A general restlessness or irritability can keep baby from sleeping well, eating well, and can definitely interfere with the natural rhythm of your life. Actually, a rhythm is the first thing you should focus on, before you get to herbs and treatments. A regular, steady rhythm to your daily routine and normal life will help calm a lot of restlessness, in you and in your baby.
Creating a Rhythm
Try to set up a regular schedule for yourself and your baby.
Get up at the same time in the morning, eat meals at the same time every day, and create a little pattern that you follow. Sure, some days are going to vary, especially if you’re out and about, but you can control how things go when you’re at home. Don’t try to cram so much in. Give yourself a little space and breathing room to get things flowing on a regular schedule, and then you’ll know if you have room for more in your life.
Set up a regular sleep-time routine for your baby.
Go through the same routine for nap time and bed time; maybe cuddling, singing a song, reading a book. It doesn’t have to be long or complicated, but it does need to be consistent. Even the most active, energetic, adventurous babies (and toddlers, and children) like the security of knowing what comes next; and if you create a consistent routine and don’t vary from it, you’ll get less fussing and “arguing” from baby about when it’s time to sleep. Remember: you’re the parent. You need to be the one giving baby the cues about what’s best and what comes next, not the other way around.
Watch the stimulants…
…which may come in the form of what you eat (if you’re nursing) or what baby eats (sugar, carbs which convert to sugar quickly) or from social interaction, loud music, talking, and the like, or lots of unfamiliar places and experiences. New experiences are great, but you need to watch out for getting baby so wound up that it’s hard to come back down again. When those days happen, sticking to your consistent sleep-time routine will help a lot. Just use common sense in what you let baby experience, and when. It’s okay to say no.
Get outside with baby; fresh air, sunshine, movement, exploring.
Being out in nature is the kind of new experience that stimulates without straining. In bad weather, of course it’s more difficult; but even then you can bundle up when it’s cold and take a quick 5-minute walk, or stand under the porch in the rain and breathe in the fresh, clean, wet world. Getting outside and just being is calming, refreshing, relaxing, and restful.
Herbs for Restlessness
Lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, and catnip (or catmint) are the major players when it comes to relaxation for baby. There are some other herbs which have a stronger effect, but they’re used internally for adults, not for babies. You can get the herbs to baby in several ways.
Relaxing Herbal Tea
Combine chamomile, lemon balm, and catnip (1 teaspoon each) and pour hot water over. Let steep, covered, for about 10 minutes. Sweeten with a little sugar. Give 2 teaspoons by eyedropper for very young babies. For older babies, dilute half and half with water and let them have a bottle or sippy cup full. For toddlers, if you don’t make the tea extremely strong, they’ll drink it straight up (if it’s sweet enough).
Aromatherapy for Relaxation
Lavender is superb herb for aromatherapy. Use it in baby’s bath: first, make an infusion by steeping a handful of fresh or dried lavender flowers in almost-boiling water for about 10 minutes. Then strain it and add it to the bathwater. Or you can steam things up: put a few drops of lavender essential oil, or a handful of lavender flowers, in the bathroom sink, then cover with very hot water. Shut the door and sit in the bathroom with baby, breathing in the steam.
Topical Relaxing Treatments
If you’ve made
a simple moisturizing balm, you can add a few drops of lavender essential oil and use as usual. Or you could infuse your oil with chamomile, lemon balm, and/or catnip to get their benefits, then just use the balm as you normally would.
Massaging the balm or another oil into baby’s skin can also help with restlessness. Make sure the atmosphere is calm and quiet, and preferably dark. Keep a little hall light on, or light a candle (just don’t forget to blow it out). You could put on some soothing music or just let it be quiet. Lay baby down on a soft blanket, curl up, and get some balm on your finger tips. Rub balm into feet and hands, all over chest and belly, using slow, soft motions. Talk to baby, cuddle, and just be relaxed together. Make sure you don’t fall asleep before baby does…
Disclaimer:
I am not a medical professional or a certified herbalist. The information provided on this website and all related publications, whether print or digital, whether implied or explicit, are not intended to be taken as medical advice; it is for informational purposes. I assume no liability for what you choose to do with this information. You should always be cautious and use common sense, do research and consult professionals when it comes to medicine, both herbal and otherwise. Consult your medical care provider for professional health advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
Sources
Avila, Juan R. and Charles W. Fetrow. The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corporation, 2000.
Castleman, Michael. The New Healing Herbs. Rodale, 2009.
Duke, James A., Ph.D. The Green Pharmacy. New York: Rodale, 1997.
Houdret, Jessica. Practical Herb Garden. London: Hermes House, 2003.
Page, Linda, N.D., Ph.D. How to Be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist: Herbal Traditions, Expert Formulations. Healthy Healing Publications, 1991, 1997.
Wong, James. Grow Your Own Drugs: Easy Recipes for Natural Remedies and Beauty Fixes. London: Collins, 2009.
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