The FDA’s recent statement that over the counter cold medicines with the ingredients dextromethorphan and pseudoephedrine are unsafe for children under two presents a dilemma for many parents and carers: how do I safely relieve my baby or toddler’s cold symptoms? Here are some treatments that you may want to try to help give your youngster some safe cold relief. Of course, always check with your child’s doctor before trying any new treatments or if you have any concerns about your child’s health.
1. Honey
A teaspoon full of honey coats the throat, helping to relieve the tickly and scratchy feeling that accompanies many colds. This, in turn, may cut down on coughing. According to a recent study conducted by Penn State College of Medicine, a little buckwheat honey before bed was more effective than dextromethorpan in reducing nighttime coughs in children. Source: “Honey More Effective for Treating Coughs Than Over The Counter Medicines,” Healthjockey.com, December 6, 2007. Never give honey to a child under the age of one.
2. Lollipops
A lollipop, given under your close supervision, can provide temporary relief from a sore throat. Runny Rhino Cold Relief Pops sold at healthfood internet sites and some drugstores are made with zinc, pectin, and vitamin c and come in five fruit flavors. A regular lollipop could do the trick as well.
3. Cold Treats
A popsicle can relieve discomfort from a sore throat and help keep your child hydrated at the same time. Ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and Italian Ice can also provide temporary relief from a sore throat.
4. Warm Liquids
Chicken Soup is a popular choice when feeding a cold. But, if that’s not to your youngster’s liking, try different kinds of soups until you get it right. Campbells sells soups that feature characters from television and movies such as Batman and Dora The Explorer. Additionally, many adults may recall drinking warm ginger ale as a soothing treat during a cold or diluted chamomile tea.
5. Steam
Heat up the shower and let it steam up the bathroom. Then, take your child in there for a few minutes. The steam will help break up some of the mucous associated with a cough and cold.
6. Cool Mist Humidifier
These make water vapor which may help relieve dry cough. Since the water is cool, unlike a warm mist humidifier which heats water, your child cannot get burned if there is a spill. These do need to be cleaned everyday, however, and distilled water is recommended because of the minerals that may be dispersed in regular tap water .
7. Pillows
Readjusting your child’s bed or crib so that they sleep on an incline may help to discourage coughing at nighttime. If your child is still in a crib, place a folded pillow underneath the mattress at the place where your child’s head lays. In a bed, place a firm pillow on top on your youngster’s regular pillow. This way their sinuses will drain less into the throat, which encourages coughing.
9. Rest
It is difficult for children to sleep when they have a cold. But, naps during the day do help to build up the immune system and relieve a cold.
10. Warm or Cold Packs
Relieve sinus pressure by applying a warm washcloth (run under warm water, with the excess water squeezed out) or a cold washcloth (run under cold water, extra water rung out) to your child’s face, on either side of the nose.
11. Bulb Syringe
Since most babies and toddlers haven’t mastered blowing their own noses yet, a bulb syringe may help. These are available in the babycare aisle in most pharmacies. You insert the syringe into one nostril at a time and squeeze the bulb at the top. This action helps to clear your child’s nasal passages, making it easier to breathe.
