Is giving Janam Ghutti safe for your baby?

As a new parent, you may find yourself crammed with advice on what your baby needs, from essential items like food, clothes, diapers, and baby care products to traditional practices like giving Janam Ghutti. It can be overwhelming and may leave you confused about what actually is good for your baby. You need to know what should be used for your baby and more importantly what needs to be avoided.  

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What is Janam Ghutti?

Janam Ghutti is a traditional herbal mixture often given to newborns in some cultures. It is believed to aid digestion and boost immunity. Janam Ghutti is often referred to as Prelacteal feed as it is given to the baby before feeding them with mother’s milk. 

Indians generally stick to Janam Ghutti for any of the stomach related issues with their baby. Janam Ghutti is the most popular home remedy for infant's gut health but it is hardly the truth. Janam Ghutti has not been proven to offer any major, it can rather arise an uphill battle for your baby.

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Is it safe to give Janam Ghutti to your baby?

Janam Ghutti is widely given to the newborns as a traditional practice in India. If you are a new mother or expecting a baby, you must have been advised to do the same. But you might be wondering if it is actually safe for your baby. 

The answer is NO, modern medical advice suggests that it might not be safe for newborns.

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Why Not Janam Ghutti?

Following are the reasons why you should avoid giving Janam Ghutti to your baby:

1. Weak Digestive System:

Newborns have very delicate and underdeveloped digestive systems. Introducing anything other than breast milk into their little tummies can overwhelm their digestive system, wrecking the digestion and potentially causing harm. So anything which is hard to digest should not be given to the babies for at least first six months. 

2. Prelacteal Feeds:

Anything given to a baby before breastfeeding is known as prelacteal feed. This includes sugar water, honey, glucose, or the herbal preparations like Janam Ghutti. Some prelacteal feeds like honey can even cause food poisoning in the baby with symptoms like (constipation, loss of appetite and lethargy) and therefore it should be strictly avoided.

3. Risk of Infections:

Introducing non-sterile substances can lead to infections. Newborns have fragile immune systems and are particularly susceptible to harmful bacteria and viruses, so anything with the potential of causing infections should not be given to the baby.

4. Interference with Breastfeeding:

Giving prelacteal feeds can interfere with the natural breastfeeding cycle. It might delay the initiation of breastfeeding, reducing the baby’s intake of colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk produced by the mother.

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Why should be preferred instead of Janam Ghutti for baby's immunity?

Breast milk is the best thing to give to your baby which can strengthen the immunity of your body. Breast milk is often referred to as 'liquid gold' because it is perfectly designed for your baby’s nutritional needs. 

Breast milk enriches your little one with:

• Essential Nutrients: All the vitamins, minerals, and proteins needed for healthy growth and development.
• Immunity Boost: Antibodies and immune-boosting properties that protect your baby from illnesses.
• Digestive Health: Easily digestible proteins and fats tailored for your baby’s immature digestive system.

For the first six months of life, it is recommended to exclusively breastfeed your baby. This means no prelacteal feeds, including Janam Ghutti. Breast milk alone will provide the optimal nutrition and protection for your newborn's growth and development.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. Is is safe to give Dabur Janma Ghunti to the newborn?

 It is best to avoid giving Janam Ghutti to your baby as in some cases it is hard for the baby to metabolise the herbal preparation.

Q2. Are there any side effects of Janam Ghutti?

No side effects of Janam Ghutti are known but you must check the ingredient list for allergies. However, in case of any side effects, report immediately to the doctor.

Q3. What is Janam Ghutti used for?

Janam Ghutti is believed to treat stomach issues in babies like flatulence, constipation, diarrhoea, vomitting etc.

Q4. Which is the best Ghutti for the baby?

Dabur Janma Ghunti is an ayurvedic formulation which is trusted to be the best ghutti, for the babies, in India.

Q5. Can Janam Ghutti be given with milk to the infant?

It is advised not to give Janam Ghutti to the infant, especially with milk, as herbals ingredients in the ghutti can be hard for the baby to digest. Coupling Janam Ghutti with milk can make the things further difficult.