Baby & Kids Cough, Cold & Flu
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How to Help Relieve Cough and Congestion in Babies
Babies and toddlers may be unable to blow their noses, but plenty of safe and effective options can help them feel better. Start with remedies that don't involve medication, such as a saline nose spray or a cool mist humidifier in their room. These products provide extra moisture to soothe irritated airways and loosen mucus, especially at night.
For babies under 12 months of age, drug-free syrups may provide additional symptom relief. KinderMed Infant’s cough syrups, formulated with clean, simple ingredients, are appropriate for babies as young as 2 months old. Zarbee’s Baby and Children's cough syrups are made with organic agave and zinc. The brand's formula is recommended for babies 6 months and older.
While baby cold medicines are available over the counter, you should only use them under the guidance of your pediatrician. If your baby has a high fever, difficulty feeding or breathing or symptoms that continue to worsen, seek prompt medical attention.
Managing Stuffy Noses and Other Common Baby Cold Symptoms
Simple home care strategies are essential for managing common cold symptoms that affect appetite and sleep. Try sitting in a steamy bathroom with your infant to help provide temporary relief. Gentle chest tapping while the baby is supported may help loosen mucus, making it easier for them to cough and clear congestion.
Saline mists, such as Frida Baby NoseFrida saline mist, can also help clear stuffy noses, especially when combined with a baby nasal aspirator or nebulizer. This is most helpful when done before feedings and bedtime to ease breathing. If your baby is understandably fussy, a gentle massage with an infant rub or balm may offer extra comfort and love. These non-medicated ointments are made with soothing ingredients, such as eucalyptus and lavender. They can be safely used as needed on babies aged 3 months and older.
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
What Medicine Can You Give an Infant for Cold and Flu Symptoms?
You can treat children's symptoms of colds, allergies and flu with over-the-counter remedies labeled as safe for children. Pediatricians sometimes recommend giving acetaminophen to babies over 2 months old to alleviate pain and fever, and they may suggest the administration of ibuprofen to babies over 6 months old to mitigate pain.
No matter what remedy you choose, read directions carefully to ensure it's safe for children, and only give the recommended dose for your child's age. Get advice from your child's pediatrician about which cough and cold remedies to use. Available remedies include decongestants, expectorants and fever reducers, and baby and kids sleep supplements. Unless your child's doctor directs you otherwise, always choose children's formulas, which may be gentler than adult remedies.
What to Do For a Baby With a Cough?
If your baby has a mild cough, a cool mist humidifier may provide some relief, especially at night. Add menthol or other expectorants to the mist to get aromatic vapors that may aid in breaking up phlegm and mucus. The CDC discourages parents from giving cough medicine to children under 12 months of age. Over-the-counter cough suppressants and decongestants may be helpful, and older children may find relief with soothing lozenges or throat pops.
How to Get Rid of a Baby's Chest Congestion?
Your doctor can give you definitive advice on how to treat a child's chest congestion, and for babies, it's always a good idea to get professional advice before trying a treatment. Some medicines are specially formulated for babies, and they use smaller concentrations of gentle cough suppressants to provide relief. Drinking clear, warm fluids and breathing steam can help keep a child over 3 months hydrated and thin any mucus in their respiratory tract. Using a cupped hand to lightly tap on the baby's back may help break up congestion.
How to Clear a Baby's Stuffy Nose?
Stuffy noses are among the most common symptoms of children's colds, flu and allergies. Use a bulb syringe with a gentle saline drip to clean out your baby's nose, or try baby saline spray or drops. Some decongestants are specially formulated for babies, though you should consult with a pediatrician before administering medicine to very young children. Teaching school-age children to blow their noses into facial tissues can help them manage stuffy noses on their own, and tissues with lotion infused can reduce irritation around the upper lip and nose. Running a cool mist humidifier can also help with congestion at night.
- FOR UPPER RESPIRATORY CAMPAIGN: Use products only as directed. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions.