Vinegar Treatment for Thrush in a Baby's Mouth

Any mother who has ever had a baby with thrush knows that it is no fun at all. This fungal infection invades the baby's mouth and can make feeding very difficult. Luckily there is a cheap, easy and natural solution available to treat thrush.

Thrush

• Characterized by white patches on the baby's tongue, gums, inside the cheeks and lips, and the roof of the mouth, thrush is a yeast infection that can cause the baby pain and discomfort. The yeast that cause thrush enjoy a dark, moist environment, which is why the baby's mouth is a target.

Function

• Vinegar has antifungal properties that make it effective at treating yeast infections. It is highly acidic, and yeast does not thrive in an acidic environment. Changing the conditions of the baby's mouth can help kill off the fungus that is making him uncomfortable.

Method

• To use vinegar to treat thrush, add 1 tsp. of white vinegar to 1 cup of water. Use a cotton swab to carefully apply this vinegar mixture directly to the patches of thrush.

Prevention/Solution

• Vinegar is also good for cleaning things that will come in contact with the baby's mouth, such as teething rings and toys. Add vinegar to the rinse cycle when washing items such as bras, nursing pads, underwear and cloth diapers. Vinegar that is diluted with a bit of water can be used directly on the nursing mother's nipples, too; just use a cotton ball or wash cloth to wipe the nipples.

Precautions

• It is always a good idea to consult with your baby's doctor before attempting to treat any of his conditions, even with something as harmless as vinegar. The doctor may need to prescribe a medication designed for babies with thrush, such as nystatin drops, or may recommend an alternative form of treatment. Be careful not to use a vinegar solution that is too strong, as it could burn the baby's mouth.