The traditional belief in treating a baby's flu with shallots has not been medically proven effective, so parents should prioritize safe care and ensure the baby's comfort, including using diapers that remain dry like MAKUKU Dry Care diapers to keep the baby comfortable while resting.
Flu in babies often worries Moms, especially when the little one becomes fussy due to a stuffy nose. One traditional method that is often trusted is treating a baby's flu with shallots. This method is quite popular in many families as it is believed to help relieve the baby's breathing.
However, is that method truly safe and medically effective? Before trying various ways to treat a baby's flu, it's better for Moms to first understand the causes, the facts about using shallots, and safer ways to help the Little One feel more comfortable.
Causes of Flu and Nasal Congestion in Babies
Flu in babies usually occurs due to a viral infection that attacks the respiratory tract. The developing immune system of babies makes them more susceptible to colds or nasal congestion. Some of the most common causes of flu in babies include:
1. Virus Infection
Most colds in babies are caused by viruses, such as rhinovirus. These viruses are easily transmitted through the air or contact with someone who is sick. When the virus enters the body, the baby's respiratory tract will produce more mucus, causing a stuffy nose.
2. The Developing Immune System of Babies
In the first year of life, a baby's immune system is still learning to recognize various germs. Therefore, babies are more susceptible to colds compared to older children.
3. Environmental Exposure
Cold air, dust, cigarette smoke, or pollution can also make a baby's nose more easily congested. This condition often makes the baby appear as if they have a cold.
Why Is Red Onion Believed to Relieve Baby's Flu?
In many families, shallots are often used as a traditional remedy for various health complaints, including colds in babies. There are several reasons why this method is believed to help relieve nasal congestion.
1. Contains Natural Compounds
Shallots contain sulfur compounds and antioxidants that are believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, some people believe that shallots can help reduce inflammation in the body.
2. Providing a Warm Sensation
When shallots are applied or mixed with oil, a baby's skin usually feels warmer. This warm sensation is believed to help the baby feel more comfortable during a cold.
3. Ancestral Tradition
The use of shallots has also long been a part of home remedies in Indonesia. Many parents try this method because of previous family experiences.
Common Ways to Treat Baby Flu with Shallots
Although not necessarily medically proven, several methods of using shallots are often practiced by parents when a baby has a cold. Here are some popular methods.
1. Applied to Baby's Body
Shallots are usually crushed and then mixed with telon oil or coconut oil. This mixture is then applied to the baby's chest, back, or soles of the feet. The purpose is to provide warmth so that the baby feels more comfortable.
2. Placed Near the Bed
There are also those who place sliced red onions near the baby's bed. This method is believed to help clear the nose due to the strong aroma of the onions. However, caution is needed to ensure it is not too close to the baby.
3. Mixed with Massage Oil
Some parents use shallots as a mixture in baby massage oil. Gentle massages are believed to help the baby become more relaxed when having a cold.
Medical Facts About Using Red Onion for Flu in Babies
Moms need to know that until now there is no strong medical evidence showing that red onions can truly cure the flu in babies. The following points are important to understand.
1. Flu Caused by Virus
Flu in babies is usually caused by a virus, so it cannot be cured immediately with natural ingredients like shallots. Typically, the flu will improve on its own in a few days.
According to Mayo Clinic, most flu cases in infants can resolve on their own within about 7–10 days with simple home care, such as ensuring the baby gets enough fluids, cleaning the nose, and keeping the baby comfortable.
2. Risk of Skin Irritation
Baby's skin is very sensitive. If shallots are applied directly to the skin, there is a possibility of causing irritation or redness. Therefore, Moms need to be careful if they want to try it.
3. More Important to Maintain Baby's Comfort
Doctors usually recommend safer methods such as maintaining air humidity, clearing mucus from the baby's nose, and ensuring the baby gets enough rest and breast milk. If the flu lasts more than a few days or is accompanied by a high fever, it is advisable to consult a doctor immediately.
How to Prevent a Baby's Nose from Getting Easily Blocked
In addition to looking for ways to treat a baby's flu with shallots, prevention steps are also very important to ensure the little one does not easily experience a stuffy nose. Some things Moms can do include:
1. Maintaining Hand Hygiene
Flu viruses often spread through hands. Therefore, ensure that anyone who will hold the baby has washed their hands beforehand.
2. Avoiding Exposure to Smoke and Dust
A clean environment can help maintain the respiratory health of babies. Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, dust, or pollution around the Little One.
3. Maintaining Air Humidity
Air that is too dry can make a baby's nose more easily congested. Using a humidifier or maintaining air circulation in the house can help.
4. Providing Sufficient Breast Milk
Breast milk contains antibodies that help strengthen the baby's immune system, making them more resistant to infections.
Flu in babies is a fairly common condition because the Little One's immune system is still developing. Treating flu in babies with shallots is often traditionally believed, but it does not yet have strong medical evidence, so it should be done with caution.
Ensuring that your little one can rest peacefully is also a key factor in their recovery. To prevent their sleep from being disturbed by dampness, MAKUKU Dry Care Ensuring your little one can rest peacefully is also a key factor in their recovery. To prevent their sleep from being disturbed by dampness, MAKUKU Dry Care features 3 layers of air circulation that help keep the diaper moisture-free and dry. MAKUKU Dry Care is also designed to protect your little one's skin with maximum absorption for up to 12 hours.
FAQ
1. Can a baby be bathed when they have a fever?
Sure. As long as you use warm water and do it quickly to keep the baby comfortable.
2. Can the flu in babies heal without medication?
Most flu in babies can heal on its own within a few days because it is caused by a virus.
3. Does a humidifier help a baby with a stuffy nose?
Humidifiers can help maintain air humidity so that mucus in the baby's nose can be expelled more easily.
4. How long does the flu usually last in babies?
Flu in infants usually lasts around 7-10 days, depending on the baby's physical condition and immune system.
5. When should a baby with the flu be taken to the doctor?
If the baby experiences a high fever, difficulty breathing, refuses to nurse, or the flu lasts more than 10 days.
6. Can MAKUKU diapers be used overnight?
Yes. With high absorbency, MAKUKU diapers are designed to help keep babies dry for hours.
