No More Cold Medicine for my Child! Now What?

Any parent can tell you that when a child has a cold, the entire household suffers. Not only baby are awake all night, but so are Mom and Dad. Now, cold syrups have been ruled as a potential source of easy overdosing for children, and stores have voluntarily pulled them from the shelves. What are Mom and Dad to do? Plenty. Below are several actions recommended by Pediatricians.

Humidifier

Moisture calms colds and relieves nasal congestion. Babies, particularly, breathe through their mouths when congested, making their coughs worse. One caveat to humidifiers: Mold and other bacteria may lurk there, so be sure and follow the recommended cleaning schedule for this equipment.

Liquids

Anyone with a cold, but particularly a child, who doesn’t can dehydrate more easily than an adult, needs liquids. Pedialyte is recommended, but any liquids the child will drink, are great. If the child is vomiting or has diarrhea, hydration is even more vital. Small, but frequent doses of fluid are encouraged. Assuring the child is hydrated will also help to break up thick mucus secretions caused by the cold.

Elevation

Small children should not have pillows, as this would increase the potential for SIDs. However, by placing a wedge under the mattress pad, the slight elevation will allow the child to breathe easier.

Chicken Soup

You were waiting for this one, right? Yes, chicken soup not only acts as a humidifier, but the salt in it decreases congestion. If you child is not eating solid foods, than chicken soup is not an option, however.

Saline Drops/Suction Bulbs

Because babies can not blow their noses, inserting a few drops of saline can loosen the mucus and help the nose to drain better. A suction bulb may also help, but be careful to only insert it by the entry to the nose, otherwise, the powerful suction could harm your child.

Non-Aspirin Pain Relievers

Acetamenophen is safe for anyone over 3 months old. However, be careful to follow the dosages recommended, or overdoses are possible. Don't give aspirin or any aspirin like drug such as Motrin. These have been shown to cause a neurological disorder, which is sometimes fatal, in children

Time

If you can live through the first day of a cold, the rest of the week will generally be better. All colds are temporary, and last about a week. They will go away, even if you do nothing. Lastly, a warning: Consult your physician for severe or prolonged symptoms, of course. Fever in babies under 6 months can require immediate care, and a child who struggles breathing may need emergency help.