The cold and cough season is upon us and while there are many over the counter cold and cough medicines for adults there isn’t anything available for infants or toddlers. When treating your little one for the common cold or cough we want to make sure they are as comfortable as possible and recover quickly as possible.
Here are some safe and essential items to help relieve symptoms and make them feel better. These have proved to be my lifesavers when my little one is sick.
1. Fess Little Noses Saline Spray
FESS Little Noses nasal spray is a gentle saline solution that loosens and thins mucus to help clear a blocked nose, so your baby can breathe easier, naturally. It is non medicated so you can use it as often as needed, from the day your baby’s born. The spray produces an ultra fine mist so it is gentle enough for little newborn noses. These are also available in drops but I prefer the spray option as it is much easier to use and you can apply while baby is upright. You can purchase this from your local chemist.
2. Vicks Baby Balsam
Vicks for babies are formulated specifically for children from 3 months to 5 years. Vicks Baby Balsam’s calming fragrances of eucalyptus, rosemary and lavender help soothe, relax and relieve babies discomfort. Vicks Baby Balsam has Aloe extract and is dermatologically approved for baby use to help keep this baby ointment gentle even on delicate infant skin. You can purchase this from your local supermarket or chemist.
3. Vapor-Eze Waterless Vaporizer
The Waterless Vaporizer uses the latest in “heat activation” technology to help provide relief from respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, colds, flu, coughs, sore throats, and sinusitis. Thanks to the carefully formulated refill pads, the Waterless Vaporizer can be used day or night, to clear a blocked nose and help your baby breathe. Unlike humidifiers or water vaporisers there is no need for cleaning, no water for mold spores or bacteria to grow in, so it is safer for allergies, asthma, bronchitis, colds and flu, coughs, sore throats, and sinusitis. The Vapor-Eze Waterless Vaporizer is safe for babies over 3 months of age. You can purchase this from the Sleepstore or on Trade Me.
4. Clinicians Prospan Bronchial Syrup
Clinicians Prospan Bronchial Syrup is a powerful herbal formula made from dried ivy leaf to soothe the throat and help clear the airways. It also helps thin mucous and moistens dry irritated membranes of the airways and is a well tolerated formula suitable for children under 2 years. This formula has worked wonders for my little one’s cough, especially at night. You can purchase this from your local chemist or health store.
5. Lemon and Honey Drink
Coughing for long periods of time can leave your child’s throat irritated and sore. You can soothe a sore throat naturally with a homemade honey lemon drink. Honey contains antioxidants and has antibacterial qualities which makes it a natural remedy to soothe a sore throat. The lemon provides a good source of vitamin c which helps boost the immune system. This drink provides a sweet relief for toddlers and is also another way to up their fluid intake.
Note: Honey should not be given to babies less than 12 months old as the spores in honey can be harmful for them.
Remember, children need plenty of rest and fluids so make sure they keep hydrated and have plenty of sleep. Babies under 3 months become sick very quickly, so if in doubt please see a doctor if your child has a high temperature, has trouble breathing, a persistent cough or symptoms that last more than a week.