As GPs in the UK are no longer able to prescribe for colic, having alternative options to hand can save your child a lot of discomfort and gain you both some better sleep. Cradle cap is a condition that often affects parent more than child, but homeopathic help is available there too.
Colic
Before thinking about remedies, if you’re breastfeeding, first address some possible allergens in your own diet that may be affecting your child’s digestion. The main culprits are dairy, gluten, cabbage, broccoli, onions, garlic and spices. Withdraw them from your diet and see how your child responds. If you’re bottle feeding, consider moving to soya, goat or sheep’s milk formulas.
If these measures haven’t altered the picture, look at the following remedies and match the one that most closely resembles your child’s situation:
Chamomillla - for inconsolably angry babies who kick out in pain and are only temporarily helped by being carried and rocked. They may have green stools and be teething.
Colocynthis - for babies who pull their knees into their chests or who want to have the soft of their belly over your shoulder as their pain eases with pressure.
Dioscorea - for babies who stretch backwards with their pain.
Magnesium Phosphorica - this baby’s colic will respond well to massage and warmth. They will curl their legs up as they did in the womb.
Pulsatilla - for whiny, tearful babies who can’t be put down. They may have constipation then diarrhoea and back again.
Cradle cap
Cradle cap is formed by an overproduction of sebum over the scalp. If your child’s cradle cap needs some attention, rub your baby’s head generously with either almond or olive oil at night. In the morning, comb the hair gently to remove the softened scales. The scales can also then be removed with a gentle shampoo. Try to resist the temptation to pick the scales off to prevent infection forming. If the scalp appears itchy or sore, use Calendula or Hypercal cream topically.
Severe cradle cap would require support from a professional homeopath.
I hope this is helpful and if you’d like to find out more, please get in touch.
