Peppermint Water For Babies – Everything You Need To Know

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Peppermint is a medicinal herb known for its many health benefits and is available in different forms. It is safe to use peppermint water for babies when offered in the right amount. Mix the herb or peppermint oil in water and feed your baby a diluted version to alleviate the symptoms of different digestive problems.

This herbal home remedy has several healing properties and can help reduce gas-related heartburns and cool the stomach.

Read on to know more about the use of peppermint water for your little one, including its benefits and things to consider while using it.

More About Peppermint Water For Babies

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A single cup of peppermint water produces antispasmodic effects in the body. It can bring instant relief from extreme gas pain, infant reflux and heartburn. The leaves of peppermint contain methanol, which has a coolant effect. Methanol accelerates the flow of bile secretion and digestive juices in your baby’s body. Thus, the effect of the menthol present in the soothing beverage fights against stomach ache, soothes the irritated stomach muscles, reduces gas, colic and bloating in your baby.

Peppermint Water To Soothe Gas Pains In Babies

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Are you wondering if you should consider peppermint water for your infant with colic? The health of your baby could be compromised by the buildup of gas that can be extremely painful and cause discomfort to your baby. Your angel may experience severe abdominal pain, flatulence, or feel bloated. Doctors may prescribe certain medications to minimize the extreme tummy ache. But there are certain herbs to cure the gas pains.

Peppermint water can be used as a home remedy, as it has a soothing effect on gas pains in babies. You can add a few fresh peppermint leaves to a cup of boiling water and then strain the solution. Let the peppermint water cool. Taste the solution first. If it is bitter or even minimally strong for your throat (makes you gag, or cough, or opens your nasal passages), it is too concentrated. Dilute the solution with more water. Offer a small amount, around half to one teaspoon of the cold peppermint solution. If the solution brings instant relief from pain, and your baby may recover from the extreme stomach ache.

But it is always recommended to consult with your physician before feeding your baby such herbal solutions.

Expert says

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children may develop seizures, infections, and poisoning from herbal teas and traditional recipes (1).

Peppermint Water To Cure Stomach Disorders In Babies

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A small amount of peppermint water, nearly one or two drops is easy for your baby to ingest and is a calming drink. As the solution has antibacterial properties, it produces a numbing and calming effect that cools the upset infant stomach.

Infant wellness can be promoted by burping which provides relief from the build-up of gas. Some of the other natural remedies to soothe stomach disorders include gripe water which is also made from herbs, warm cloth to the belly while massaging, swaddling with a gentle rock and calming white noise. A warm bath can soothe the baby’s abdominal muscles, providing gastrointestinal relief.

Quick tip

Introducing a pacifier or laying your baby’s tummy down and rubbing their back may help relieve colic. Also, ensure you do not overfeed your baby, as that would cause discomfort (2).

Peppermint Water To Cure Irritable Bowel Syndrome In Babies

Peppermint water is an ancient herbal natural remedy to cure stomach ailments including irritable bowel syndrome. The diluted solution helps attain a healthy digestive system. It enhances bile flow leading to improved digestive health and healthy bowel activity in your baby’s system. Peppermint acts as a calming agent and relaxes the stomach and intestinal muscles and reduces stomach cramping.

Using A Peppermint Diffuser Near An Infant

To ensure the safety of babies and toddlers under 30 months old, it is not recommended to diffuse­ pure peppermint oil around them. Experts advise avoiding pe­ppermint oil in this age group to prevent potential health risks, such as seizure­s (3).

High concentrations of me­nthol from peppermint oil can cause symptoms such as dizzine­ss, confusion, muscle weakness, nause­a, and double vision. These symptoms can be particularly harmful to young children. If you intend to use peppermint oil around children over 30 months old, it should be done cautiously in a we­ll-ventilated room. You may utilize professional blends specifically formulated for children with small amounts of peppermint oil (4).

Points To Remember

• If your baby’s age is below five years, prevent an overdose of peppermint water. The methanol contained in the peppermint water can induce a risk of choking in your baby.
• Pure peppermint oil can be dangerous to infants or small babies if applied directly to their skin. So, avoid direct application of peppermint oil to your baby’s face or other body parts.
• If your infant suffers from colic, remember it is a short period of their life even if it seems like an eternity. Speak with your physician to see if there is an underlying issue and get your patience going.

Infographic: Health Benefits Of Peppermint For Babies

Parents need to ensure their infants are keeping healthy. Peppermint is an essential oil that they use to treat various health issues. Read this infographic to explore the multiple health benefits of using peppermint water for babies. Consult your child’s pediatrician if you notice any allergies.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

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Dr. Tashawna StokesMD

Dr. TaShawna Stokes is a mom to two beautiful daughters and currently practices in the Atlanta area. She received her undergraduate and medical degrees from Auburn University and The University of South Alabama. She completed her Pediatric Residency at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.

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• 
  Dr. Laila KaikavoosiMBBS, GP Dr. Laila Kaikavoosi graduated from King's College London Medical School in 1999. She completed her General Practice training in London and gained membership in the Royal College of General Practitioners in 2007. Dr. Kaikavoosi is a Diplomat of the Faculty of Reproductive and Sexual Health. She practiced and trained in teaching hospitals in the UK and USA.
  
  Dr. Laila Kaikavoosi graduated from King's College London Medical School in 1999. She completed her General Practice training in London and gained membership in the Royal College of General Practitioners in 2007. Dr. Kaikavoosi is a Diplomat of the Faculty of Reproductive and Sexual Health. She practiced and trained in teaching hospitals in the UK and USA.

Jessica AlbertBE

Jessica Albert is a passionate writer who seeks to connect with her readers through wit and charm. Her work aims to invoke curiosity and keep the readers engaged through and through. She has two years of experience working with magazines and e-commerce establishments as a content marketer and editor.

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Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA

Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

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Vidya did her post-graduation in Biotechnology from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Her interest in scientific research and writing made her pursue a career in writing, in which she now has over five years of experience. She has done certified biotechnology-related training programs under renowned organizations such as Centre For Cellular & Molecular Biology and Department of Biotechnology.

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