Known as the “tummy teas” to help soothe an upset stomach, baby teas make a wonderful option to give your infant during colicky times.
Baby herbal teas such as fennel (the traditional drink) are suitable for infants at two weeks old and above, as this helps to ease digestive weakness, by helping to relieve wind as well as to help calm and relax. Its mildness, natural sweetness and gentle taste, has a slight pungent flavour similar to that of anise seed and licorice.
You can either buy baby tea in tea bags, powder form or even make it yourself. To make fennel tea, add one to two teaspoons of crushed fennel seeds in a cup of boiled water. Cover the cup for around 15 to 20 minutes to brew. Then strain the water into your baby’s bottle and let it cool before giving your infant the drink. Remember NOT to sweeten your baby’s tea as the sugar could damage his/her developing teeth. Apart from the fennel herb, other wonderful teas said to ease digestion are chamomile, caraway and dill.
Herbalist and nutritional consultant, Brigitte Mars also suggests a recipe for colicky babies using 2 parts catnip herb, 2 parts peppermint herb, 1 part fennel seeds and 1 part chamomile flower. Its recommended to help your baby sleep through the night.
Although known to enhance digestion and assimilation of food, always ensure to check the label as SOME baby teas only cater to ages 6 months and above. Tea is not a replacement to your baby’s milk feeds so best given in between meals. Lastly, ALWAYS consult your pediatrician.
Helpful resources:
www.babycentre.com
www.livestrong.com