Strengthen your Baby's Lungs Naturally

Every Mom knows all to well the almost obsessive habit of checking your baby's breathing. Whether it be in the middle of the night or during your baby's first cold, those precious breaths seem to matter more than your very own.

Our Little Bear was born during cold season and unfortunately got Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) within his first few months of life.  This meant he was introduced to a nebulizer and steroids early on.  As a first time mom, all I wanted was for my baby to be well and clear up that crunchy, congested breathing. We followed the prescribed regiment and within a week he was well. 

Once our routine stabilized again, the granola mom in me surfaced. His doctor had explained that babies who contract RSV are often prone to recurrent broncholitis and the treatment, of course, would be to resume use of the nebulizer and steroids.  A sick baby is hard on any mom, and for me, the thought of recurrent steroid use for Little Bear's lungs just did not sit well. So I did what I do and dove straight into my next researching binge. 

What could I do to naturally strengthen my baby's lungs and help prevent or treat any congestion or broncholitis and reduce future risk of asthma?

I found some good simple solutions. No medications needed, all they involved was adding some key ingredients to our Little Bear's plate. These were the top three ingredients we chose to integrate. 

1. Vitamin C
According to the National Center of Biotechnology Information, people with asthma are usually deficient in vitamin C.  Increasing one's intake of vitamin C can reduce the number of attacks and or prevent and/or treat asthma. Vitamin C can be easily increased in your baby's diet by adding lemon to purees or water, choosing orange juice, eating foods high in vitamin C (broccoli, berries, citrus fruits, etc.), or adding a multivitamin with Vitamin C to your baby's daily diet.

2. Ginger
Top 10 Home Remedies highlighted, "the anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties present in ginger help relieve irritated, inflamed and swollen bronchial tubes."  I just mix a little ginger in with Little Bear's apple juice. It's actually delicious! When I'm feeling fancy, I also throw in some cinnamon (it helps fight common colds, is sweet, and safe for babies - no sugar). But, be careful not to add too much seasoning. Babies are much more sensitive to spices and if its too evident, they will reject it. You can also add ginger to applesauce or carrots. It's truly yummy! 

3.  Turmeric
I guarantee I will soon be dedicating an entire post to this bad boy. Turmeric, in our household, is regularly referred to as the "elixir of life."  One of its many, many qualities is its ability to effectively resolve inflammation. We mix a small amount of turmeric in Little Bear's "orange vegetables," (sweet potatoes or carrots). It tastes great. Countries like India introduce spices into their children's diets prior to year one of age (not salt or sugar, of course), and turmeric is one of their first. 

What is better than using food to cure baby?

We have been practicing these habits along with the regular use of eucalyptus oil and regular hydration since our first illness. At our nine month, check up the doctor was very impressed that Little Bear hadn't been sick more often.  I, of course, attribute these gems as mentioned above. 

More Coconut Oil Please

Trader Joe's Coconut Oil

The use of coconut oil has been on the rise over the last few years, which makes perfect sense considering all of its wonderful qualities. It's aides in digestion, builds immunity, treats skin conditions and it's an oil with nutritional qualities. As if that's not enough to make you want to run out and buy some, coconut oil has so many amazing uses for new mommy and baby. It's natural, affordable and versatile. Here are just a few of the ways I use it regularly with my Little Bear.

1. Nipple Cream

Skip those expensive pharmacy products and go straight to the kitchen. Coconut oil does the job of helping ease the pain and assist in the healing process of dry and cracked nipples. It's naturally high in vitamin E and it is safe to ingest. Meaning, if your Little Bear gets a taste, you know he or she is just getting and early introduction to a super food as oppose to toxic or synthetic ingredients.

2. Diaper Cream

Forget the petroleum based products. Don't get me wrong, they can be great but are generally pretty pricey. And remember, baby powder is no longer recommended for use on babies (they should reconsider rebranding now, don't you think?). Go straight for the coconut oil. It smells divine, is gentle enough for allergenic babies, and keeps their little booty protected and baby soft. Plus it washes out well from cloth diapers. My Little Bear has never had a diaper rash and I certainly credit the coconut oil.  

3. Hair Oil

My Little Bear was born with a full head of curly hair. I hated the idea of introducing products to his baby head, but found that his curls needed a little love and support. After use of baby shampoo, I simply comb in a little oil and viola! It holds his curls very nicely. It also serves a double purposes by keeping his scalp hydrated preventing and/or treating cradle cap. As an additional side, it works just as effectively on eczema. I mean, it a natural product that just keeps on giving. 

My Little Bear's coconut oil styling. 

There are of course so many more uses, but these three have been my go to constistently since Little Bear's Birth. I personally buy my coconut oil from Trader Joes. It's a 16 fluid oz jar of organic oil for just over $5.00. It's a great steal and it allows me to support a business I truly love. 

We would love to hear your uses for coconut oil as well.