The miserable sounds of a congested kid might keep the entire household from a good night's sleep. Since the cold is the most common infectious disease in the U.S., with some kids catching as many as eight per year, finding remedies for congestion is paramount to proper rest. Plenty of kid-friendly options exist to calm coughs and ease breathing.
Saline Drops
Saline flushes help force thick fluids from the nose, relieving nasal congestion. You can buy saline drops over the counter and they are safe for children of all ages --- even babies. Release several saline drops into your infant's nose, then gently suction the fluids with a bulb syringe.
Steam
Breathing easier can be as simple as inhaling steam, whether from a shower fixture or humidifier. In either case, the steam helps loosen mucus and make coughing more productive. Place humidifiers up high and out a small child's reach to prevent accidental burns. Fill your bathroom with steam by running a hot shower with the door closed. Allow your child to breathe deeply for several minutes.
Elevation
Use gravity to ease breathing when your child is congested. You can do this two ways: by propping pillows beneath his head or by allowing him to sleep in a comfortable chair. Many children find sleeping in an easy chair or recliner a spontaneous and exciting experience.
Medications
For children younger than 2, over-the-counter cold medications are risky and potentially life threatening, says MayoClinic.com. Additionally, there is no real proof that decongestants and antihistamines actually work in young children, and in some cases, they cause irritability, hallucinations and rapid heart rate. If your child is older, however, medications might help her sleep better. Talk to a pharmacist about the best medications for her symptoms.
Considerations
If congestion remedies are not helpful and your child's symptoms worsen after three days, contact a doctor for diagnosis. Bronchitis, sinusitis and strep throat are possible conditions that mimic a cold and require a doctor's examination and specific treatments. Additionally, consult your doctor if your child is coughing up a lot of mucus, has a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, seems unusually lethargic, or has chest or stomach pain.
