Natural Kids Cold Remedies
7 Natural Ways to Cure Kids' Coughs and Sniffles
As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work.
You don't need us to tell you that cold and flu season is well underway. And with much of the country experiencing arctic temps, sniffling, sneezing kids are a dime a dozen. Before you hit the drugstore to stock up on cold meds and cough syrup, take a stab at an all-natural cure. These seven tricks and tips are likely to be at least as effective (if not more so) than over-the-counter pills and potions. Get well soon, kiddos!
1 Steam Room For One!
Crank up the shower until it's as hot as it will go, shut the door, and within a few minutes, your bathroom will transform into a DIY steam room. The warm, moist air will help your little one to breathe easier and can even lower a fever.
2 Get Plenty of Sleep
We know, we know . . . easier said than done. But if your babe's under the weather, there's nothing to cure what ails them quite like a good night's sleep.
3 A Spoonful of Honey
Skip this one if you're dealing with a child under the age of 1, but for toddlers and beyond, honey offers a natural alternative to cough syrup. Added bonus? Getting them to take it will be the easiest medicine you've ever administered.
4 Use a Humidifier
A good humidifier can do wonders to clear up kids' stuffed nasal passages. We like the Duux Mushroom ($75), which does double-duty as a nightlight and features kid-safe controls.
5 Gargle
If your child's old enough to understand the concept, mix a dash of salt into a cup of hot water and have them gargle with it to relieve the pain of a sore throat or bad cough.
6 Elevate 'Em!
Having your child's head elevated while he's sleeping will help his sinuses to drain more effectively. For an older child, just stack up a couple of pillows. For an infant, put something below the mattress so that they're resting on a slight incline.
7 NoseFrida
Say goodbye to the ubiquitous bulb aspirator and hello to the Nosefrida ($16) — the Swedish-designed tube and hose that allows mama to literally suck the snot out of her little one's stuffed nose. It may sound gross, but filters prevent the mucus from ever entering mom's mouth, and it actually works.
