also, shampooing your baby’s hair with shampoos containing coconut oil or tea tree oil will help reduce flakes.
Diapers serve an important role in babyhood. They contain waste rather than deposit it on your sofa, in the car, and around the house. We’re all thankful for the invention of diapers.
Unfortunately, the term diaper has also been linked to the most famous of baby rashes: diaper rash. The most common causes include:
• Wipes and creams with ingredients that irritate your baby’s bottom
• Changes in stool consistency, which has various causes (including teething or the introduction of new foods)
• Too much time spent in dirty diapers, leading to skin irritation
The warm and moist nature of your baby’s bottom doesn’t help matters. It becomes a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria, which can also lead to diaper rash. However it comes about, you’ll notice red, irritated, or bumpy skin on your baby’s bottom, thighs, and genitals.
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Parental Guidance |
| “My favorite natural remedy is calendula cream. I’ve seen amazing results on eczema and diaper rash with my son, as well as rapid healing of scrapes and cuts.” | |
| —Robyn, mother to a 2-year-old boy |
When diaper rash gets really uncomfortable, your baby is likely to resist diaper changes. Maybe he knows the wiping is going to be anything but a good time. Your best bet is to wipe out that rash as soon as possible with one of these conventional or natural treatment alternatives.
Diaper Rash Treatment Alternatives: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Conventional Remedy | Treatment Alternative | |
| Generic Treatment | Zinc oxide (with other ingredients) | Calendula |
| Sample Brand Name Treatment | Balmex Diaper Rash Cream | California Baby Calendula Cream |
| How it works | Soothes irritated skin and provides protective layer on skin to prevent future irritation | Soothes and heals dry or damaged skin as affected areas absorb the cream |
| Dosage | Apply cream liberally and promptly after each diaper change. | Apply cream to affected areas several times per day. |
| Active Ingredients | Zinc Oxide | Calendula flower |
| Common Mild Side Effects | None | None |
| Less Common Serious Side Effects | Allergic reaction | Allergic reaction |
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Science Says |
The Department of Biochemistry at the Amala Cancer Research Center in Kerala, India, studied the wound-healing effectiveness of flower extract of calendula officinalis. After eight days, the group treated with calendula extract achieved 90 percent wound closure while the control group only showed 51 percent wound closure.
Beyond calendula cream, applying a little cornstarch to the baby’s bottom will help keep the area dry and reduce friction. Also consider a bath with oatmeal flakes (i.e., Aveeno brand) to soothe irritated skin. Finally, there’s nothing like a little naked time to air out the rash (keep your little one off the sofa and carpets for this one). When in doubt, air it out!
Babies’ eyes draw us in. There’s something about those big, staring blues, browns, and hazels that melt parents worldwide. It’s no wonder we’re concerned when a blocked tear duct strikes. Anything that messes with one of our baby’s best assets is sure to rattle some parental nerves.
Blocked tear ducts occur when the nasolacrimal duct is obstructed. This prevents tears from easily draining from the eye to the nasal passage as they normally do. With baby tear ducts so small in size, it’s no surprise they can become blocked so easily.
Spotting a blocked tear duct is not always easy; you may simply be dealing with an eyelash or dirt in the eye. However, if you see watery eyes; excessive tearing; or a clear or yellow discharge, then it’s likely to be a blocked duct.
If your baby has a blocked tear duct, you should consider one of these conventional or natural treatment options to bring back those beautiful baby browns (or blues, or hazels)
Eye Discharge Treatment Alternatives: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Conventional Remedy | Treatment Alternative | |
| Generic Treatment | Erythromycin | Breast milk |
| Sample Brand Name Treatment | E-Mycin Ointment | None |
| How it works | Helps decrease bacterial cell growth and hinder further development | Helps lubricate affected area and has antimicrobial properties that fight infection |
| Dosage | Clean affected area and apply ointment three times per day. | Put breast milk drops on finger and let it drip into corner of affected eye up to six times day. |
| Active Ingredients | Erythromycin, petrolatum, mineral oil | Protein, fat, carbohydrates, minerals |
| Common Mild Side Effects | Skin irritation, redness | None |
| Less Common Serious Side Effects | Allergic reaction | None |
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Science Says |
The Journal of Tropical Pediatrics published a study of the effectiveness of switching from antibiotic eye drops to mother’s milk drops as a treatment for duct obstruction. The study describes anti-inflammatory characteristics and antibacterial activity associated with mother’s milk. Good to know if you’re stuck in the tropics with a baby with a blocked tear duct.
