Most babies will experience a cough some time during their first year of life. An infant cough, often a symptom of the common cold, is generally caused by chest or nasal congestion and will usually runs its course in 7 to 10 days. Though there is no cure for the common cold or cough, simple and inexpensive home remedies can help ease the cough and provide baby with relief. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), over-the-counter cold and cough medicines should not be administered to children under the age of two. Contact a physician if the baby has trouble breathing, develops whooping cough, is coughing up blood or wheezes when breathing out.
Saline Solution
"The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Children" recommends using a saline solution to ease a cough caused by congestion and make breathing easier for the baby. Saline solutions can be purchased at pharmacies or drug stores or made at home. Mix 1/4 tsp. salt with 1 cup lukewarm water until salt has dissolved. Place a few drops into each of the baby's nostrils using a cotton swab and wait 2 to 3 minutes. Use a nasal aspirator to gently suction mucus from both nostrils. Saline solution and suction can be used as often as necessary throughout the day.
Fluids
Hydration is important when a baby has a cough or other illness as babies lose fluid through mucus. While extra fluids are not necessary, encourage babies to drink their regular amount of fluids to avoid dehydration. According to The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Children, a congested baby often has difficulty swallowing which may make nursing or bottle feeding a challenge. Use remedies to clear up chest and nasal congestion so that drinking will be easier. Fluids will soothe and moisten a dry throat to help ease coughing.
Steam
Run hot water in the shower and bring the baby into the restroom to breath in steam caused by the hot water. Close the door so that the room steams up. Sit in the steam with your coughing baby for 15 to 20 minutes. The steam helps loosen chest congestion, making breathing easier for the baby and providing cough relief.
Humidify
A cough can worsen when the air is too dry. The Mayo Clinic recommends placing a humidifier in your baby's room to help soothe a dry cough and clear up congestion that may cause the cough. Keep the mist away from the baby's crib so that the bedding does not get wet or damp. Change the water daily to prevent mold from growing in the humidifier. Run the humidifier 30 minutes before bedtime so that the air is moist when your baby goes to sleep.
