Cold Remedies for Sick Infants and Toddlers

We all know how miserable a cold can make us feel, and it can feel even worse when your child has to deal with a really bad one. But if you're like me, you probably don't want to rush to the nearest store and load up on all kinds of over-the-counter medications - most of them hardly do any good, and can actually not be very good for the body, either. There are other ways to safely manage a cold when it comes to small children, however.

First, it's very likely that your child has a sore throat, even if he or she cannot communicate this to you. Whereas I would suggest helping an older child gargle with some warm salt water, this is hardly a viable option for infants and toddlers. Instead, liquids such as warm milk or soup broth, along with Pedialyte Popsicles (which are also good for hydration) for toddlers, are all good ways to help ease the pain of a sore throat.

If your infant or toddler has trouble with congestion, a humidifier in the room at night can really help this matter - with both chest and nasal congestion. It might even be a good idea to keep one in his room throughout all the cold months, when the air tends to be dry. An alternative to this is to run a hot shower and sit in the bathroom with your child, so he can breathe in the steam and help open his passages. One over-the-counter option that I would recommend are saline nasal drops - these are natural and effective when it comes to nasal decongestion. For infants, a bulb syringe is also a great option.

Another over-the-counter choice that should be okay is a vapor rub. It can help your child breathe easier, especially when laying down at night, and the smell can also be comforting during a cold. Just make sure to buy it in the form that fits the age of your child - don't give the adult strength to infants, for instance, it will be too strong. They now have forms for children as young as three months old, so as long as you get the right strength, this is something that can work great for infants and toddlers alike.

Finally, make sure that your child is getting plenty of liquids and nutrients. Avoid juices with a lot of sugar in it; Pedialyte is a good choice during an illness. Lots of water is also helpful, and fresh fruits and vegetables are very much recommended.