Common Cold Remedies for Toddlers

A common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, i.e., your toddler's nose and throat. A stuffy or runny nose are the first signs which will tell you that your toddler has a cold. Babies and toddlers are very susceptible to the common cold, which is why most mothers have several common cold remedies for toddlers, up their sleeve. One of the reasons for their susceptibility is that they are constantly touching surfaces and then putting their hands in their mouths or putting all kinds of objects into their mouths. It is estimated that in the first two years of their life, most babies and toddlers contract cold, at least 8 to 10 times.

Medical experts do not recommend the use of cough and cold drugs to treat children under 6 years of age. While there are several over the counter medication for common cold for toddlers available, one is advised not to use any of them without consent from your doctor. For this reason, several parents use homeopathic cold remedies for toddlers or babies, which are considered safe. Those who lack faith in homeopathy, are left to try common cold remedies for children to ease their discomfort.

Most often, a toddler's cold can be treated at home. However, very young infants must be taken to the doctor at the earliest, because they face a greater risk of complications such as croup or pneumonia. Every parent has an idea or two about what will ease their baby's discomfort, which often leaves them to sort between, what works and what doesn't work for toddlers. However, since trial and error is not a method you would want to use, here are some definite ways to relieve your toddler's common cold.

Common Cold Remedies for Babies

Fluids: One of the best common cold remedies for your baby is to make him/her drink plenty of fluids. For those who are still breast-feeding their babies, carry on doing so, for breast milk provides your baby with extra protection from cold-causing germs. Ensure toddlers consume enough fluids to avoid dehydration. While their normal amount of fluid intake will suffice, any extra is a bonus. One of the best remedies for the common cold is chicken soup, which has been proved by scientific evaluation! Along with chicken soup, you can feed your children, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey.

Nasal Spray: Nasal congestion is one of the aspects of common cold that can be a real bother, and can lead to toddler sleep concerns. With your toddler's doctor's consent, purchase over-the-counter saline nose drops from a pharmacy. They fight stuffiness and nasal congestion in infants, and help loosen thick nasal mucus. The advantage of saline drops over nasal decongestants is that they don't result in a rebound effect, where the symptoms worsen upon the discontinuation of medication.

Suction: Another way to provide your toddler relief, is to keep their nasal passages clear. This can be done using a rubber-bulb syringe. First expel the air from the syringe and then insert the tip of the bulb into your baby's nostrils. Only put in about ¼'' - ½'' and point it towards the back and side of the nose. Slowly release the bulb and allow it to suck up the mucus from your baby's nose. Carefully remove the syringe and empty the contents onto a tissue. Repeat the process and once done, clean the bulb syringe with soap and water.

Humidifier: Using a humidifier is another, among the natural cold remedies for toddlers. Run a humidifier in your toddler's room, but ensure that you direct the mist away from the crib to keep the bedding from becoming damp. The common cold in children causes runny nose and nasal congestion, which this can help. It is also important to change the water daily, for stagnant water can cause mold growth, and clean the unit frequently. Alternately, you could sit with your toddler in a steamy bathroom.

As there is no cure for common cold, your best bet are these common cold remedies for toddlers, however if you find that your child's condition is getting worse or he/she is running a high fever, seek medical attention immediately.