Boiled Onion Water For Baby Colic -3 Powerful Benefits to Soothe Your Little One

Deciding when and how to introduce solid foods to your child can sometimes feel overwhelming or perplexing. Fortunately, incorporating boiled onion water for baby colic can be a straightforward process.

However, it’s important to consider whether onion water can effectively address your baby’s colic. Colic is defined by a baby crying intensely for more than three hours a day, on more than three days a week, for over three weeks, without any apparent illness or hunger

Although there is some uncertainty around the illness, scientists do agree on the following:

• Colic is likely to begin at 2 weeks of age if your baby is full-term or later if they were delivered prematurely.

• By 3 or 4 months of age, it usually generally fades away on its own.

• No matter what your baby’s sex, birth order, or method of feeding is, it can still occur.

• Colic-affected children develop in the same way as other children.

Colic Symptoms

Colic typically first manifests itself in the first two to four weeks of life. Then it peaks between six and eight weeks of age. 

Until the late afternoon or early evening, the baby usually appears to be content. Some signs are:

• The infant may pull up its legs, indicating stomach aches, as well as frowning and grimacing.

• Loud, protracted screaming fits

• The baby recovers without any lasting effects from the ordeal.

• Loud tummy rumblings 

• The baby cannot be comforted

• The crying lasts for three hours or more

• The baby passes wind or feces (poo) around the time the crying stops, which may be coincidental.

The Origin Of Colic

The cause of colic has been extensively studied, yet it is still unclear. There are a lot of ideas, however, some infants still experience colic even when no obvious causes are apparent. Popular hypotheses contain:

1. Maternal Diet

A breastfed child who consumes particular foods from the mother’s diet may exhibit food allergy or intolerance signs.

Certain items consumed by the mother, such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, chocolate, onions, and cow’s milk, have been proven to increase the risk of colic attacks in her breastfed child, according to certain research.

Because the baby’s body can’t effectively eliminate itself from these drugs, caffeine, and nicotine found in breast milk have been related to infant irritability.

2. Feeling Of Fullness

Babies may respond to new symptoms of gas or fullness by misinterpreting them as painful or worrisome. Infants may need a few months to get used to life outside the womb due to their general immaturity.

The National Library Of Medicine talks more about the origin of colic here.

When Can You Add Onions?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that there is no ideal order to introduce different types of solids. Onions may be a top contender for your child’s first solid food due to their firm texture and powerful flavor.

When babies start eating solids, starting at roughly 6 months old, onions can be given to them without any harm. The following are indications that a child is ready for solid foods, per the AAP:

1. Keeping Their Head Up

As food approaches, they open their lips and move food from a spoon into their throat. This roughly doubles their birth weight to 13 pounds.

You might think about introducing cooked onions to your child when they exhibit these signs.

2. Perks Of Onions For Infants

For people of all ages, including infants, onions are a nutritious food. As well as fiber and prebiotics, which aid in digestion, onions are a rich source of nutrients that are good for infants. 

About 1 gram of fiber can be found in one small onion. When compared to a baby’s daily requirement of merely 5 grams of this nutrient, this may not seem like much.

With 5 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C per small onion, onions are also a substantial source of this vitamin. (This amounts to approximately 10% of the 50 mg trusted Source recommended daily dosage for infants 7 to 12 months old.)

The body of your child can produce collagen, fight off harmful free radicals, and maintain immunity with enough vitamin C. Onions also include potassium, vitamin B6, and folate in lower levels.

Your infant won’t consume even one small onion every day but in addition to their nutritional advantages, onions have the advantage of flavoring infant food naturally and without the use of artificial flavors or salt.

Boiled Onion Water For Baby Colic

Enjoying raw onions is a rare trait, whether you’re an adult or a child. It’s unlikely that your infant will be attracted to the flavor and texture of raw onions, much like how you wouldn’t eat an apple like a Vidalia onion.

