There’s a faint sniffle or a murmur of a cough and you know your little one is headed for the land of the common cold. It can happen anytime, anywhere. Your toddler can get afflicted with this much too common condition and then you are in for some sleepless nights. Every child goes through bouts of cold and cough at least once or twice a year, depending on the season. It is a natural phenomenon, as your child grows, so does his or her immune system. A cold is a lesson for your little’s body to develop a stronger virus or bacteria-fighting system.
Top 10 Effective Home Remedies for Toddler Cold
Usually a common cold lasts for up to a week or so. If it persists, then maybe it’s time for some concern. However, common or not, it is always advisable to take your child to the doctor in case of any illness. In the meantime, instead of reaching for that bottle of pills or syrup, take a look at these simple home remedies to help your little one through an irritating cold.
Steam Inhalation
An easy-to-make remedy for cold, preparing steam for inhalation is recommended. All you need are a kitchen pot, water and towel. Just boil the water in the pot and, after taking it down from the stove, cover your child’s head with a towel, over the pot. Be careful, as the water will be hot and the oil can be strong. Gently ease your child into the position for steam inhalation. Doing this inhalation can relieve blocked nasal passages and soothe an irritated throat. If the pot is too risky, you can use a humidifier or sit with the child in the bathroom, with a hot shower running.
Soups
You also need to make sure your toddler is hydrated during a condition of cold. An ideal way of doing this is to feed them soup. Chicken soup is an old remedy for colds and coughs. It is full of essential nutrients that can help speed up the process of recovery and it is also known to help relieve congestion. You can also give him or her tomato soup with a pinch of ground pepper. This will help clear a blocked nose, while also boosting the immune system. Rich homemade soups can be helpful in speeding up recovery.
Vitamin C
One of the key essentials in your child’s battle against the common cold is Vitamin C. This necessary nutrient can improve your child’s immune system, which can help quicken his or recovery from the cold. You can make sure your toddler gets Vitamin C in its whole form in various foods, like oranges, strawberries, carrots or grapefruit. While this is not a cure, it can be a great way of making sure your child’s body is properly equipped to deal with the infection.
Herbal Tea
This is something your little one may not be willing to have. However, herbal teas are known to energize your child’s tired, aching, cold and flu-ridden body. You can make a simple green, mint or chamomile tea at home and give it once or twice a day. The hot tea can also calm and soothe a stressed respiratory system. Another helpful medicinal tea is made using lime, ginger and honey. This tea can soothe the nasal passages and help fight an infection.
Salt Water
This remedy is proven to be highly effective in unblocking nasal passages. Your child’s stuffy nose can be quickly cleared up with this simple and easy-to-make solution. Just mix together ½ teaspoon of kosher, or non-iodized, salt and 8 ounces of water. Then, with your child’s head turned slightly back, gently squirt the solution into each nostril, using a squeeze bottle or eyedropper. After this, with a rubber bulb syringe, slowly collect the mucus and saline. Repeat this process two or three times a day to provide your little one relief from a blocked or runny nose. Another remedy using salt is a gargle. Mix ¼ teaspoon of non-iodized salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Doing the gargle can help get rid of bacteria from the throat or mouth.
Ginger
Another tried and tested remedy for colds is ginger. For centuries, this humble root has been used to help with the symptoms of the common cold. The main reason is that ginger root is naturally warming and so it improves blood circulation in the body. Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, it can help greatly with any swelling. It may be a difficult task to make your little one consume ginger, but it can be immensely helpful in speeding up recovery. Chewing on bits of the root is recommended. If this is impossibility with your child, then make a simple tea of grated ginger root, honey and water.
Garlic
The other friendly root in dealing with the common cold, garlic is another old remedy. As it has antibacterial and antiseptic properties, garlic can aid in boosting the immune system and preventing the condition from worsening. You can make a tea of cloves of garlic and give it to your toddler. Most children would shrink away from the smell and taste of garlic. So, instead, you can use garlic oil in preparing meals.
Honey
An effective remedy against colds and coughs, honey is one more traditional way of giving relief to your little one. Getting your child to eat should be easy, because of its sweet and appealing taste. Honey has beneficial properties that can soothe the throat and provide relief from coughing. It is also known to relax and aid sleeping. So, before putting your child to bed, give him or her a teaspoon of honey or a tea with honey.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus oil is one more traditional remedy that can ease your child’s suffering. When you do steam inhalation, you can add a few drops of this essential oil to the hot water. Inhaling the vapors of the oil can help relieve blocked nasal passages. What’s more, it’s known to have antiseptic properties, so it can quicken the rate of your child’s recovery from the cold.
Vapor Rub
While there are commercially available vapor rubs, they usually have a petroleum base. If you want to avoid using petroleum, but still want to use vapor rub for your child, then you can make one right at home. Instead of petroleum jelly, you can dilute a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil in vegetable oil. Rub this mixture on your child’s feet and chest. Dab a little under the nose, as well. The vapor rub can help ease breathing when your child is asleep.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
