In association with Nelsons, natural care since 1860
Don’t be caught out this summer, stock up on some natural essential remedies for your children’s minor ailments at home and abroad.
Summer is the season of cuts, bites, grazes, stings and even summer colds. Whether you are staying in Ireland or travelling abroad, it is vital to ensure your child is protected from the sun. Parents are putting natural sunscreens, homeopathic remedies and creams top of their first aid kit list. Not only are they highly effective, they are also safe, side-effect free, and gentle on babies and kids delicate skin so once you’ve cleaned out the cabinet, re-stock with some natural essentials to ensure that you are prepared for any minor emergencies at home and abroad.
Sun Care
Before letting your baby or young child out in the sun apply a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) such as Parasol Kids 25+ One Application a Day Suncare. Ensure that it screens both UVA and UVB rays to prevent sunburn. Re-apply every 2 hours especially if they are swimming. Hats protect the face, ears and neck but if your child gets sunburned try Nelsons Burns Cream which will cool and calm the skin.
Bumps & Falls
Your first aid kit should contain all the essentials for bruising, cuts, grazes and insect bites:
Arnica Montana is an excellent homeopathic remedy for bruising. In its cream form it helps minimise the appearance of bruises and should be applied to the shocked area of the skin after a bump or fall (provided the skin isn’t broken). The new Nelsons Arnicare Arnica Kids Stick is tinted green and specially formulated for children’s delicate skin, it’s the fun way to apply arnica following a bump or fall.
Tea tree cream such as Nelsons Tea Tree Cream is an excellent natural antiseptic and anti fungal cream which can be used for cuts and fungal infections. It is recommended that you wash and clean cuts and grazes with warm water before applying an antiseptic cream and plaster.
Nelsons Hypercal Cream contains calendula to heal and hypercium to help relieve the pain associated with cuts and grazes.
Baby Blues
Particularly when travelling it is a good idea to keep a good stock of essentials for your baby. If your baby is teething a teething gel such as Nelsons Teetha Gel will help soothe your baby’s sore, tender gums. A good nappy rash cream such as Nelsons Smootha is a must have. This dual action cream works naturally to moisturise and protect skin prone to nappy rash. If your baby has sore inflamed and cracked skin around the nappy area use a gentle alcohol free baby wipe when nappy changing. Earth Friendly Baby Eco Baby Wipes contain organic chamomile and calendula to gently cleanse and soothe your baby’s delicate skin. They are also 100% biodegradable so they help look after the environment too.
Sickness
Travel sickness is common amongst young children so be prepared. Nelsons Travella contains a selection of homeopathic remedies, specifically combined to bring soothing relief from the unpleasant symptoms associated with travel sickness and it is non-drowsy so your child can fully enjoy the journey.
If your child experiences vomiting or diarrhoea it is vital that you rehydrate them with small regular drinks of water. Rehydration powder contains glucose and salts that you mix with water to replace lost fluids. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
Allergies
Hayfever is common in children and adults especially at this time of year. If your child is affected, try antihistamines (always check the label for the child dosage), and keep her indoors on hot, breezy days. For a natural alternative try Nelsons Pollenna which works by stimulating the body’s own natural healing processes to provide effective relief from the symptoms of hayfever and it’s non-drowsy so is safe to use for the whole family. Pets and dust mites may also be contributing to the problem, so keep animals away, enclose your child’s mattress with a plastic cover and treat carpets and surfaces for dust mites.
