Cold remedies for toddlers

Introduction to colds in toddlers

Since most studies have shown that cold medicine should not be given to a child that is under the age of six years old, the best way to treat a cold in a toddler is through natural remedies.

Thankfully, there are many alternatives to cold medicine that can be used. A toddler's cold can usually be treated at home, but it is always best to take the child to see a doctor first, just in case.

Home remedies

A good idea for a child who has a cold is to use a humidifier to help it. This is an easy and quick way to get rid of the child’s stuffy nose. While the child is sleeping, turn on the humidifier in order to decrease the child’s congestion. This will also help them to sleep better and more comfortably.

If you do not have a humidifier and are low on money, these effects can be created in another way as well. Take the child into the bathroom, turn the fan off and steam the room up by letting hot water pour into the tub. This is a great alternative to having a humidifier and is just as effective.

Honey is also another good home remedy. It can sooth the symptoms of the cold. Even though it is good for toddlers, it is important not to ever give honey to an infant because of the risk of botulism.

A tablespoon of honey for a toddler will be able to get rid of the cold symptoms that are giving them problems sleeping and breathing. Honey can help to sooth a dry throat and calm coughs. Toddlers will usually also have no problem swallowing the honey, because of its sweet flavor.

It is also important to keep the child hydrated at all times. The child must constantly be drinking water and natural fruit juices that contain a lot of vitamin C. If the children are refusing to drink the fluid, a good idea is to make a popsicle out of the juice.

The toddler also needs an adequate amount of rest and sleep in order to recover from a cold quickly and properly. The more the child sleeps, the better the body is equipped to fight off the illness. This is not only good for the toddler, but for the parents as well, because if they are not getting enough rest and are always tired it is a lot more probable that they will become sick as well because when a person is not well-rested, his or her immune system is not working at hundred percent.