There may not be a cure for the common cold, but there are ways to help your baby feel more comfortable.
No matter how careful you are, your baby will probably end up with a cold before their first birthday. Nothing can prepare you for that gunky nose, those red-rimmed eyes, that near-constant cough… It can break a parent’s heart.
Though colds aren’t usually serious, they’re no fun to get through, either. But there’s help! We’ve rounded up the best baby cold remedies to help weather these seasonal bumps in the road, plus the treatments you should use with caution or avoid altogether.
1. Steamy bathroom
Good for: Loosening up a stuffy nose and helping baby breathe more easily. Try it when your baby is uncomfortably congested.
How to do it: Turn the bathroom into a steam room by running the shower on hot for 10 to 15 minutes while holding your baby outside of the shower. Get as comfy as you can—you’ll probably end up sitting on the closed toilet seat. Grab a board book for entertainment.
Pro tip: This works well for nasal congestion. But if your baby has hoarseness, wheezing or a persistent cough, check in with a doctor to make sure you’re not dealing with a more serious respiratory infection.
![The best baby cold remedies—and the ones you should avoid (1) The best baby cold remedies—and the ones you should avoid (1)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Photo: hydraSense
2. Saline drops or mist
Good for: Helping to clear a stuffy nose if your baby is having trouble feeding or sleeping because they can’t breathe through their nose.
How to use: You can buy either saline drops or a spray in any drugstore or grocery store—the ones designed for babies will be easier to use. Squirt two or three drops of this up baby’s nose to soften and dilute the snot so they can breathe easier.
Pro tip: The drops tend to be gentler on babies than the spray, which can be quite forceful, but either will work.
Try this:hydraSense Baby Nasal Care Ultra-Gentle Mist, $11, well.ca
![The best baby cold remedies—and the ones you should avoid (2) The best baby cold remedies—and the ones you should avoid (2)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Photo: Fridababy
3. Snot sucker
Good for: Clearing out a stubbornly clogged nose when saline solution on its own doesn’t work.
How to use: Supporting baby’s head, insert two or three drops of saline in one nostril. If you’re using the suction type, squeeze the air out of the bulb of the sucker before placing the tip just inside your baby’s nose. Then let go and the suction should pull out most of the snot. Other snot suckers are designed for caregivers to suck the snot out with a tube.
Pro tip: While you can use saline as often as needed, you should suction only two to three times a day to avoid irritation.
Try this: Fridababy NoseFrida Snotsucker Nasal Aspirator, $24, bedbathandbeyond.ca
4. Pain reliever
Good for: Making your baby more comfortable. It can also bring down a fever. (The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends that all babies under six months with a fever should be seen by a doctor.)
How to use: Check with your doctor before giving ibuprofen to babies under six months. For both ibuprofen and acetaminophen, follow directions carefully and use the included syringe to get an accurate dose. If your baby isn’t a fan of the squirt, you can add the meds to a small amount of formula or breastmilk or, for older babies, food like baby cereal or fruit purée.
Pro tip: Fevers can make babies fussy and uncomfortable and make it hard to sleep. Consider timing a dose so everyone can get some shut-eye at night.
5. Honey
Good for: Coating the throat and suppressing coughs in children over 12 months old.
How to use: Give your kid over one year old a teaspoon or two at bedtime to help calm their cough so they can get to sleep.
Pro tip: Honey is one of the few natural remedies that has been shown to work in studies. Choose unpasteurized honey for an extra antiviral boost.
Wait!: Never give honey to babies under 12 months old because it can cause infant botulism.
![The best baby cold remedies—and the ones you should avoid (3) The best baby cold remedies—and the ones you should avoid (3)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)
Photo: Boogie Wipes
6. Saline nose wipes
Good for: Breaking down dried, stuck-on boogers without irritation and wiping away dirt and germs no matter where you are.
How to do it: Open the lid and remove inner seal. Then gently use saline nose wipes for babies to break down dried, stuck-on boogers and wipe away dirt and germs on baby’s face, hands and body. Dispose of the wipe and close the lid tightly to retain moisture.
Pro tip: Though it may seem these wipes are only for runny noses, they’re great to have on-hand in the diaper bag for any kind of mess.