To introduce onions to your child, a good starting point is to include them in cooked dishes, such as vegetable purees. If your child is already accustomed to solid foods, you might consider incorporating onions into dishes like meatballs, casseroles, or omelets.

If you choose to give your child onions on their own, it’s important to boil them and cut them into manageable pieces. Raw and hard vegetable chunks pose a choking hazard for infants until they reach 12 months of age, as advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For a more appealing taste, try roasting or pan-sautéing onions with a touch of olive oil. This cooking method can enhance their natural sweetness, increasing the chances of your youngster enjoying them.

Colic Remedy: Onion Water

The internet has provided us with unique uses for onions and one purported treatment for infant colic is to cook onion in water, then pour the sour, cooled “tea” into the infant’s bottle.

If something seems too good to be true, it most likely is. There is no scientific proof to support the efficacy of onion water and onion tea, despite their promotion as remedies for colic and upset stomachs in infants.

Furthermore, no “tea” should be consumed by neonates. Other than breast milk or formula, babies under 1-year-old shouldn’t be given fluids.

Dental Work And Onions

Teething can be a challenging phase when your baby becomes extra fussy and drools excessively. Along with the advice you may come across regarding onions and colic, you might also encounter suggestions of using onions to alleviate teething discomfort in newborns.

According to some proponents, offering a frozen piece of green onion or even raw white onion to chew on can help alleviate your child’s fussiness.

But can onions treat teething? While babies who are teething may find the cooling sensation of anything frozen soothing, there is little scientific evidence to support the notion that onions specifically relieve gum discomfort during this time. Most claims about the benefits of onions for teething relief are based on personal anecdotes.

However, it is completely acceptable to include onions in your child’s diet while they are teething. Cooked onions can be added to their food as usual, as they are safe to eat.

It’s important to note that babies may occasionally refuse to eat onions during the teething period. It is common for their appetites to decrease and the amount of food they consume to be reduced during this time.

Safety Measures And Allergens

There may be various reasons that make you hesitant about introducing onions to your child, including concerns about food allergies and their strong flavor.

While onions are not commonly associated with food allergies, it’s important to remember that infants can develop allergies to any food. When introducing onions to your child, it’s advisable to start with small amounts and closely observe for any potential negative reactions.

Another potential downside of giving onions to infants is the possibility of increased flatulence. However, there is a simple remedy to reduce the chances of your child experiencing discomfort after consuming onion-based dishes.

Opting for cooked onions rather than raw ones can be gentler on their stomachs and more appealing to infants.

The Official Guidance On When Infants Can Consume Onions

From approximately six months of age, you can begin incorporating meals containing onions into your infant’s diet. This includes various types of onions such as red, white, and spring onions.

It’s important to wait until your baby is around six months old before introducing solid foods, as younger infants may not have developed the necessary skills to sit up and swallow properly.

As a general guideline, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider before introducing solid foods to your infant if you are considering doing so before the age of six months.

How To Start Your Kid Eating Onions

Due to their strong flavor, onions may not be the ideal choice as one of the first foods for your baby. It’s generally recommended to start with milder-tasting fruits and vegetables when introducing solids, whether in pureed form or as soft finger foods.

Once your baby has become comfortable with eating solids, there are no major safety concerns in offering them foods containing onions. However, it’s important to note that they might not particularly enjoy the taste of raw onions. Instead, incorporating cooked onions into family meals can be a more appealing option.

Below are some recipe ideas for inspiration. If you’re using purees to feed your baby, you can also add cooked onions to purees of other vegetables, meat, or fish to help familiarize them with the flavor.

Keep in mind that it’s normal for newborns to take some time to adjust to new flavors, especially strong ones like onions. Your baby may need to be exposed to a new food up to ten times before developing a preference for it.

Remember, every child is different, so don’t be discouraged if your baby doesn’t immediately take onions. Patience and persistence are key in establishing their taste preferences.

Best Practices For Chopping And Frying Onions

Prepare yourself first. Before chopping the onion, place it in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent it from irritating your eyes.

