How To Treat Your Child's Colds Naturally

Posted on 10/02/2017

mother tending sick boy

As parents, we all want to be able to do something about any discomfort our kids face. Especially for those in the infant and toddler stage, it can be frustrating to see your child suffering from a cold, when none of the over-the-counter medications seem to be allowable for that age group. The good news is that there are a few simple things you can do to help your kids avoid and recover from cold symptoms — even while they sleep!

Just Add Moisture

Especially once you're running the heat in the winter months, the air in your home and in your child's bedroom may be dry, making those dry, congested nasal passages even more troublesome. Steam inhalation can put children at risk of scalding, but a hot, steamy bathroom can easily achieve the same kind of relief. A warm compress (just a wet, warm washcloth) can help relieve sinus pressure and stop a runny nose. One more way to add moisture is obviously by drinking plenty of fluids. You can leave a spill-proof sippy cup or water bottle by your child's bed when he or she has a cold.

young sick girl drinking from cup while in bed

One other major way to help add moisture is to add it to the air your child will be breathing! Installing a whole house humidifier or at least running a cool-mist humidifier in your living spaces can reduce symptoms during waking hours, and having one in your child's room during the nighttime hours will be a major help. (Bonus: The white noise from a humidifier can achieve the same calming effect as a fan or noise machine.)

Natural Cough Remedies

Appropriate for ages 2 and up, a topical medicine such as a vapor rub can help relieve chest congestion and other cold symptoms. Vicks VapoRub contains 2.6% menthol, a natural cooling ingredient found in mint and other plants. Since 1885, scientists have experimented with this ingredient as a treatment for coughs. You can simply apply such a medication to the chest and back — or even the feet — at bedtime in order to help reduce coughing.

Although not safe for children under the age of one, natural honey can also help calm a cough, making your child more comfortable and able to sleep more easily. Depending on age, as little as a half teaspoon may do the trick.

girl not feeling well lying in bed

Add a Fun Factor

Is there something your child gets to do only when he or she has a cold? It can be as simple as reading a special book or eating dinner on the couch. Even the promise of added snuggles can make being sick a little less miserable. Let's face it: getting sick is sometimes inevitable. By giving your child something to anticipate about having a cold, you can lessen the down side of being sick and make it into a positive part of your family's culture.

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