Cough Remedies for Toddlers

Cough is a common problem faced by young and old, every now and then. But sadly it is more seen amongst toddlers. Unlike adults, toddlers are not cautious about what they eat, though parents take maximum precaution to prevent the seasonal cough and cold, they do get affected. Toddlers are more affected by cough during the nighttime, due to which they cannot sleep well, which leads to crankiness. Parents obviously wish to decrease the discomfort of their little ones in whichever way possible, so they opt for over the counter cough remedies for toddlers. Most of the medicines claim to be completely safe to use for children, however it is not completely true, as according to many experts, children's cough medicines can not only be ineffective but also dangerous due to high amount of sugar used in it. So it is better to totally avoid these medicines and use the natural remedies which are safe and effective. Let us take a look at the common causes of cough in toddlers.

Causes of Cough in Toddlers

• Allergies
• Environmental irritants
• GERD
• Asthma
• Post-nasal drip
• Common cold
• Croup
• Respiratory syncytial virus
• Pneumonia
• Weather change

Natural Remedies for Cough

• Honey: This is one of the best home cough remedies for toddlers. Simply give ½ tbsp of honey to cure cough. However use this cold and cough home remedies for children only if the tot is above one year. Honey will not only help to cure cough and cold, but will also provide relief from scratchy throat.
• Ginger Tea: Ginger is one of the best home remedy for treating cough. Add ginger to hot tea and feed it to your child two-three times a day. Adding ginger to herbal tea can work better instead of normal tea. If you can make ginger tea, it is the best option.
• Steam: Steam is effective treatment for cough as it helps to clear the mucus. Run a hot shower and then let your kid sit in the steam room for about 2 - 3 minutes.
• Humidifier: This is one of the most simple yet effective cough remedy for toddler. Put a few drops of sage essential oil on the humidifier and run it in your child's room. Humidifier will help to reduce the congestion thus helping him to sleep better.
• Saline Drops: Saline drops are very effective in treating congestion, so put a few drops of salt water in your child's nostrils, ask him to wait for about 60 seconds and then gently blow out the nose.
• Medicinal Milk: To prepare this medicinal milk, add a dash of turmeric and 1 tsp of honey to warm milk, and feed immediately.
• Bath: Bath can also help to provide comfort when suffering from cold and cough. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the bath water and then use it for the bath. Warm bath will not only provide relief from cough but also from sore throat.
• Chicken Soup: If the toddler is big enough, feed him hot and fresh chicken soup, it will provide relief from cold as well as cough.

The next time your little one is affected with cough, do not opt for over the counter medicines, instead opt for these natural remedies.