In this post, you will learn a super simple way to make elderberry syrup for babies, that is effective and full of immune booster strength! Ditch the store-bought syrup (that is full of preservatives) and make your own at home with real ingredients that are much more affordable. It’s a win/win!

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What are Elderberries?
Elderberries have been around for centuries. They have been used as salves, teas, syrup, in muffins (and many other foods), and as lotions to name just a few.
The leaf, the berries, and the flowers are all medicinal. In fact, the leaf is just as medical as the berry and best for adults. I often make elder leaf tea when I feel a cold coming on, and it does a fantastic job at kicking out the bug.
The flowers are the mildest and are perfect for babies. Unless you grow them, they are a bit harder to find. We have had great success using elderberries that grow locally, or we have purchased them online.
WHAT DOES ELDERBERRY DO?
There seems to be continuing research that suggests elderberries are full of compounds that interfere with viral replication which in turn shorten the duration of and the severity of flus and colds.
In short, they help the immune system to fight all of those little bugs that seem to be surrounding us, especially in the cold winter months.
WHICH ELDERBERRIES ARE SAFE TO EAT?
Elderberries that are blue or purple are safe to eat. Red Elderberries (Sambucus Racemosa) can be toxic.

How Do You Give a Baby Elderberry Syrup?
The best way to give an infant elderberry syrup is either a syringe, a dropper, or mix it directly into baby cereal (if baby is eating solids). I’ve also put elderberry syrup into a bottle of milk or juice if needed).
By mama keeping her immune system strong, baby will be positively affected. Especially for nursing mothers, consuming 1 teaspoon of elderberry 5 times a day during sickness will help fight the bugs.
How Much Elderberry Syrup Can I Give My Baby?
A safe dose for babies is 1 teaspoon daily (6+ months). When baby is sick, 2 teaspoons a day is best. Be sure to space out the dosage. I usually give 1/4 teaspoon several times throughout the day.

Where can I purchase elderberries?
I like to buy these organic elderberries. You can also purchase elderberries at your local farmers market or natural store. I like to use dry elderberries, but if you purchase fresh elderberries, they can be dried or used fresh. If using fresh elderberries, cut down the water from 1 cup to 1/2 cup or use 1/8 berries with the regular amount of water.
What Tools Do I Need to Make Elderberry Syrup for Babies?
2 Small saucepans (or one saucepan and one glass bowl to pour to strain elderberries into while still warm)
Measuring cup
Masher (to mash the berries with- I love this one!)
Spoon
Small jar with lid (to store syrup in)
You will also need:
Elderberries (I love using these organic elderberries)
How Do You Make Elderberry Syrup for Babies
Quick Version
- Put 1 cup of water in saucepan and bring to boil.
- Turn off heat and add 1/4 cup elderberries.
- Mix, put on lid, and let sit for 45 minutes.
- Take off lid and mash with masher for one minute.
- Put lid back on and wait until cooled.
- While cooling, mix 1/4 cup water with 1/4 cup sugar in second saucepan and bring to a light boil, dissolving sugar.
- Remove lid from elderberry mixture and mash again.
- Put strainer over sugar mixture and pour in elderberry mixture.
- Mix and cool.
- Put in glass jar and store in fridge.

How Do You Make Elderberry Syrup for Babies
First, in a small saucepan, pour in 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil.
When water starts boiling, remove from heat, and pour in 1/4 cup of elderberries. Use a spoon to mix the elderberries around and then cover with a lid.
Let them simmer and do their work for 45 minutes or so (if you end up leaving them for hours, it is no big deal).

Take off lid and using a masher, mash the berries, breaking them open. I like to mash for a good minute or two making sure all of the juices are coming out of the berries. Put the lid back on and let them cool a bit more.
Note- it is important to keep the lid on the pot when the herbal mixture is warm. If removed, you will lose some of the chemical properties in the herb through the steam.
While the berries are cooling, put a second small saucepan on the stove and add 1/4 cup of water and 1/4 cup of sugar. Bring the sugar mixture to a light boil, dissolving the sugar.
Next, put a strainer over the sugar mixture, and pour the elderberry mixture into the strainer. Use a spoon to mash down the elderberries pushing out as much juice as possible. Discard the elderberries after mashed down.
Remove the strainer and mix the sugar and elderberries together. Pour into a glass jar with a lid and store in refrigerator for up to two months.

When ready to use it, simply remove from refrigerator and measure out how much is needed with syringe or measuring spoons.
If you are making big batch of elderberry syrup, remove 1 cup of the syrup before mixing it with honey. Make the sugar/water mixture and then simply add the 1 cup of elderberry syrup to the sugar mixture.
This recipe is super simple, and very cost effective! We have had great success with it throughout many a long winter with our babies. If it’s cold and flu season, I think you will love this wonderful immune boosting syrup for your baby!
Elderberry Syrup for Baby

This syrup is made just for babies 6 months and up and is great for boosting the immune system.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups water, divided
- 1/4 cup dried elderberries
- 1/4 cup sugar
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan, pour in 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil. When water starts boiling, remove from heat, and pour in 1/4 cup of elderberries. Use a spoon to mix the elderberries around and then cover with a lid.
2. Let them sit, covered for 45 minutes.
3. Take off lid and using a masher, mash the berries, breaking them open. Mash 1 minute, put lid back on.
4. In another small saucepan, bring 1/4 of water and 1/4 cup sugar to a light boil, dissolving the sugar.
5. Next, put a strainer over the sugar mixture, and pour the elderberry mixture into the strainer. Use a spoon to mash down the elderberries pushing out as much juice as possible. *Discard the elderberries after mashed down.
6. Remove the strainer and mix the sugar and elderberries together. Pour into a glass jar with a lid and store in refrigerator for up to two months.
This is perfect. My granddaughter started daycare and needs a boost in her immune system. She’s 8 months so this is perfect. Adding the juice of a lemon and cinnamon stick would be great but she is probably to young.