Cold and cough medicines---even over-the-counter formulas---can cause serious and life-threatening side effects in young children. Children under the age of 2 should not use these medications. In addition, parents of children under 4 are cautioned against treating children with over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, according to MayoClinic.com. To find a safer option, search your kitchen rather than your pharmacy shelves. A bowl of chicken soup or a tall glass of water are often effective.
Cough Drops
Cough drops are a throat-soothing solution for daytime coughs. The sucking action helps stimulate saliva and coats the throat. Children younger than 3 should not be given cough drops, however, due to the risk of choking.
Fluids
Drinking plenty of fluids is a well-known remedy for a variety of illnesses. Although it's not possible to flush a cold from the body no matter how much fluid is ingested, large quantities of water, juice and broth can loosen congestion and promote hydration. To avoid dehydration, parents should never give young children caffeinated beverages.
Chicken Soup
A steaming bowl of chicken soup is not just a comfort food, it is also a cough and cold remedy. According to MayoClinic.com, scientific evidence proves that chicken soup is beneficial for cold relief, as it acts as an anti-inflammatory and relieves congestion by assisting the movement of mucus. The warm broth also soothes a sore, itchy throat and helps temporarily stifle a child's cough.
Dehumidifier
A loud, barking cough indicates congestion. A cool-mist dehumidifier helps relieve nighttime congestion and coughing by filling the child's room with moist air. In a pinch, KidsHealth recommends parents run hot water in the shower to create steam and then sit in the room with the child for approximately 20 minutes while he takes in the moist air.
