In 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a statement discouraging the use of over-the-counter cold medicines for any child under the age of 2, citing side effects such as convulsions, rapid heart rates, decreased levels of consciousness and even death due to the ingredients in these products. Since your 18-month-old shouldn't be given cold medicine, using home remedies is preferable to help her weather the cold and be on her way to feeling better. Consult your doctor for advice specific to your child's situation.
Bulb Syringe
Since your toddler might be too young to properly blow her nose, using a bulb syringe helps to offer relief. Show your 18-month-old the syringe and demonstrate how it's used on your own nose to help quell any fears. Then, position your toddler comfortably in bed or on the ground and place two or three over-the-counter saline drops in each nostril. Depress the bulb and insert the tip into your child's nose, then release. The drops loosen mucus while the syringe vacuums it out so your toddler is better able to breathe. If your 18-month-old resists and is upset by the process, reserve this treatment for before naps or bedtime only.
Chicken Soup
Drinking chicken soup for a cold is often dismissed as an old wives' tale by some, but it's actually a valuable and effective treatment, particularly for young children. Chicken soup has a pleasant flavor and is available with noodles of different shapes to entice a toddler. The steam from the soup helps to loosen mucus, while the soup broth soothes a sore throat and helps keep your little one hydrated. A cold might affect your child's appetite, so offer chicken soup when he won't eat more solid foods.
Humidifier
Dry air makes your child's cold symptoms worse, resulting in a scratchy throat and thick mucus congestion in the sinus, nose and chest. Humid air helps increase your 18-month-old's comfort level by thinning mucus so it's easier to breathe and experience productive coughs. Opt for a cool-mist humidifier to avoid possible burns from a heated humidifier; change the water daily. Clean the humidifier frequently to avoid mold growth, which could be dispersed into the air and cause a detrimental reaction in your child's breathing.
Liquids
It's often difficult to get a sick toddler to eat, so it's important that you continue to push liquids in various forms. Not only could a lack of liquid lead to dehydration, but keeping your toddler hydrated helps to thin mucus and relieve a sore throat. If your 18-month-old refuses plain water, try pediatric electrolyte drinks, fruit ice pops and fruit juice to entice her to drink more.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration; OTC Cough and Cold Products: Not For Infants and Children Under 2 Years of Age; Jan. 17, 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Cold Remedies: What Works, What Doesn't and What Can't Hurt; Feb. 22, 2011
- What to Expect: Cold Relief: Helping Your Child Cope
- "Parents" magazine; All-Natural Cold & Cough Remedies; Jeannette Moninger
