15 Safe Home Remedies for Childhood Coughs and Colds

8. A cool mist humidifier Dry air makes children more congested because their mucus becomes too thick. Breathing in moist air is a great natural decongestant.… Simi - February 11, 2018

8. A cool mist humidifier

Dry air makes children more congested because their mucus becomes too thick. Breathing in moist air is a great natural decongestant. The humid air soothes a wheezy cough, clears the nasal passages and loosens mucus. Running a cool mist humidifier in a sick child’s bedroom while resting or sleeping can relieve congestion and allow some much-needed sleep.

A cool mist humidifier is the safest choice for leaving in a child’s bedroom overnight. Nothing needs to be added to the humidifier except cold water for it to work. A hot water vaporizer may be cheaper and may come with a device to add something like menthol to the warm mist but it has a big downside. Using it in a child’s bedroom has potential risks because the hot water could accidentally cause burns if a child gets too close.

For optimum results, the reservoir tank of the cool mist humidifier should be filled according to the instructions given by the manufacturer. The unit should be placed on a hard surface and run for an hour before bedtime. The water level in the tank should be checked periodically and refilled if necessary.

When water is left sitting in a cool mist humidifier, mold and bacteria will grow inside the unit. When it is restarted, the bacteria spores are sent into the air. To prevent this from happening, it is important to clean the unit thoroughly on a regular basis as recommended by the manufacturer. Never leave water in it when it isn’t running and always make sure it is clean before use.

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9. Saline drops

When a child’s nose is blocked, this causes difficulty with breathing, eating, and sleeping. Saline nasal drops can be used to shrink the swollen airways and thin the mucus. The saline solution causes the blood vessels in the sinus area to contract and this reduces the swelling.

Saline drops are available over-the-counter without a prescription and these are safe even for children under two as long as they contain only saline and no decongestants. Nasal decongestants not recommended for use in children and they often cause a rebound effect, making congestion worse rather than better over time.

You may prefer to make your own saline drops, Pour a cup of distilled water into a clean container. If you use tap water you must boil it first to sterilize it and allow it to cool down till it is lukewarm. Now add 0.5 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp baking soda to the water. You should use non-iodized or kosher salt to prevent irritation to the nasal lining. The solution should be at about room temperature or it can cause irritation.

To administer the drops, have the child lie down. Place the dropper just past the nose opening without touching it to the nose and gently squeeze. Add one or two drops to each nostril. The child must stay lying down for five minutes so the saline can flow into the nasal passages. Stop the child from nose-blowing for a few minutes to give the saline time to work. Always wash and dry the dropper every time you use it and never share droppers among children.

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10. A bulb syringe

Many children do not master the skill of nose blowing until they are about four. When they are too young to blow their noses, using a bulb syringe can work very well. It works especially well for a baby with a stuffy nose that prevents proper breastfeeding or bottle feeding. It can also be used successfully on toddlers and infants under four.

It helps to use the bulb syringe together with the saline drops as they thin and loosen the mucus making it easier to remove. A baby’s nose is extremely sensitive and you should never force the tip of the syringe into the nose when suctioning. The syringe should be held so as to just cover the outer edge of the nostril.

Before using the bulb syringe, force air out by squeezing. Gently insert the rubber tip into the nostril. Some people recommend closing off the other nostril with a finger for better suction. Releasing the bulb causes it to suck up the mucus. Remove the syringe and squeeze to expel the mucus into a tissue. Wipe the syringe before repeating with the other nostril.

Don’t suction a child’s nose more than a few times a day as this is likely to irritate the nasal lining. Using saline drops too often and for too long can also cause irritation by drying out the nose too much over time. If a baby becomes really upset when using the syringe, try just using the saline drops. Squirt a small amount into the nose and gently wipe the lower nostrils with a cotton swab.

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11. A neti pot

A neti pot looks rather like a teapot or tiny watering can. It is usually made of metal or ceramic and can be bought online or at natural food stores and drugstores. The pot is used to administer a saline solution which you can buy or make yourself. It flushes this solution through the nasal passages, irrigating them and helping to thin, loosen and rinse away mucus.

When using a neti pot, your child needs to be old enough to understand the procedure. It is not painful but it may feel rather strange at first. A neti pot should definitely not be used on babies or toddlers. Some older children may be quite resistant to the idea too.

It is best to practice on yourself or to watch some online videos of people using the pot before expecting your child to use it. The basic method is to fill the neti pot with the saline solution, bend over the sink, tilt the head to one side, and put the spout of the pot deep into the top nostril. This allows the water to flow through the nasal cavity and out of the other nostril. Then you turn your head to the other side and repeat.

