Cold remedies that work for kids

Hydration is key: what did your mom always say when you were sick? Rest and have plenty of fluids. Momma was right. For babies, if you’re nursing or bottle feeding, keep that up – your baby may want to nurse or have a bottle more for hydration and comfort when they’re not feeling well. For kids, push water and make sure not to share cups.

Use a humidifier: keep a humidifier running in your child’s room, especially during nap times and at night. It’s always on my kids’ discharge papers after the doctor to keep a cold mist humidifier going. Don’t use a warm mist humidifier though – we use Dr. Brown’s cold mist humidifiers. We have them in each bedroom, and there’s even a little spot to dispense essential oils – this is one of my favorite features.

Rest up: As Daniel Tiger says, “When you’re sick, rest is best, rest is best.” We all know our bodies need rest to heal – if your kid is resistant, put on the Daniel Tiger episode, Daniel Gets a Cold, and watch the magic happen.

Create a steam room: close your bathroom door and run your shower on hot, letting the room steam up. Sit in there with your child for about 15 minutes; the warm vapors will help loosen mucus in the nose and chest.

Breastfeeding? Use breastmilk! The magic uses for breastmilk are endless; put a couple drops of breastmilk in your child’s nose. You can put it in a medicine dropper or use a slow-drip nipple.

Clear the nose: Use a few drops of saline before clearing the nose with a ‘nose hose’ or bulb, especially before feedings if your child cannot breathe comfortably. Caution: do not use a bulb on a newborn; this will irritate and inflame their nasal passage, making it more difficult to breathe.

Sip warm liquids: Give your child warm liquids to sip with a spoon or straw – just make sure it’s not hot. Try broth, tea, or warm apple juice.

Moisturize the nose: if you’re constantly wiping your child’s nose, chances are it is getting sore and raw from irritation. Create a protective barrier with an ointment or coconut oil. There are natural alternatives to Vaseline as well.

Elevate head: in babies over 6 months, you can elevate their head while sleeping to help drain the congestion at night and for naps.

Remember to always practice good hand washing as a family and keep items clean in your house – I can’t be the only one whose baby sucks on remote controls, books, toys, phones…oh, and don’t forget lots of extra snuggles and love – we might call it the “common cold,” but there is nothing common about how miserable and lousy you feel when you’re sick with it.

What are your favorite home remedies for a cold?