When your toddler is coughing, no one gets any rest until it is relieved. Allergies and colds, as well as more more serious issues such as whooping cough, are among the many causes of coughs in toddlers. Home remedies may help less severe coughs, but difficulty breathing, blue lips, wheezing or barking, serious chest pain and a high fever that will not come down are all indications you should seek immediate medical attention.
Fluids
Keep your toddler well hydrated when he has a cough. Cool liquids, such as apple juice and water, can help soothe a rough throat. Do not give your child acidic liquids, such as orange juice or lemonade, as they can irritate tissues that are sensitive from coughing. Avoid sugary drinks, such as soda. Seattle Children's Hospital notes that warm water or apple juice can help loosen mucus, but warns never to use honey in children under age 2.
Humidity
For most coughs, a cool-mist humidifier can offer relief. Dry air makes a cough feel worse and humidifiers add much needed moisture back into a closed environment. Cool-mist humidifiers shrink nasal passages and ease breathing. For a thick, mucousy cough such as from croup, warm steam can help ease the cough. Run a shower with hot water and stay in the bathroom with the door closed with your toddler for 20 minutes, Dr. Yamini Durani recommends in an article for KidsHealth.
Medication
Over-the-counter medications for coughs and colds are not appropriate for toddlers. In children under age 2, try home remedies and follow the recommendations of your doctor. Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen for a fever or pain, but check the dosage level carefully. Only use cough drops in children over age 3 to avoid the hazard of choking.
Nasal Remedies
Sinus problems can cause or exacerbate coughs. Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center recommends using saline nose drops or nose spray for clogged sinuses. The saline solution will help the nasal passages stay open and moist. Read the instructions carefully for proper use and dosage. Never use nasal sprays that contain oxymetazoline, which is inappropriate and dangerous for children under age 6.
