Wraps as a home remedy for children

Wraps as a home remedy have already served well in grandmother's time. Most of the knowledge about wraps and their effects was passed down from mother to daughter. Today, wraps are being rediscovered as a simple but effective home remedy, especially for children.

The following article was kindly provided to us by Anne Herzberger. Anne Herberger is an editor and co-founder of babynatur.de – the webshop by mothers for mothers.

The rediscovery of wraps

Whether flatulence, colds, sore throats, or fever; especially mothers with sick children like to return to old home remedies to bring about gentle healing. But if applied incorrectly, Compress can also cause harm. With a little basic knowledge about wraps and their application, however, they can fully unfold their positive effect.

“A Compress describes one or more cloths applied circularly around the body (full-body wrap) or a body part (partial wrap), which are moistened with a tempered liquid or coated with a substance. Wraps generally also include pads, compresses or poultices made of cloths that are applied to the skin.” (Quote Wikipedia)

Below you will learn the most important basic rules about wraps and more detailed explanations about wraps for children.

5 basic rules for wraps

• The Application of the wrap must always be pleasant. Stop the application if the wrap is very uncomfortable for your child.
• Ask your child before the wrap whether heat or cold feels good to them. If your child cannot make a statement about this, simply observe closely: Does your child prefer warm or cold drinks? Depending on this, warm or cold wraps should be used accordingly.
• Do not perform the wrap applications directly after a meal, wait about half an hour. (An exception here are digestive-promoting measures, e.g., abdominal wraps for flatulence.)
• After applying the wrap your child should feel comfortable. Especially with heat-extracting wraps, make sure to warm the body up again. So, wrap your child in a blanket immediately after the wrap and perhaps add a slightly warmed cherry stone pillow for cuddling.
• After the wrap you should ensure sufficient rest.

The structure of a wrap

A self-made pad basically always consists of the following components.

The inner cloth

The inner cloth should consist of plant-based natural fibers such as cotton or linen. Synthetic fibers are unsuitable because they cause heat accumulation. Therefore, the best are:

• Cloth or gauze diapers
• Dish towels
• Cloth handkerchiefs
• Cotton towels
• Gauze compresses
• Pieces of fabric from old duvet covers and bed sheets

The intermediate cloth

Intermediate cloths protect the outer cloth from discoloration and stains.

You can use:

• Terry towels
• Flannel cloths
• Dish towels

The outer cloth

Wool cloths are ideal as an outer cloth, as they absorb excess liquid well but do not release it to the outside. Nevertheless, they allow air to pass through well. However, the poor cleaning options speak against wool cloths. Alternatively, you can use thick molton cloths.

The fastening material

Additionally, you need something to hold the poultice firmly to the body and prevent it from slipping.

You can use:

• Safety pins in various sizes
• Elastic bandages
• Triangular bandages

Practical tip: To simplify the application of the compress, there are now wrap sets from various manufacturers that already contain everything needed and are made in such a way that they are very easy to apply.

The advantage of these wraps

They are not as thick as self-assembled wraps made of cloths, which simplifies application, especially with children.

The pre-made wraps already contain fastening elements such as Velcro fasteners or ribbons, so that the use of pins and clips (which is problematic especially with children) can be avoided.

On your marks, get set, go!

As indicated above, wraps should only be used when there is enough time.

• So take plenty of time and ensure a relaxed atmosphere.
• Have everything ready that you need for the poultice: all wrap cloths or a finished wrap set; the active ingredients you want to use (onions, essential oils, or damp cloths), if necessary a book to read aloud or a nice CD to shorten the time for the child; warm blankets and, if necessary, a slightly warmed cherry stone pillow. (To add warmth again after the wrap).
• Encourage your child to go to the toilet again before the wrap.
• Talk to your child about what you are doing. Also ask if it is pleasant or if something should be changed (e.g., the temperature of the wrap). Older children can also help with the preparation of the wrap.
• It is best to stay with your child while applying the wrap. You can then better observe the reaction. In addition, closeness and attention also help in the healing process.

Warm or cold wraps?

Depending on which complaints are present, you should decide on a warm or a cold pad. Please note that the cold wrap should not really be cold, but at most 1 to 2°C below body temperature.

The “cold wrap” has a heat-extracting effect on the body. It has a decongestant and anti-inflammatory effect. It is important to pack the children up warmly again and warm them after the wrap.

The “warm wraps” promote blood circulation and warm. If your child is freezing, a warm wrap can be very pleasant.

You also do not always have to use damp cloths as a pad. If you are unsure which poultice is the right one, simply wrap with dry cloths first.

No extremely hot or cold wraps for children

Especially children should never get very cold or very hot wraps. One to two degrees Celsius above or below body temperature are perfectly sufficient.

Please note; every person has a different perception: What seems too cold to one person is already almost too hot for another. Therefore, always talk to your child. Take criticism very seriously. Only in this way can a wrap actually contribute to the healing process.

Quark wraps and their effect

Quark is a very popular additive for wraps. There are countless recipes that can fill entire books. Therefore, only this one is described here as an example:

When applied externally, quark initiates a lactic acid process. In this process, inflammatory substances are drained through the skin by the acidic substance. Quark wraps can be used for the following complaints.

Body-warm wraps help, for example, with:

• Cough
• Dry cough, bronchitis

Cooling wraps help, for example, with:

• Sunburn
• Insect bites
• Headache
• Itching, eczema

Application of quark wraps

The application is the same for both forms: The quark is spread approx. 1 cm thick on the poultice and applied to the affected body area. Some manufacturers offer active ingredient pockets with the wraps, where you simply fill in the quark. The active ingredient pocket can be washed later.

Depending on whether you are doing a cold or a warm application, you should take the quark out of the refrigerator a few hours beforehand or warm the wrap with a cherry stone or grape seed pillow and keep it warm.

• Warm quark wraps can be left on for 4 to 10 hourscold wraps
• At the application time is approximately 20 minutesAbout babnatur.de.

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Author: Anne Herzberger

on Wraps as a home remedy for children

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