Healthy children experience an average of six colds a year, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP. There is no cure for the common cold, but older children and adults often deal with a cold's side effects by taking an over-the-counter cold medicine. Although the AAP does not recommend these medicines for children under the age of four years, you can treat your toddler's cold using time-tested home treatments that will keep your child comfortable while the cold runs its course.
Moist Air
Steam or moist air can help loosen your child's nasal and chest secretions so that he can cough or blow it out. Dr. William Sears, pediatrician and author of "The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two", recommends taking your toddler into the bathroom, turning on a hot shower and sitting in the room with him for 10 to 15 minutes. He also suggests using a hot steam vaporizer in your toddler's bedroom at night to help him sleep better.
Honey
A spoonful of honey might soothe your toddler's sore throat and ease his nighttime coughing. Dr. Alan Greene of Stanford University School of Medicine recommends giving children ages two to five years a half teaspoon of buckwheat honey before bedtime. Never give honey to infants younger than one year due to its association with infant botulism.
Nasal Suction and Saline Nose Drops
Blowing your nose can alleviate much of the congestion that makes it difficult to breathe and eat when you suffer from a cold. Since toddlers can usually not blow their noses effectively, suctioning out their nose with a nasal syringe can relieve their stuffiness and help prevent the cold from turning into a bacterial infection. If dried mucus blocks your toddler's nose, try placing a few drops of saline or warm tap water into her nose to loosen it before suctioning.
Soothing Liquids
Time-tested liquid remedies can help your toddler stay hydrated while she fights the cold. The Mayo Clinic suggests that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties, which can lessen the severity of her cold symptoms. It can also relieve congestion by speeding up the movement of mucus through your child's nose. You might also try giving your toddler spoonfuls of weak chamomile tea to relieve her congestion and scratchy throat. While chamomile tea is usually safe for toddlers, talk to your pediatrician before giving your toddler any type of "natural" tea to make sure it is appropriate for her.