You should slice an onion into small pieces before using it in your favorite recipe because large onion rings may be difficult for your baby to handle.

The simplest way to prepare onions is to lightly sauté them in butter or oil over medium-low heat. This will aid in their caramelization and bring out the sweetness that newborns adore in them naturally.

Onions can also be grilled, boiled, or baked whole before being chopped if that’s what you prefer.

Will Onions Make My Infant Nauseous?

It may work. One of the meals that can give people of any age gas or wind is onions, especially raw onions.

Although it varies greatly from person to person, if you notice that your infant is extremely gassy and uneasy after eating onions, you might wish to wait a while before introducing them again.

Could My Infant Have An Allergy To Onions?

The occurrence of onion allergies is extremely rare, making it highly unlikely for infants to develop such an allergy. However, in rare cases, an allergic reaction to onions can manifest as hives or a rash on the body. It can also lead to swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, along with symptoms like nausea and vomiting.

If you notice these symptoms in your infant after giving them onions, it is important to consult your doctor for further evaluation and guidance. Although anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, is highly uncommon, it can be triggered by onions.

If your infant experiences difficulty breathing or loses consciousness, it is crucial to call 911 immediately to request an ambulance. Inform the operator that you suspect your infant may be experiencing anaphylaxis.

It’s always better to seek medical attention and follow the advice of healthcare professionals in the event of any concerning symptoms or potential allergic reactions.

Does Onion Water Work For Colic?

There is an old wives’ tale that suggests boiling an onion in water, allowing it to cool, and then giving the resulting onion water to infants as a remedy for colic or stomach issues. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of this method. Onions can potentially cause gas in certain infants, leading to increased fussiness.

Experts advise that when it comes to feeding infants, the only suitable liquids to be given in a bottle are water, breast milk, or infant formula. These options provide the necessary nutrients and hydration for infants, while onion water does not offer any proven benefits and may even have adverse effects.

It is always important to rely on evidence-based practices and consult with healthcare professionals for appropriate guidance on infant feeding and addressing colic or stomach issues.

Can Spring Onions Aid In Toothache?

There is a well-known urban legend that suggests giving infants chilled spring onions to chew on as a remedy for teething discomfort. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim.

In reality, the relief experienced by infants is more likely due to the soothing sensation of anything cold on their gums, rather than the specific use of onions. Cold items like cucumber sticks, apple slices, or carrot sticks can be preferable for babies over six months old due to their milder flavor and softer texture.

It’s important to note that unless recommended by a doctor, infants under six months old should not be given food to chew on at all.

Instead, you can provide alternative options such as teething rings, your clean finger, or a cool and sanitized towel for them to gnaw on.

The advantages of onions for infant health are:

A fantastically healthy food, onions contain:

• nutrients B6 (pyridoxine – for using and storing energy from foods and forming hemoglobin)

• C vitamin (ascorbic acid – for protecting cells, healthy skin, and wound healing)

• E vitamin (for strengthening the immune system and healthy skin and eyes)

• potassium (for decreasing blood pressure) (for lowering blood pressure)

• iron (for fighting anemia and low energy) (for combating anemia and low energy)

• fiber (for healthy digestion) (for healthy digestion)

• folate (for healthy red blood cells and avoiding anemia) (for healthy red blood cells and avoiding anemia)

Finally

Onions can indeed be a delightful and nutritious addition to your baby’s diet, thanks to their savory and aromatic flavor as well as numerous health benefits. However, it’s important to serve them in a cooked form rather than raw, and in small, manageable pieces to prevent gas and reduce the risk of choking.

It’s completely normal if your picky eater initially rejects onions. By continuously offering onions in various preparations, you increase the likelihood of them eventually developing a taste for them. And who knows your guests may even notice the charming baby onion breath and smile when you serve dishes featuring onions.

Remember, introducing new foods to your baby’s diet should be done gradually and with patience. Each child has their preferences and tastes development timeline, so persistence and variety in offering onions can help in cultivating their acceptance over time.