| 1. How often can each dose be given? |
If necessary, Infants' Friend can be given with each feed. For example - young baby feeds 3-4 hourly - therefore Infants' Friend can be administered 6-7 times in any 24 hour period. This is only if entirely necessary. Usually, 3-4 doses in each 24 hours is sufficient.
| 2. How does Infants' Friend work? |
The 3 Oils listed on the label (Cassia - which is Cinnamon, Aniseed, and Dill), have aromatic (pleasant taste) and carminative (relieves wind and flatulence) properties. The Magnesium Carbonate (similar to the 'Milk of Magnesia' from the old days) and Ammonium Bicarbonate are antacids which neutralise any excess acid. A property of the Magnesium Carbonate is that it has a slight laxative effect. This has been the same formula for over 70 years, and it is well tolerated and usually works.
| 3. Does Infants' Friend contain Alcohol? |
Yes - about 0.4% of the total volume of the bottle, this is 6 or 7 drops in the whole bottle. The base is purified water (oils and water don't mix). Government regulations requires alcohol to be listed on the label if more than 3%.
| 4. Dosage Questions |
5 to 10 drops = approx. 0.5-1ml. 10 to 20 drops = approx. 1 to 2ml. Dose is NOT critical. An extra couple of drops will not harm the infant. Dose can be given before or after or during feeds - experiment to find the most suitable time. The Drops dosage stems from old days of 1/4, 1/3 etc of a teaspoon, and over many years, most people seem to understand the 'Drops' dosage better. Most homes have a 'dropper' of some sort. If baby is bottle fed - Infants' Friend can be put into the bottle.
Infants Friend can be added to the bottle and also with Formula.
| 5. Allergic reaction to Infants' Friend. Is this harmful? |
Infants' Friend is to be taken orally. Whilst Infants' Friend has been in use for some 70 years - there have been very few reported cases of an allergic reaction. Some infants may show a slight reaction if spilt around the mouth - due to the sensitive nature of a baby's skin. This is not harmful, and usually disappears quickly. This product may cause some temporary sensitising of the skin when applied topically (on the skin rather than taken orally). If this causes you concern - discontinue use and consult your GP.
If baby or the person administering the product is allergic to Essential Oils – there may also be the reaction as explained above. Infants Friend does contain oils as part of the mixture and this may react with some people who have allergies to these types of products.
| 6. Does Infants' Friend contain Saccharin? |
This product contains Sodium Saccharin in very small quantity (.002% of the total volume), to assist in the taste. It is a safe, allowable ingredient in medicines and food – as regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
| 7. What if I am still concerned about administering this product? |
If you have any concerns at all about administering Infants’ Friend – please talk to your health care professional (Doctor, Chemist, Infants Clinic etc) for appropriate advice. We DO NOT recommend receiving advice from people who are not qualified in health care (on-line forums etc).
You can also email any queries you might have to:
As with any pharmaceutical – if you are concerned – discontinue use and seek professional advice.