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 is the first sign, which will tell you that your kid has a cold. Babies 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 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 this condition, 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 simple 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.

One of the best treatments 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.

Nasal congestion is one of the aspects that can be a real bother, and can lead to 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.

Another way is to keep the 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.

Using a humidifier is another among the natural remedies. 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 natural methods, however, if you find that your child's condition is getting worse or he/she is running a high fever, seek medical attention immediately.

Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.