Are you looking for toddler cough remedies? This article is just for you!
Young children are prone to common bouts of colds (runny nose) and coughs when their body is exposed to bacteria or viruses.
Their immune system will be fighting off an infection, allergy or irritant but while that happens, coughing may be a symptom the child has to experience.
In most cases, the coughing may be mild or moderate so it can be managed with remedies at home. Parents need to do adequate research before choosing a remedy so the child can be safe.
Parents might be surprised to find out that cough syrups are generally not recommended for young children.
Paediatricians have advised that cough syrups are not suitable for children younger than 4 years old.
Cough medications may cause young children to be overactive and experience other potentially serious side effects.
But don’t despair parents, this article will explore other natural and safe remedies you can use to soothe your child’s coughing.
8 Easy At-Home Toddler Cough Remedies
Let’s explore common household remedies that include natural remedies that are suitable to help toddlers with coughing.
It is helpful to note that if over-the-counter or prescribed medication is needed, parents need to consult with a medical professional before such treatment is used.
Here are 8 remedies you can try out at home for your toddler:
Salt Water Gargle
Salt is great for disinfection and you can make a gentle salt water gargle easily at home. All you need is half a teaspoon of salt and 200 millilitres of warm water.
It’s best to demonstrate how to gargle if your toddler doesn’t know how to do so. Be sure the child understands that the water cannot be swallowed.
This remedy works best when the child understands how to gargle.
This remedy can help reduce the inflammation of sore throats and studies have shown that salt water gargles have helped to reduce the infection of the upper respiratory tract.
Warm Fluids
Warm drinks are good for soothing a sore throat that is caused by coughing.
Aside from keeping the child hydrated, soothing drinks can also help to draw out mucus from the lungs.
If the child is also suffering from a stuffy nose and other cold symptoms, warm drinks can soothe their overall body.
Herbal teas are a great choice since these drinks do not contain sugar and caffeine.
Teas made from ginger or peppermint can soothe the throat while calming the child.
Rest
Adequate rest is crucial for recovery, this applies to both adults and children. Your child might not be able to sleep fitfully as coughing can be disruptive to sleep.
Parents can try to make the child comfortable by carrying them or using other soothing methods to coax the child to sleep.
If the child is too young for cough suppressants (which might cause drowsiness), you can opt for a herbal remedy like chamomile tea to help the child sleep.
Nutritious Soup
A sick toddler might not be interested in eating as their throat might be sore due to coughing.
The child still needs nutrition to fight the infection or common cold so, soups can be the solution to this problem. Healthy soups can be easy to make, the focus is more on nutrition.
Easy chicken soup or bone broth can help the child’s throat to heal while giving the body strength.
Chicken soup is known to have anti-inflammatory benefits and it can be delicious at the same time.
It’s important to keep the child constantly fed and hydrated during sickness as they need as much strength as they can get to heal.
Vapour Rub
Vapour rubs are a household staple but when should be used on a young child?
Rubs that contain camphor or menthol should not be used on children younger than 2 years old. This can be harmful to their health by causing seizures and should be avoided at all costs.
However, there are chest rubs that are specially manufactured for young children that parents can use instead.
Look for vapour rubs that are made with aloe vera, rosemary, peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender. These rubs are safe for young children.
Older children can use vapour rubs that contain menthol or camphor but it’s always best to seek medical advice to confirm this.
Vapour rubs like Vicks can help ease breathing by clearing the nasal passages. It can also soothe the chest and throat when applied externally.
Elevate Head
The child’s head should be propped up when sleeping, this can help to ease their breathing.
If the child is younger than 2 years old, check with the paediatrician if a pillow should be used.
Parents may opt to use a rolled towel for older children if they are constantly moving in sleep.
Elevating the head during sleep helps to avoid post-nasal drip to inflame the throat. The inflammation or irritation may make the coughing worse.
Saline Solution
A blocked nose can be helped with saline solution nasal drops.
Saline solution can help to soften hardened mucus and can also soothe an inflamed throat.
If you can’t get your toddler to accept the drops, you can also place the child in a warm bath to clear the blocked nasal passages.
Saline solution can also help sinus infections and clear nasal drips.
Humidifier
If your child is in an air-conditioned room constantly, an air humidifier can help to add moisture to the dry air.
Dry air can sometimes make coughing worse so adding some humidity can help lessen the coughing.
Using an air humidifier can help reduce congestion and loosen mucus. It may also help the child to sleep better during their sick period.
When Should You See A Paediatrician
Coughing is an uncomfortable and disruptive symptom that affects both the child and the parents.
It is important to take note of how long the child has been coughing and if they have any other symptoms. If the child shows no sign of getting better, it is best to seek medical help.
Here are a few signs you should look out for before deciding to see a doctor:
- Fever over 36°C for more than 2 days
- Chest pain
- Coughing for more than 3 days
- Earache (might be a sign of ear infection)
- Difficulty breathing
- Signs of dehydration
Don’t Stress, Keep Calm
It is only natural for a parent to be worried and stressed when their child is unwell. However, young children are resilient and they can recover quickly with proper rest and care.
Using DIY remedies from home can help with stress as it can provide a sense of purpose for the parent while trying to help the child feel better.
You can even try post nasal drip which can be found in most shopping malls or pharmacies.
Parents should be well-informed about what toddler cough remedies should be used on the child. It is imperative to be fully aware of the child’s medical history and to only use toddler cough remedies that are age-appropriate.
Taking care of the child’s cough at home also requires the parent to be emotionally supportive, as toddlers can feel bad both physically and mentally while being sick.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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