Applying a cotton ball soaked in warm water or warm chamomile tea to the blocked duct(s) and massaging gently in a clockwise direction several times a day can clear eye discharge and help open up the duct. Optique-1 eye drops by Boiron, a homeopathic solution, may also offer quick relief.
Just about anything a baby does is cute. Cooing, rolling over, sitting up, smiling, and waving all make parenting worthwhile. On the flip side, spitting up is more of a parental rite of passage. Ruining your nicest button-down with today’s breakfast is your ticket to the parental club.
Spitting up, or baby reflux, is the regurgitation of food or milk soon after ingestion. In most cases, spitting up occurs while feeding or during the post-feed burping.
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Good to Know |
Baby reflux is most prevalent in babies 1 to 4 months of age and usually resolves spontaneously by 6 to 12 months. Up to 65 percent of healthy infants spit up or regurgitate from time to time, but this percentage drops to 1 percent by age 1.
The valve between the esophagus and stomach helps keep food down after eating or drinking. In babies, this valve is not yet fully developed. This leads to regurgitation, especially if too much food is consumed or too much air is swallowed.
If you’re losing your shirt thanks to a regurgitating baby, you’ll want to carefully consider these treatment options. Your dry cleaning bill just may depend on it.
Spitting Up Treatment Alternatives: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Conventional Remedy | Treatment Alternative | |
| Generic Treatment | Ranitidine | Dairy elimination |
| Sample Brand Name Treatment | Zantac | None |
| How it works | Helps reduce stomach acid and aid in the easy digestion of food and milk | Removing dairy from the baby’s diet (i.e., cow’s milk) or a breastfeeding mom’s diet can reduce instances of reflux due to cow’s milk allergy or sensitivity. |
| Dosage | Take 1mL two times per day and check with doctor for any changes based on age and weight of child. | Not applicable |
| Active Ingredients | Ranitidine | Not applicable |
| Common Mild Side Effects | Headache, fatigue, dizziness, diarrhea, constipation, sleep disruption | Possible vitamin D or calcium deficiency if these needs are not otherwise met |
| Less Common Serious Side Effects | Fever, nausea, change in heart rate, vision problems, chest pain, bruising, jaundice | None |
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Science Says |
The Pediatric GI Division at the Babies’ Hospital in Palermo, Italy, studied milk-induced reflux in infants less than 1 year of age. Researchers found cow’s milk allergy and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) to be among the most common disturbances in infants and recommended pediatricians screen for possible cow’s milk allergies in all infants with GER.
It’s best to keep your baby upright after feedings for at least 20-30 minutes. This helps the food and drink flow more smoothly from the esophagus into the stomach—and stay there. Babies with GER also tend to spit up less when fed smaller amounts more frequently. Consider BPA-free baby bottles designed to minimize air bubbles during drinking. And keep in mind this advice from noted natural birth and lactation specialist Debra Pascali-Bonaro, LCCE, BDT/PDT (www.motherlovedoulas.com): “With the many short and long term health benefits of breastfeeding, especially for a baby’s developing immune system, breastfeeding is the perfect opportunity to offer your baby the best beginning.”
Teeth sure are fascinating. What other body part are we born without? Furthermore, what other body part falls out only to regrow bigger? Could you imagine if the same thing happened with your tongue, arms, or eyes? Growing up sure would be more interesting.
Turns out teeth have the unique distinction of appearing after birth. It’s a nice system for newborns, who really don’t need teeth at the outset. Unfortunately, the process of growing that first batch is not the most comfortable experience.
