Natural remedies for insomnia and sleeplessness in adults could include herbs such as valerian root and kava kava. However, many of these are not considered safe for infants and children. In addition to some basic steps, there are a few natural alternatives that are generally recognized as safe that you may want to consider. Always consult your health care practitioner before trying natural therapies, especially with infants.
Schedules
As a rule of thumb, try to maintain a regular eating and sleeping routine with your infant. Set feeding times throughout the day and stick to them. Follow a consistent nap and nighttime sleep schedule. According to KidsHealth.org it is important to establish a routine as soon as possible after birth. Although it may be difficult at first, with a regular schedule, infants can sleep five or six hours through the night in as soon as three months. If your baby cries excessively or for extended periods of time, it may indicate a medical condition such as colic. Talk to your pediatrician if you are having difficulty establishing or following a regular routine.
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Aromatherapy
Sometimes a soothing scent is enough to help a baby fall asleep. Aromatherapy uses essential botanical oils to help soothe and relax the body and mind. It is generally considered safe for both adults and children 3 months or older. Plants such as lavender, vanilla and orange are particularly soothing for babies, suggests Bellevue Massage Therapy. Although essential oils are commonly used in adult massage, do not use the oils directly on infant skin. Instead try a room diffuser. Place three to four drops of oil in water in the diffuser and warm for 20 to 30 minutes in the baby's room.
Herbs
Herbs often come to mind when thinking of natural remedies. German chamomile and lemon balm are natural herbs that are considered safe for consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The leaves and flowers can be added to a warm bath, or made into a tea and added to a baby's bottle. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends no more than half a cup of tea for children under the age of 5. Be sure and talk to your medical doctor before trying herbal remedies.
Homeopathy
Homeopathic remedies are highly diluted substances that are generally considered safe for infants, as they have no known adverse effects. They are believed to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities. There have been many studies done on homeopathy, some of them involving infants and children, with favorable results. The remedies commonly used for sleeplessness in both adults and infants include: chamomila, for children who have difficulty relaxing and falling asleep; arnica for children who are overly tired; and arsenicum album, for children who are sleepy during the day, but cannot sleep at night. Consult your health care provider before trying homeopathic medicine.
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