Your baby will likely experience the common cold more than any other illness during the first two years of his life. A cough is generally a symptom of the common cold and will go away on its own in 7 to 10 days. Natural remedies may help your baby breathe and sleep easier as those days pass. Antibiotics will not cure the common cold or a cough if it is caused by a viral infection. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends avoiding over-the-counter (OTC) cough or cold medicines for children under age two due to the risk of serious, life-threatening side effects. Consult a physician if your baby turns blue, has trouble breathing, wheezes or coughs up blood.
Hydrate
Keep your baby hydrated when he has a cough by encouraging him to drink his normal amount of fluids. Extra fluids are unnecessary. Fluids moisten a dry throat, which may ease coughing and make breathing easier. Congestion may make it difficult for your baby to nurse or bottle feed, according to "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies for Children." Clear up congestion using natural remedies to make drinking easier for your baby.
Saline
Dr. Renee Jenkins, M.D., FAAP, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommends saline drops to help thin mucus in a baby's nose. Saline solutions can be purchased at most pharmacies or drugstores. Apply a small amount on a cotton swab and gently swab the inside of each nostril. After a few minutes, use a bulb syringe to gently suction out mucus from your baby's nostrils. Repeat the remedy several times a day if necessary. Clearing nasal congestion will ease coughing and make breathing easier for your baby.
Nighttime Air
Many infants experience croup, a viral infection often referred to as a "barky" cough. Croup may last 5 to 6 days and worsens at night. As a natural remedy, swaddle your baby in warm blankets and walk outside in the cool night air for 10 to 20 minutes, as recommended by Dr. William and Martha Sears. Inhaling misty night air may help your child breathe more freely by opening the air passages.
Humidifier
According to HealthyChildren.org, running a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer in your baby's room will thin nasal secretions, making your baby more comfortable. Run the humidifier 30 minutes prior to bedtime and throughout the night to moisturize the room. Clean and dry the humidifier and change the water daily to avoid bacterial or mold growth. Do not use hot-water vaporizers because they may cause severe scalds or burns.
