When your toddler has a cold, a congested chest makes sleeping and breathing uncomfortable -- but safe, natural remedies might help. Chest congestion occurs when mucus builds up in the lungs, causing wheezing and coughing. In some cases, a congested chest may be the sign of a serious medical condition, like bronchitis, the croup or pneumonia. Contact your child's pediatrician at the first sign of chest congestion, before you try any home remedies to soothe her symptoms.
Water Vapor
When your child's chest is congested with mucus, water vapor makes breathing easier. When the water molecules enter the body, they thin out the mucus, making it easier to expectorate. Run a humidifier in your toddler's room while he sleeps to keep him from coughing at night. If you don't have a humidifier, run some hot water in the bathtub and read a story to your toddler with the door closed. As he breathes in the steam from the bath, the vapor will loosen the mucus in his chest.
Head Elevation
Although your child might have no problem breathing while she's sitting up, chest congestion usually feels worse when your toddler is lying down. Help her sleep by putting an extra pillow underneath her head. This puts her body at a slight angle, elevating the head and allowing your toddler to breathe comfortably while she sleeps. If your toddler tosses a lot while she's sleeping, place a pillow or rolled-up blanket underneath the crib or mattress pad to elevate her head.
Fluids
Drinking water, diluted juice and chicken broth helps thin the mucus in your child's chest, allowing him to cough up the phlegm more easily. If your toddler is still breastfeeding, encourage him to do so -- breast milk has vitamins that protect your child against the germs that cause colds, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
Warnings
Do not give your child cough medicine unless your doctor recommends it. Over-the-counter cough medicine is not recommended for children under the age of 4, because they won't actually treat the underlying cause of your child's symptoms. If your child has a high fever or green nasal congestion, or if she coughs up thick, green mucus, take your child to the doctor immediately. It might be the sign of a more serious medical condition.
