11 Home Remedies for Cough and Cold in Kids
11 Home Remedies for Cough and Cold in Kids
Cold and flu are infections caused by viruses. When your loving kiddo gets sick with a cough or cold, you put all your efforts just to make them feel better. To help ease their symptoms, look to a variety of home remedies listed in this post. Children under the age of six cannot be given over-the-counter cold and flu medication, which is why alternate solutions in the form of home remedies can be used to alleviate cold and flu symptoms in babies and children. Cold symptoms may improve within a week or two, and it is recommended that you take your child to a pediatrician if the symptoms do not improve within this time.
Before we start with the list of home remedies, you are advised not to try all of these remedies at once or simultaneously, and you should also consider that your child does have allergic reactions to any ingredient. Also, consult with your pediatrician before trying these remedies, and remember to keep the baby’s age in mind before using any of them.
Here are some remedies for battling through cough and cold this winter.
11 Home Remedies for Cough and Cold in Kids
Table of Contents
Steam Room Treatment
Run a hot shower for a few minutes and let some of the steam accumulate in the washroom. Sit your baby in the steam for 10 to 15 minutes. The steam will loosen the mucus and will relieve the baby from clogging. Make sure your baby is adequately hydrated before and after the steam therapy as he will lose a lot of fluids from the body.
A Spoon of Honey
Several studies state that having one teaspoon (approximately10-15 ml) of honey about half an hour before bed can help you get a better night’s sleep and settle a cough. It’s believed that the antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of honey may be at work. However, remember that kids under the age of one should never have honey due to the risk of infant botulism.
Gargling
Bigger kids can gargle with salt water to get some relief from the cold and sore throat. It helps in breaking down the mucus and reducing swelling. Make your kid gargle a few times during the day.
Garlic and Carom Seeds (Ajwain) Pouch
Garlic and Carom Seeds (ajwain) are powerful remedies for cough and cold as they contain anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Take two cloves of garlic and one spoon of ajwain and dry roast them. Let them cool, put them in a muslin cloth and tie it tight. Place this pouch at a safe distance from the baby’s crib so that the aroma provides comfort to the baby. This pouch should help clear any blockage the baby might have due to cold. Alternatively, this pouch can also be rubbed on the soles of the baby’s feet.
Plenty of fluids
Keeping kids hydrated is really a very crucial part of making them feel better. A cold or cough can make kids sluggish, so they don’t want to eat or drink much, which means they can get even more sluggish, and the cycle continues. Therefore, it’s better to offer small amounts of liquid often. Kid-friendly options, such as soup, applesauce, juice mixed with a little bit of water, and frozen treats like Popsicles can be used to make them hydrated. Also, one thing that can be done that offer those liquids in an egg cup or even an attractive mug to fascinate them.
Humidifier
A humidifier provides some relief from cough and cold by moistening dry air. It can be used in the baby’s room while he is asleep. A humidifier in your kiddo’s room can help manage cough and cold symptoms by keeping their respiratory tract moist. Now a question is likely to be asked here should it be Cool mist or warm? Although a cool-mist is generally better for a barky, seal-like croup cough. For croup, you can also bundle your child in a blanket and take them outside to breathe in some cool air for a few minutes.
It is also necessary to clean the humidifier regularly to avoid mold and bacteria which can affect your kid’s health.
11 Home Remedies for Cough and Cold in Kids
Mustard Oil with Rock Salt
Mustard Oil has so many benefits for health; be it kids or adults. One of the benefits is that mustard oil provides help in relieving throat congestion. Take 1 to 2 tablespoons of lukewarm mustard oil and mix half a teaspoon of rock salt to it. Massage this oil gently on the baby’s chest and back and cover it with a cotton cloth to provide warmth.
Mustard Oil with Garlic and Carom Seeds
Mustard oil, garlic, and Carom seeds or ajwain have anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. They have a soothing effect on the baby as they ease congestion. Heat 1/4th cup of mustard oil and add 2-4 cloves of crushed garlic and 1-2 pinch of carom seeds to it. Once they turn brown, take them off the stove. Massage this oil on the baby’s chest and under his feet. This is one of the best remedies for winters. This oil should not be applied to the baby’s head.
Breast Milk
Breast milk or mother’s milk contains antibodies that make the body immune to all kinds of germs and viruses, including the cold and flu viruses. It’s a primary source of nutrition for infants. Along with this, breast milk also provides hydration. This is one of the best natural remedies for flu in infants. Breast milk can be fed to babies from birth to at least 6 months and further a mother wants to feed.
Saline Nasal Spray Drops
Nasal Sprays are used for temporary relief from congestion in the nose caused by various conditions like cold, flu, allergies, etc. Nasal or saline drops are a quick and safe option to provide your child some relief from congestion. A dropper can be used to administer the saline drops. Then use a nasal suction bulb to remove the mucus.
Use an Extra Pillow
Last but not the least, is to use an extra pillow under the head of your beloved kiddo. It relieves a stuffy nose and promotes better breathing during nasal congestion.
