Dill water for newborns is a remedy that has saved your tummy from tummy colic for centuries. Parents have been preparing this soothing drink themselves, and it is also available in ready-made forms or as tea. This article explores how to make your own dill water and useful tips on how to administer it to your baby.
New parents often face tummy troubles, sleepless nights, and constant crying from their newborns. These experiences are completely normal as babies adapt to their new world. As their gut learns to function independently, the development of gut microflora can lead to increased gas production, resulting in discomfort for the little ones.
Fortunately, experienced mothers have long known that dill water can help alleviate these unpleasant sensations. In the past, dill water was commonly prepared at home, but today, it can also be found in pharmacies in granulated tea or ready-made form. If you wish to have complete control over the ingredients, making your own dill water is a simple process that involves using the seeds or flowering plants from the dill herb.
Dill Water for Newborns: The Recipe
The recipe for making dill water for newborns is straightforward:
- Pour a teaspoon of shredded fennel blooms over a glass (200ml) of hot water and let it simmer in a water bath for 40 minutes.
- Once ready, strain the brew into a bottle.
- Allow it to cool to room temperature before serving.
Fennel also offers similar calming properties, making it a good alternative for colic relief. To prepare fennel water, follow these steps:
- Take a teaspoon of fennel seeds and combine with a glass (200ml) of boiling water.
- Let the mixture steep for 1 to 1.5 hours, then strain through gauze.
- Allow it to cool before offering it to your baby.
Always remember to check the temperature of the drink before giving it to your baby. A drop of the liquid on your wrist can help ensure it is lukewarm and safe.
Dill Water for Newborns: Dosing Guidelines
Pediatricians and neonatologists recommend dividing the daily dose into four to five smaller servings since newborns cannot consume large amounts of liquid at once. Generally, 200ml is considered a suitable daily dose.
Since infants spend a lot of time sleeping and feeding, it is better to offer them dill water gradually. Instead of giving them a third of their daily allowance at once, offer a teaspoon of water between feedings to help keep them comfortable.
In the early weeks of life, many mothers find that their newborns cannot drink from a spoon easily. It's best to pour the water into a feeder bottle to monitor how much the baby drinks.
New parents may wonder, "At what age can I start giving my baby dill water?" The good news is you can start introducing it as early as the first few weeks of life. Begin with a very small amount, soaking a sponge with a drop of dill water. If there are no adverse reactions, gradually increase the amount to one teaspoon.
Always observe your baby's condition closely. If you feel that the dill water is not providing the desired relief, consult a healthcare professional rather than increasing the dosage on your own.
Source: Legit.ng