Because the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) no longer recommends over-the-counter cold and cough remedies for children under age 6, it can be difficult for parents to know help their congested toddlers. Fortunately, there are many comfort measures and time-tested natural remedies that will help your child sleep better and breathe more freely.
Comfort Measures
Congestion and coughs can seem to linger for weeks in a toddler's immature respiratory system. A cool-mist humidifier can provide immediate relief for your toddler because dry air often exacerbates coughs and can make congestion worse. Keep the humidifier clean because mold and mildew can grow in humidifiers and be sent through the air, making your toddler even more ill.
Elevate one end of your child's mattress by placing a pillow under it. This will help your child sleep better. At this age, it is also safe to give your child a small pillow to put under his or her head.
Pediatrician and child-development expert Dr. William Sears recommends employing frequent steam treatments to help loosen the congestion. For toddlers, this entails closing the bathroom door and turning the shower on full force. Read a book with your toddler in the steamy room and try to keep them there about 15 minutes for the maximum effect.
Make sure your child drinks a lot of water or other clear liquids. Adequate hydration will help thin the mucus secretions and lessen their congestion. If they are reluctant to drink plain water, try popsicles or water-rich fruits such as oranges or watermelon.
Natural Remedies
One of the best cures for congestion is natural honey. Honey has antibacterial properties and it helps coat your child's throat and chest so that your child's throat seems less dry and irritated. A study out of Pennsylvania State University's College of Medicine found that the majority of parents of 105 children ages 2 to 18 ranked honey's efficacy at treating coughs higher than that of over-the-counter cold remedies. Give your child a half tsp. before bed, but make sure they brush their teeth afterward. Also, make sure you never give honey to an infant less than a year old since it has been linked to botulism in infants in that age range.
Try adding a couple of drops of eucalyptus or lavender oil to your child's warm bath. These essential oils can help break up congestion. You might also try rubbing some vapor rub on your child's chest and neck or using one of the plug-in waterless vaporizers in your child's room.
Saline nasal decongestants can help loosen your child's nasal congestion and combined with effective nose-blowing can help your child breathe much easier. Toddlers often don't do a great job of blowing their noses by themselves so try having them imitate you. If they will allow it without too much fuss, you can also use a bulb syringe to help clear out their nose.
If your toddler develops a fever of more than 101 degrees that lasts for more than five days or if they develop ear pain or wheezing, check with your doctor to rule out more serious illnesses and complications.
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