As your kids head back to school, the odds of them coming home with a cold and cough significantly increase. Germs love a classroom, and fall is the perfect time for seasonal allergies to strike as well. When your child develops a nasty cough or cold, you want to bring them relief as soon as possible, but it’s not always clear what the best option is.
In 2008 the FDA released a report advising parents not to give over the counter medicine to their children for coughs and colds. Studies show that not only are medications such as antihistamines and decongestants not helpful for children with coughs and colds, but they may potentially be harmful. These medications are no longer recommended for children, and should never be used with children under the age of 2.
So what is a parent to do when they want to help their child beat a nasty cold and cough? Keep reading to learn more about natural cough and cold relief for kids.
6 Natural Cold and Cough Remedies for Kids
Just because OTC medications are no longer recommended, doesn’t mean that you’re powerless to provide relief. These 6 home remedies can help!
Saline Drops
Kids aren’t great nose blowers, which can lead to a build up of congestion. Saline drops and sinus rinsing can be very helpful when it comes to keeping your child decongested, especially at night. If you’re mixing your own solution, use a trusted product like Nasaline Saline Solution Salt from Squip, and be sure to mix it using distilled or filtered water (not tap water).
Hydration
Keeping your child hydrated is important, especially when they are batting congestion and coughing. An increase of fluids can help the body break up congestion and fight off a cough or cold quicker. Water is always the best choice, but non-citrus fruits and natural popsicles are great too, especially if your kiddos need a little coaxing to drink up.
Humidifiers
With cool weather comes dry air, often exacerbating your child’s nighttime coughing. Keep the air in your child’s bedroom temperate (especially when they are sick) by using a cool mist humidifier.
Essential Oils
Kid-safe essential oils can be helpful when it comes to providing relief for your family during cough and cold season. Sniffle Stopper KidSafe Essential Oil Roll-On by Plant Therapy contains contains 100% pure essential oils from fir needle, rosalina, spruce, cypress, spearmint, and cedarwood diluted in coconut oil. This blend can provide targeted relief for your child with the cool scent of a winter forest.
Honey
Not only is honey sweet and soothing, it has natural antibacterial properties that may support your child’s immune system when they’re sick. You can provide honey to children over the age of 1 on a spoon, in decaf tea, or warm water. Stock your cupboards with Raw Manuka Honey from YS Organic Bee Farms so you’re ready to provide natural relief when a cough or cold strikes.
Homeopathic Products
Just because traditional over-the-counter products are no longer recommended doesn’t mean you are out of options. Companies like Boiron provide natural, homeopathic products such as Children’s Chestal Honey Cough & Congestion. This soothing syrup is designed to loosen mucus to make coughs more productive, while soothing minor congestion and irritation.
How do you care for your kids in the midst of cold and cough season? Share your favorite back-to-school tips to keep kids healthy in the comments section below.
