3 baby wellness tips every new parent wishes they knew

Caring for a newborn can be a challenging (yet rewarding) time - every baby is unique, and you'll adapt your parenting style to suit them. And at the end of the day, we want them to grow up healthy, happy and resilient. Here's some holistic tips to support them (and you!) on your way.

Tough times with colic?

Around 3-4 weeks of age is when colic starts - inconsolable crying is the most noticeable symptom. Tight tummy muscles, bloating and lifting the knees to the chest are other signs. The cause isn’t 100% known but an immature digestive system is a leading theory and microbiome imbalance may also play a part.

Simple ways to support a colicky baby:

• Explore holistic colic support
• For formula-fed babies, changing to a different infant formula can help
• Colic with breast milk? Studies show a low FODMAP diet for mum helps- read more about following a low FODMAP diet.
• Plant extracts also offer support – see below

If you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to have guidance from a nutritionist before making major diet changes.

1. Go easy on yourself

Caring for a colicky little one can be stressful. Regardless of how much you love your (noisy) little bundle of joy, remember that frustration is a natural response – make sure you prioritise your mental and emotional health - try these 6 ways to stay balanced and look after yourself.

If you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to have guidance from a nutritionist before making major diet changes.

Colic drops – Harker Herbals Wind Calm & Settle

Herbal extracts offer excellent support to soothe tummies and calm nerves. Ever wondered which colic drops are best? This combination of four herbs includes Chamomile and Lemon Balm to support settled digestion and relax the nervous system – for comfortable little tummies that settle easily into sleep. Suitable for newborns onwards, you can tailor the dose according to age.

2. Baby probiotics for healthy digestion

Babies tend to have sensitive digestion, and a balanced microbiome is key for whole-body health - especially digestive health and a comfy tummy. Probiotics are a great option to support a balanced microbiome and can be given to newborns. Research shows Baby’s Probiotics support colic too. Whether bub needs extra support for regular bowel motions, bloating or baby digestive discomfort, infant probiotics are the first thing I recommend as a Naturopath.

Giving baby probiotics

• Try placing probiotic powder directly on the tongue
• Mix into a small amount of breastmilk or formula
• Place on the nipple or teat before feeding

Probiotics for baby – Inner Health Baby & Kids

This probiotic powder is suitable from birth and offers 10 billion live bacteria per 1 gram dose. Inner Health is a leading brand for quality probiotics and use research-based strains in their formulas. If you’re looking to support baby‘s bowel regularity, tummy comfort or bloating, this can be given once per day. This mild tasting powder suits older kids too- the dose can be increased to twice per day during and after antibiotic use and during ills and chills.

3. Taking care of baby's immune system, naturally

Babies immune systems continue to mature after birth so it’s important to protect them from exposure to immune threats wherever possible.

With each new bug they encounter, their immune system develops and makes antibodies for future defenses – it’s like immune training. Baby’s Immune Support from an early age can help their immune system thrive during this ‘immune training’ period.

Baby immune tips

• Make sure they get enough sleep – it's linked with better immune function – read more about getting your little ones to sleep
• Baby's Probiotic's can help support immune function
• Remember to wash your hands regularly – lots of bugs can spread through touch

Ills and chills support – Kiwiherb Organic De-Stuff for Kids

It’s earned a huge fan base among parents – and for good reason. This herbal liquid has Echinacea to support a robust immune response, and Elderflower and Ribwort to support respiratory comfort. It’s designed to support nasal congestion,easy breathing and a soothed throat. Suitable for newborns, De-Stuff is formulated to taste great and the dropper bottle makes dosing a breeze.

Helping your baby thrive through their early life can be easily managed when you’ve got holistic baby wellness tips and Baby Supplements formulated especially for little ones.