Cough is a common condition in infants. It can cause immense discomfort to the child. It can also interfere in daily activities like eating and sleeping causing problem for the kids. If the child is not well, the whole house would face problems. Cough can be with or without phlegm. Phlegm develops due to the accumulation of dust particles and mucus. It is caused due to infection by virus or bacteria. It may take several days to treat the cough.
Secretion of mucus in the throat is the reason behind cough. It can also be caused due to pollutants and dust. Moreover, infection in the respiratory tract can be the reason behind cough in infants. This may lead to blockage of lungs that causes congestion in the kids making them difficult to breathe.
10 Top Home Remedies For Infant Cough
Saline Solution
Saline solution is beneficial for the treatment of infant cough. To prepare the solution, take one fourth teaspoon of salt and add it in one cup of warm water. The solution can be stored in a jar. Salt drops can also be purchased at the health store.
Three drops of saline solution can be squeezed gently into the child’s nostrils keeping the kid’s head backward. Repeating this procedure after the mucus gets drained would be helpful. It should be used at one nostril at one time while keeping the other one closed.
Steam Bath
Taking a steam bath is useful for the patients suffering from infant cough. It is considered to be one of the effective remedies for the treatment of cough. Inhalation of steam also helps in treating congestion in the nasal passages. It would be very helpful for lungs as well as throat of the patients of infant cough.
Taking a hot shower would also provide relaxation to the affected kids. Keep the affected kid in the hot shower for around ten to fifteen minutes. At least two such showers on a daily basis would be very helpful for the affected child.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is helpful for the treatment of infant cough. Rubbing the oil over the child’s chest would provide relief from the symptoms of cough. It can be used along with other essential oils like peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil and rosemary oil.
One drop of any of these essential oils can be taken and mixed along with few teaspoons of olive oil. This oil mixture would provide relief from cough symptoms and induce sleep in the child.
Humidifier
Using a humidifier would be beneficial for the kids suffering from cough. It would help in cleaning the surrounding air. It would help in clearing the nasal passages and congestion in the chest of affected child. This method would help in providing a sound sleep to the kids.
A cool mist humidifier can be kept inside the baby’s room. Adding few drops of eucalyptus oil to the humidifier is considered to be helpful but one should consult the doctor before using this method.
Rest
Rest would help a lot to the infants who are suffering from cough. It would help in recovering from the symptoms associated with cough quickly. It would benefit the affected kids as they would be able to get the strength and energy required for fighting the symptoms of cough.
Taking rest would help in treating the infections slowly. One can keep good scenery in the kid’s room or toys in his or her arms to provide them peace and happiness while relaxing.
Honey
Honey is considered to be one of the effective home remedies for the treatment of infant cough. Giving the child half teaspoon of honey who is two to five years old would be beneficial.
It helps in thinning the secretions and loosening the cough. It has been found to be similar to cough syrup. This remedy helps in reducing coughing at night time.
Vapor Rub
Vapor rub is helpful in the treatment of infant cough. Rubbing this vapor rub on the affected child’s feet would be beneficial. Put socks on his or her feet after applying vapor rub. It is an effective remedy for the children who are older than two years.
Massaging the vapor rub over his or her chest would lessen the cough symptoms. It can be applied before the kid is going to sleep as it would help the child to have a sound sleep at night. It is not recommended for the kids who are younger than two years as it may cause irritation and increase the production of mucus.
Chicken Soup And Milk
Chicken soup is useful in the treatment of infant cough. It helps in soothing the sore throat and providing relief from the symptoms associated with cough. It can be prepared at home or can be purchased from outside in a canned form.
Milk is helpful in the treatment of infant cough. Breast milk is considered to be a very effective remedy for the infants. It contains the required antioxidants that are beneficial for building up the immune system. It can be mixed along with a pinch of turmeric also.
Basil And Saffron
Basil is effective in the treatment of infant cough. Leaves of basil plant have medicinal properties and are beneficial for the patients. Take one teaspoon of leaves of basil plant and mix it with honey. This remedy is considered to be a good home remedy for treating cough.
Saffron stands can be used for treating infant cough. Paste can be prepared by mixing one leaf of betel plant and some strands of saffron. Application of this paste over the forehead and feet of the affected kids would be beneficial.
Herbal Tea
Tea prepared from medicinal herbs is beneficial in the treatment of infant cough. Thyme and sage are some of the medicinal herbs helpful for the patients of infant cough. Both the herbs have beneficial properties that have soothing effects on the affected child.
To use the remedy, take one pinch of both the herbs and add them in a glass containing warm water. Strain it using cheesecloth and add it in a bottle. Allowing the kid to drink this herbal solution would be helpful.
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.