Timeless Tips from
a Mother's Mother
Grandmothers always know best, don’t they? Discover comforting remedies, gentle rituals, and baby care wisdom passed down through generations — still relevant, still effective.
1. Home Remedies for Colic & Gas
Ajwain water:
Boil a pinch of carom seeds in water, strain, and give a spoonful only after 6 months) to relieve gas and bloating.
Hing paste on the tummy:
Mix asafoetida (hing) with warm water and apply around the navel to soothe colic.
Warm towel compress:
A light compress on the tummy can help ease discomfort caused by trapped gas.
Bicycle leg exercise:
Move baby’s legs in a cycling motion to release gas gently.
Burp rituals:
Grandma always insisted on burping the baby after every feed — no matter how short.
2. Baby Massage Traditions
Coconut or mustard oil massage:
Depending on the weather, use warm coconut oil (summer) or mustard oil (winter) to strengthen bones and improve circulation.
Pre-bath massage ritual:
Massage the baby every morning before bath to promote better sleep and digestion.
Gentle upward strokes:
Grandmas believe upward strokes on arms and legs help stimulate muscle development.
A touch of turmeric:
Some grandmas add a tiny pinch of haldi or turmeric in oil to keep the skin soft and infection-free.
Post-massage cuddle:
After every massage and bath, a warm snuggle wrapped in a towel is grandma’s remedy for bonding and calm.
3. Sleeping Rituals & Cradle Songs
Lullabies with love:
From Nindiya aayi to Chanda hai tu, grandma’s songs weren’t just melodies — they were comfort blankets in tune.
Rocking cradle technique:
Soft swinging in a jhoola or hammock cradle helps babies fall asleep faster and sleep deeper.
A pinch of nutmeg paste:
Some grandmas apply a tiny dab of nutmeg paste on the forehead to calm restless babies (use with caution and always consult a paediatrician).
Oil on soles and head:
Rubbing warm oil on baby’s feet and scalp before sleep helps with relaxation and better sleep.
Consistent bedtime:
Grandmas always insisted on a fixed bedtime to set a baby’s body clock early on.
4. Foods Grandma Swears By (for babies above 6 months)
Ragi porridge:
Rich in iron and calcium, it’s one of grandma’s first weaning foods.
Moong dal water:
Gentle on the stomach and packed with protein.
Ghee in khichdi:
Just a drop or two adds healthy fat and aids digestion.
Mashed banana with cardamom:
A go-to evening snack that’s both tasty and filling.
Homemade suji halwa
Light, easy-to-digest and often the first sweet food grandma prepares (in moderation).
5. Natural Immunity Boosters
Tulsi water:
Rich in iron and calcium, it’s one of grandma’s first weaning foods.
Dry roasted ajwain in cloth pouch:
Kept near baby’s pillow to help with nasal congestion naturally.
Ginger and honey for toddlers:
A spoon of this magic mix (only after 1 year) is grandma’s remedy for coughs and sore throats.
Sonth (dry ginger) in winter baths:
Grandma adds a pinch to bathwater to keep colds at bay.
Seasonal fruits, always:
Grandmas swear by local, fresh, seasonal fruits for building a child’s natural defense.