Teething occurs when a baby’s primary teeth start to break through the gums. This typically begins when a baby is between 5 and 9 months of age and continues until all 20 teeth appear.
The most common teething symptoms include excessive drooling, swollen gums, irritability, and slight fever. Of course, parents’ least favorite symptom, sleeplessness, often joins the party. When you first notice teeth breaking through the gums, be sure to read this section on conventional and natural treatment alternatives to soothe the effects of building a smile.
Teething Treatment Alternatives: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Conventional Remedy | Treatment Alternative | |
| Generic Treatment | Benzocaine | Chamomilla |
| Sample Brand Name Treatment | Baby Orajel | Boiron Camilia |
| How it works | Provides temporary relief of sore gums associated with teething | Provides natural relief from painful gums and irritability associated with teething |
| Dosage | Under 4 months: consult a doctor before usage; over 4 months: apply pea-sized amount to area up to four times daily | Under 1 month: do not use; over 1 month: squeeze entire contents of single-use dose into mouth and repeat two more times every 15 minutes as needed |
| Active Ingredients | Benzocaine | Chamomilla vulgaris 9c, phytolacca decandra 5c, Rheum officinale 5c |
| Common Mild Side Effects | Swelling, rash, fever | None |
| Less Common Serious Side Effects | Methemoglobinemia, a blood disorder causing too little oxygen in red blood cells | None |
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Science Says |
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, found that chamomile blocks nitrous oxide production, an inflammation marker, explaining how chamomile and its derivatives work as effective anti-inflammatory agents.
Babies sure do like to chew on things. Consider placing a teething ring or a wet washcloth in the freezer then serving it to your little one. Look for teething toys free of BPA and other harmful plasticizers. Mesh feeders containing frozen fruits or vegetables also help soothe and numb gums.
If you asked me back in college about thrush, I would’ve assumed you were talking about a new rock band. I’d have expected to see them touring college campuses while young adults rocked out to their latest single.
It’s amazing how parenthood changes your perspective. I now understand thrush to be a yeast infection that develops in the mouth, typically on the tongue, inner cheeks, or throat. I guess it’s not the catchiest name for a rock band after all.
While yeast is present in all digestive systems, an overabundance of yeast may be attributed to hormones shifting just after birth. That could explain why thrush is most common in babies two months and younger.
Thrush typically manifests as white lesions on the inside of a baby’s mouth, usually on the tongue, gums, and insides of the cheeks. You’ll notice a cottage cheese-like texture or appearance to these lesions. Unlike milk deposits, they don’t scrape off easily. The discomfort from thrush can make even the best eater resist breast- or bottle-feeding. Consider these treatment alternatives at the first sign of thrush.
Thrush Treatment Alternatives: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Conventional Remedy | Treatment Alternative | |
| Generic Treatment | Nystatin | Probiotics |
| Sample Brand Name Treatment | Bio-Statin | Klaire Infant Ther-Biotic Complete |
| How it works | The antifungal medicine weakens the membranes of the infected cells. | Helps inhibit the growth of infected cells and supports the body’s immune system |
| Dosage | Less than 30 days old: 0.5mL applied to each side of mouth four times per day; More than 30 days old: 1.0mL applied to each side of mouth four times per day | 1⁄4 teaspoon taken daily with food or drink |
| Active Ingredients | Nystatin | Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, inulin |
| Common Mild Side Effects | Nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea | None |
| Less Common Serious Side Effects | Allergic reaction | Allergic reaction, diarrhea |
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Science Says |
The Department of Odontology at Umea University in Sweden studied the role probiotics play in oral health. Eight probiotic strains were tested for growth inhibition of the yeast Candida, a common cause of thrush. Lactobacilli probiotics significantly thwarted the growth of Candida.