The procedure is not difficult at all and may feel strange at first but you quickly get used to it. You can let your child watch you using it and then help him if he wants to try. Tilt your child’s head sideways over the sink and insert the spout into his top nostril. Never try to persist if a child struggles or becomes upset.

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12. Vapor rubs

Vapor rubs are often the go-to remedy for parents when dealing with congestion from a cold. A study has suggested that applying a vapor rub to the neck, back and chest may help to ease coughing and allow a child to sleep more peacefully. It opens up the airways, helps to break down the mucus and has a cooling effect.

However, a rub should never be applied to the face of a child, such as rubbing it directly under the nose or on the cheeks. Vapor rubs should not be used at all on children under the age of two. You need to make sure that the rub you use is suitable for children. Some parents do not want to use vapor rubs that contain petroleum and it is possible to find natural options that do not contain harmful ingredients.

Your own vapor rub is also easy to make by using essential oils (just make sure they are ones that are age appropriate) and natural ingredients. The following recipe is recommended for children of two to five. It contains a drop of lavender, a drop of frankincense, two drops of sweet marjoram, two drops of lemon and two tablespoons of shea butter.

A thin layer of the rub should be massaged into the chest, neck, and back with bare hands. Some people suggest rubbing it onto the bottom of the feet and covering the feet with woolen or cotton socks. A vapor rub should not be applied if the skin is irritated or has a rash. The rub is likely to irritate it and make it worse.

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13. Elevating the head

When suffering from a blocked nose, elevating the child’s head may help with breathing. Sleeping with the head elevated keeps the head above the heart which decreases blood flow to the nose. Lying flat allows the mucus to build in the sinuses, clogging up nasal passages and disrupting sleep.

Pillows or towels can be used to raise the head of the mattress. If a child sleeps in a crib, you can place a slim pillow or some towels underneath the head of the mattress on the springs of the crib. If a child sleeps in a big bed, an extra pillow under the head may help.

However, because many children squirm when they sleep, it is much safer to slide towels or a pillow underneath the mattress to avoid any possible risk of suffocation. This also creates a more comfortable, natural slope than using extra pillows. If you overdo the elevation, a young child may flip around while sleeping. With the feet being higher than the head, the whole purpose is defeated.

Some mothers even suggest letting a baby sleep in a car seat or a swing and others their small children in a recliner. They say it can make a world of difference when they are congested, allowing them to get more sleep. When using unusual methods to keep the head elevated, just make sure that the child is safe at all times. You may clear up their congestion and help them to sleep but put them at risk of injury from falling at the same time.

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14. Inhaling steam

One the simplest and easy ways to deal with congestion in children is to create some steam inside a closed room. A child may not like the idea of inhaling steam coming from a bowl of hot water with a head covered in a towel. This method can even be dangerous for children because mild scalding may occur when the steam is too hot.

Create a steamy room instead by going into the bathroom and turning on the hot water in the shower. Close the door, seal up the gap under it with towels and wait a few minutes. Sit with the child inside the steamy room for about 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes before bed. The child will breathe in the steam, loosening up the mucus and relieving any congestion.

In a steamy room, the steam may not be inhaled as directly as when using the towel and bowl method but this is a safer method to use for children. You are there in the room and you can make sure that your child does not come into contact with the scalding water. While you are sitting in the bathroom, clap on your child’s back or chest to help dislodge mucus (see how to do this in point 15).

It is fine to use this method regularly while a child is battling with congestion. It can even be used a couple of times a day. Without access to any other remedies, this simple remedy may be all that you need to help clear up your child’s stuffy nose.

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15. Clapping the chest

There is evidence that lightly clapping the back or the front of the chest can help to dislodge mucus plugs in the chest. The clapping motion you need to use is a bit firmer than what you would use to burp a baby. Generally, a baby or small child requires less clapping at a lighter force than an older child who is very congested and is coughing a lot.

If you have a baby or small child, you may sit with the child in your lap. The child should be leaning slightly forward. It may be difficult to attempt clapping with a wriggly toddler and you may have to put the child on its tummy across your knees.

Clap the child’s back or chest with a cupped hand. Clapping should be quick and rhythmic. It should loosen the mucus so that it can drain. The clapping should not be done directly onto the skin but with a cloth or thin clothing covering it. Your hand makes a cup shape by you bending it at the wrist.

When you clap, the sound you should hear is a ‘popping’ sound. If the sound is more of a ‘slapping’ sound, your hand is probably too not cupped enough. How much force used and how long you clap usually depends on the child. Smaller children require less force and time. Watch your child for any sign of pain or discomfort and you may have to reduce force. On the other hand, if the mucus is not coming up, you may need to apply a little more force.

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