A cough can be miserable for a toddler who would, typically, rather enjoy the day playing and exploring. A toddler's cough can be equally as frustrating for the parents or caregiver, because traditional cough remedies cannot be used for toddlers. According to KidsHealth.org, children under 4 years of age should not take cough medicine. Cough drops are not an option either, as they are a choking hazard. You can use some home remedies to relieve your toddler's cough, which is not always a serious condition. However, sometimes a cough can be a sign of a condition, such as croup, whooping cough or a viral infection. Notify your doctor if your toddler has a cough and has trouble breathing, a high fever or is coughing up blood or wheezing.
Shower
Warm steam, when inhaled, can break up congestion in the lungs and soothe a cough. Turning on the hot water in a shower and then closing the bathroom door fills the room up with warm steam. Sitting with a coughing toddler in the bathroom for about 20 minutes can remedy a cough. You can use books, games or toys to pass the time in the bathroom, and make it an enjoyable experience for your coughing toddler.
Humidifier
Humidifiers are designed to put the moisture back into the air that dry heat has taken out, especially during winter months. This can relieve a dry cough and reduce nasal congestion. While your toddler is sleeping, place a humidifier near her bed. Once your humidifier is plugged in, whether it is a warm-mist or cool-mist humidifier, moist air begins to fill the room. Both types of humidifiers are effective, but cool-mist models prevent toddlers from getting accidental burns.
Nasal Passages and Fluids
Nasal congestion can cause drainage that goes down the throat, making a toddler's cough worse. Keeping the sinuses clear can prevent this from happening. Toddlers that know how to blow their noses should be encouraged to do so often. Younger children that are not able to blow their noses can use a nasal aspirator, which suctions nasal fluid out of the nose, with the help of a parent or caregiver. Drinking fluids, such as water and juice, can soothe the throat, calming the cough.