Infants over six months old not sensitive to dairy can try organic yogurts or other cultured foods like kefir. These cultured foods contain natural probiotics—consider dipping your finger in yogurt then targeting the affected area in your child’s mouth. Not a yogurt fan, or dairy sensitive? Pure virgin coconut oil applied inside the baby’s mouth can decrease bacteria and help prevent additional infected cells from developing.
“Would you like to cut the cord, Daddy?” It’s a common question asked in delivery rooms around the world. The simple snip detaches your baby from its prenatal lifeline of nutrients and oxygen to support growth in the womb.
The umbilical cord is usually clamped when it’s cut, and then it naturally falls off after about one to three weeks. In the meantime, it’s important to keep the area clean and dry. This is the best way to prevent any unwanted infections from developing.
You’ll notice the umbilical cord changing color as it prepares to fall off. It generally changes from green to brown to black in color. You may also notice an odor present just before the stump falls off. This stems from the dead tissue and cells associated with the umbilical cord. The belly button is then formed when the cord stump officially falls off.
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Good to Know |
Every time a new baby is born, the parents have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to save the baby’s cord blood stem cells for possible future medical uses. Cord blood stem cells have been used to treat many life-threatening diseases such as leukemia and certain types of cancers. Researchers hope to one day extend cord blood usage to treat currently incurable conditions such as brain injuries and juvenile diabetes.
The following simple conventional and alternative treatment options can ensure an infection-free umbilical cord stump experience for parents.
Umbilical Cord Treatment Alternatives: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Conventional Remedy | Treatment Alternative | |
| Generic Treatment | Rubbing Alcohol | Air |
| Sample Brand Name Treatment | Swan Rubbing Alcohol | None |
| How it works | Expedites process of drying out umbilical cord area and staves off infection | Exposure to air helps dry out area safely and quickly until cord falls off naturally. |
| Dosage | Swab umbilical cord with alcohol during diaper changes | Not applicable |
| Active Ingredients | Isopropyl alcohol, water | Not applicable |
| Common Mild Side Effects | Irritation or redness of the skin | None |
| Less Common Serious Side Effects | Skin infection | None |
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Science Says |
Researchers in Ontario, Canada, studied alcohol versus natural drying for newborn umbilical cord care. More than 1,800 newborns were observed from birth until separation of the cord. Half received isopropyl alcohol at each diaper change and the other half air-dried naturally. There was no difference in the development of cord infections for either test group. Scientists concluded, “Evidence does not support continued use of alcohol for newborn cord care.”
For umbilical cords developing some bacterial overgrowth, witch hazel (extract of the bark or leaf of the Hamamelis plant), is a topically applied astringent that can speed up the drying process. Covering the cord stump with sterilized gauze will help keep the area dry and secure while your baby wears a diaper.
Infant massage has many proven benefits.
How would you like to help your baby both grow and feel better? Increasing evidence points to these outcomes when babies are on the receiving end of a gentle, caressing touch. Infant massage is a skin-to-skin connection between parent and baby that creates powerful attachment and connection without a single word.
Researchers are discovering a plethora of infant massage benefits even beyond baby growth and behavior. It may actually promote better sleeping; relieve colic symptoms; and even enhance an infant’s motor skills, intellectual development, and immune system.
Infant massage has proven to be exceptionally effective for preterm infants. In various scientific studies, preterm infants receiving regular massage gained significantly more weight and experienced increased bone density compared to untreated infants.
So how exactly do you reap all these benefits for your little one? Simply take a comfy blanket or towel and a massage oil you know your baby can tolerate. It’s worth testing the oil on a small spot on your baby’s skin to check for allergic reactions the day before the first massage. Grapeseed or sesame seed oil are commonly used. The best time to massage is when your baby is in a quiet, alert state. This is most common post-feeding or pre-nap time.
Sit on the floor with the soles of your feet touching in a diamond shape and drape a blanket over your feet. Now you can lay your baby down and cradle her head with your feet. Begin the massage section by section, spending less or more time in each area depending on the reaction of your child. For more information on infant massage, check out the International Loving Touch Foundation (www.lovingtouch.com) or the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami (www6.miami.edu/touch-research).