Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) is a gentle and soothing herb with multiple health benefits for toddlers and babies. I highly recommend to always have some chamomile at home when you have young children to help relieve common ailments. Here are 5 simple ways to use chamomile for your baby's well-being:

RELIEVE COLIC, GAS AND DIGESTIVE PROBLEMS

At birth, the baby's digestive system is not fully developed yet. It is therefore common that during his first months of life, your baby experience digestive disorders such as colic, gas, bloating or constipation. Chamomile is effective to relieve these issues and promote digestion in children thanks to its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.

In case of colic:

From 3 weeks, add a teaspoon of chamomile hydrosol or two tablespoons of camomile tea in a small bottle of water and give it to your baby during the day. You can also associate it with fennel seeds tea.

In case of gas or bloating:

Give your baby 1 to 2 teaspoons of chamomile tea diluted with water after each meal.

In case of constipation:

From 4 weeks old, mix 1 tablespoon of chamomile hydrosol or two tablespoons of chamomile tea in a bottle of water. Have your baby drink it during the day.

From 6 months old: Dilute 1 drop of noble chamomile essential oil in a teaspoon of sweet almond oil and gently massage baby’s tummy.

SOOTHE SKIN IRRITATION

Chamomile helps soothe irritated skin, redness, itching and common skin conditions in infants. It has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties thanks to its rich concentration of flavonoids and is perfectly suited to the sensitive skin of babies. To soothe baby's skin, you can use chamomile in different forms: hydrosol, floral water, essential oil or herbal tea.

To calm the itching:

Pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of chamomile hydrosol into baby’s bath water. If you do not have a hydrosol, you can make a cup of chamomile tea and mix it with baby bath water.

To relieve irritation and redness:

Apply chamomile hydrosol or floral water to a sterilized compress. Apply it on the irritated area (previously cleaned and dried) 2 to 3 times a day. You can also put chamomile hydrosol and floral water in a spray bottle and apply to the irritated skin.

PROMOTE SLEEP AND REDUCE ANXIETY

All parents know it well: from your baby's birth, you are very unlikely to have an uninterrupted night. Although babies’ sleep cycles evolve over the months, sleep disorders are common among infants and can have various causes: anxiety, toothache, fear of darkness, nightmares, etc. ... Chamomile helps calm the nervous agitation in baby, relax and improve sleep quality.

Before putting baby to bed:

Give her a few teaspoons of chamomile tea diluted with a little water before bedtime.

You can also give her a relaxing massage with 1 drop of the essential oil of noble chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) diluted in a teaspoon of sweet almond oil. Not only will it help your little one relax and fall asleep serenely, but it will also strengthen your bond.

RELIEVE BABY’S TEETHING PAIN

Teething is often a difficult time for both baby and parents. It’s hard to see your little one in pain, becoming irritable, without being able to do anything to calm him down. Chamomile is a gentle and effective natural alternative to relieve the pain, discomfort and irritability associated with baby teething. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, soothing and analgesic properties, it helps reduce the gums pain and inflammation, and relax baby.

To soothe teething pain:

Put chamomile hydrosol in the fridge then apply it on a sterilized compress. Massage the gums and the inside of the cheeks with the soaked compress 2 to 3 times a day.

You can also put chamomile hydrosol in a spray bottle and apply it in your baby's mouth 3 times a day.

CALM EYE IRRITATION

Chamomile can be used in infants with conjunctivitis and eye irritation. It is effective in decongesting the eyes and calming inflammation of the conjunctivitis that causes itchy eyes. Its use is very simple and safe for babies. Just clean the eyes several times a day with chamomile tea, and after a few days, conjunctival symptoms and eye irritation will fade.

To soothe conjunctivitis:

Apply cooled chamomile tea on a compress. Clean the baby's eyes with the soaked compress by emphasizing the corners of the eyes and eyelashes. Soak a new compress of chamomile tea and apply it gently on the eyelids for 1 to 2 minutes. Repeat 4 to 5 times a day (or more) to help fight off the infection.