5 Home Remedies for Infant Colic in Traditional Medicine

Abdominal distension, commonly known as bloating, is a prevalent issue in infants, causing discomfort, fussiness, and sleep disturbances. Despite various medications available to alleviate bloating, many mothers prefer using Home Remedies for Infant Colic in Traditional Medicine due to their simplicity and effectiveness in treating infant bloating.

Why do infants experience bloating?

The digestive system of infants is immature and sensitive to various factors, leading to bloating and difficulty in digestion. Here are some common reasons:

1. Incomplete digestive enzymes: The digestive enzymes in infants are not fully developed, making digestion challenging and resulting in gas accumulation in the intestines.
2. Swallowing air: Infants may swallow air during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, especially if they feed too quickly or latch improperly.
3. Allergies or intolerance: Some infants may have allergies or intolerance to components in breast milk or formula, causing bloating and digestion difficulties.
4. Mother’s diet: If breastfeeding, foods consumed by the mother such as beans, cabbage, or broccoli can also affect the infant.

If you are breastfeeding, eating gas-causing foods like beans, cabbage, and broccoli can also affect your baby

Signs of infant bloating

Infants with bloating typically exhibit the following signs:

• Audible gurgling in the stomach or visibly distended abdomen.
• Increased fussiness, particularly in the evening.
• Arching the back or squirming, attempting to alleviate discomfort.
• Difficulty sleeping deeply and frequent waking.
• Excessive burping.

Traditional remedies for infant bloating

If your baby suffers from bloating, you can try the following traditional remedies:

1. Gentle abdominal massage: Massaging the baby’s abdomen clockwise can stimulate bowel movement, release excess gas, and reduce bloating. Research has shown that abdominal massage significantly improves bloating in infants (Johnson & McCracken, 1991).

Gently massage in a clockwise direction around your baby’s navel to help stimulate bowel movements, release excess gas and reduce bloating

1. Warm compress: Applying a warm compress or towel on the baby’s abdomen can relieve pain, relax abdominal muscles, and make the baby more comfortable.
2. Herbal remedies:
   • Ginger: Warm ginger water or gently massaging the baby’s abdomen with fresh ginger wrapped in cloth can help reduce cramping and bloating.
   • Baked onion: Wrapping baked onion in cloth and applying it to the baby’s abdomen can alleviate pain and provide mild antibacterial effects.
   • Essential oils: Some oils like peppermint or lavender can reduce bloating and promote relaxation. Dilute them with carrier oils like coconut or olive oil before gently massaging onto the baby’s abdomen.
3. Proper breastfeeding technique: Ensuring the baby latches correctly to avoid swallowing air is crucial. For bottle-fed babies, choose anti-colic bottles and feed in an upright position to prevent gas.

Considerations when using traditional remedies

Although traditional remedies for infant bloating are generally safe, consider the following:

• Consult a doctor before trying any remedy, especially if your baby has allergies or is on medication.
• Use remedies as directed and in appropriate dosages.
• Monitor your baby’s response carefully and stop if any adverse reactions occur.

When to seek medical attention:

Take your baby to a doctor if they exhibit the following signs:

• High fever.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Severely swollen and painful abdomen.
• Refusal to feed or play.
• No improvement with traditional remedies after a few days.

Home Remedies for Infant Colic in Traditional Medicine

To reduce bloating in infants, consider the following preventive measures:

• Exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months, as breast milk is easier to digest and provides antibodies that protect against infections.
• Burp your baby after each feeding.
• Keep feeding equipment clean.
• If using formula, choose a type suitable for your baby’s age and needs.
• Maintain a healthy diet if breastfeeding, limiting foods that cause bloating like beans, cabbage, and broccoli.

If your baby is formula-fed, choose the right formula for your baby’s age and needs

Conclusion

The article has provided information on traditional remedies for infant bloating and related knowledge. It is hoped that these insights will be helpful to you in managing infant bloating effectively.