Every change of season is a tricky time for kids, making them highly susceptible to developing cough and cold. They might as well become irritable and are unable to articulate what discomfort they are currently experiencing. This makes treatment challenging in both kids and infants. Moreover, the over-the-counter medications for kids are never advisable due to their possible harmful side effects. Home remedies for cough and cold in kids can work as the safest solution.
5 Effective Home Remedies for Cough and Cold for Kids
Here is a list of 5 home remedies for cough and cold in kids:
1. Suction
If your infant aged 6 months or below is suffering from a runny /stuffy nose, then a suction or bulb syringe is among the most common home remedies for cough and cold. It can work as a trustworthy solution to pull out the mucus. You need to squeeze the bulb part of the suction, put the tube in one of the nostrils, and then release it very gently. Infants with a runny nose are unable to blow or clear their passage, a suction will give them relief when used after intervals.
2. Humidifier
When the air in your home is dry, it can dry up the mucus in the nostrils and make breathing difficult. Using a humidifier will thin the mucus and make it easier for your child to breathe, resulting in an excellent way of cough treatment at home. You can place the humidifier close to the bed where your child is resting. This is one of the home remedies for cough and cold that’ll definitely help.
Clean and dry the machine after every use to prevent contamination. In case you do not have a humidifier at home, you can boil a bowl of water and place it in front of your child so that he/she may breathe in the mist. This can act as a DIY humidifier, and can be a great home remedy for cough for kids.
3. Honey
For cough and chest congestion, research has shown that honey is more effective than cough syrups. Therefore, it is counted among the best coughing remedies at home. For best results, feed your child a teaspoonful of honey right before bed. Honey loosens up the mucus and makes coughing it out easier.
You can also feed your child a teaspoon of ginger juice with a pinch of black pepper mixed in honey for cough relief. Honey is one of the most miraculous home remedies for cold and cough in infants.
4. Menthol Rub
For cough and chest congestion, using a menthol rub is highly recommended. Rub a layer of menthol on your child’s chest, throat, and the sides of the nose. Do this every night before putting your child to sleep. This is among the most effortless home remedies for cough.
5. Amla-Giloy Juice
This is another simple home remedy for cough for kids. Amla and Giloy help build immunity and treat all kinds of infections. You can either buy a readymade bottle from the store or you can make your mix at home. If you are unable to make or procure this juice, then you can feed raw amla, a type of natural cough remedies, to your child.
Other Tips for Cold and Cough
Besides following the home remedies for cough and cold mentioned above, here are a few other tips you can consider to make your kid or infant feel better and recover faster:
- In addition to following cough remedies, make sure your child is well rested.
- Keep your child hydrated. Infections tend to dry up the body from within, so make your child drink lots of warm fluid.
- If your child is suffering from a sore throat, then make him/her gargle with saline solution 2-3 times a day.
- Steam inhalation with a few drops of eucalyptus oil in hot water would help immensely.
- Give your child a body massage with garlic-oil that you can make at home as part of home remedies for cough.
Conclusion
There is a saying that prevention is better than cure. This makes it important to practise home remedies for cough and cold. To help build your child’s immunity, feed them nutritious meals rich in vitamin C and other leafy greens throughout the year. Inculcate good habits in your child by encouraging them to engage in physical activities and maintain hygiene. You can also feed them chyawanprash – another miraculous home remedy for cough in kids.
The cough remedies discussed above are only some suggestions you can follow, not professional medical advice. In case your child has a fever and it does not go away even after 72 hours, consult a paediatrician right away.