Try these: Boogie Wipes Gentle Saline Nose Wipes, $5,walmart.ca
Products you should be cautious about
Vicks BabyRub: You may recall your mom rubbing Vicks VapoRub on your feet when you had a cold and be tempted to do the same with your baby, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, the regular version of Vicks VapoRub contains camphor, which is extremely toxic if ingested. Keep this out of your little one’s reach or consider getting it out of your house altogether. Vicks BabyRub, on the other hand, doesn’t contain camphor—but it also doesn’t contain any other medicinal ingredients that can relieve congestion and isn’t marketed as a product for colds. However, there likely isn’t harm in using this on your baby if you follow the manufacturer’s directions. It’s not meant to be used on babies under three months.
Humidifier:Humidifiers add moisture to the air in your house, which can help keep snot and mucus from drying out and relieve congestion. However, the Canadian Paediatric Society doesn’t recommend parents use humidifiers—both hot and cool mist humidifiers can breed mould and bacteria if they are not washed thoroughly every day, and hot mist humidifiers can be a burn hazard for small children.
Avoid these products altogether
Cough medicine: This is not recommended for babies (or any kids under six). According to Health Canada, there is no evidence they’re effective, and they can cause harm when misused or overused. The same goes for natural cough medicines, because natural ingredients can still cause dangerous side effects and allergies. “There’s also no evidence that they work,” says paediatrician Dina Kulik, founder of KidCrew, a multidisciplinary health clinic in Toronto.
Homeopathic treatments and essential oils: There are many cold remedies on pharmacy and health store shelves labelled as homeopathic, but these, like other natural health products, are not as strictly regulated as pharmaceuticals. “There is no convincing evidence that they work, and they may pose a risk,” says Kulik. It’s better to avoid these altogether.Essential oils are another popular home remedy, but they can be toxic. C.J. Blennerhassett recommends against using them in a baby’s humidifier or anywhere near a baby because there are no studies to demonstrate their value or safety.
When to see a doctor
If you see these symptoms, your baby should be checked out by a pro right away:
1. Not drinking much or excessive vomiting or diarrhea. This can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous.
2. Listlessness or a decreased level of alertness. If they aren’t responding like they usually do and they’re excessively sleepy, something might be wrong.
3. A fever above 38°C (100.4°F), taken rectally. Bring your baby over three months in if the fever isn’t brought down by pain relievers or lasts longer than three days. A baby under three months with any fever should be seen.
4. Constant crying. Baby shouldn’t be inconsolable.
5. Difficulty breathing. Don’t wait and see.
FILED UNDER: baby products Cold and flu Cough illness product roundup Sick kid
FAQs
Antibiotics don't work against cold viruses. Try to make your baby more comfortable with measures such as making sure he or she drinks enough fluids, suctioning nasal mucus and keeping the air moist. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications generally should be avoided in babies.
What are the worst days of a cold for baby? ›
How long does a cold last in babies? The common cold usually lasts seven to 10 days, though a residual cough may linger for longer — sometimes up to three weeks. Symptom-wise, day three is often the worst.
How do you naturally cure a cold in a baby? ›
Natural Ways to Treat Your Baby's Cold
- Skip the Cold Medicine. 1/13. Babies get sick a lot. ...
- Give Plenty of Fluids. 2/13. This thins mucus, and that can help with a stuffy nose. ...
- Suction Out the Snot. 3/13. ...
- Use Saline Drops. 4/13. ...
- Serve Chicken Soup. 5/13. ...
- Run a Humidifier. 6/13. ...
- Create a Steam Room. 7/13. ...
- Clear Out the Smoke. 8/13.
Is cold air good for a baby with a cold? ›
“Fresh air can be good for some colds that babies and toddlers get, such as croup – a viral cold that gives kids a bark-like cough,” says Smith. “The cool air can help their breathing, especially if the air is humidified a bit.” Think: Using an open window in a bathroom with shower steam.
How long should a cold last in a baby? ›
If your baby has a cold with no complications, it should resolve within 10 to 14 days. Most colds are simply a nuisance. But it's important to take your baby's signs and symptoms seriously. If symptoms don't improve or if they worsen, it's time to talk to your doctor.
How do you break a child's cold? ›
However, there are steps you can take to help your child feel better while their immune system battles the virus.
- Offer plenty of fluids. ...
- Clear up stuffed nasal passages. ...
- Loosen the cough. ...
- Promote rest. ...
- Know what to give and when. ...
- See your child's doctor. ...
- Surviving cold and flu season.
How is RSV different from a cold? ›
RSV can infect anyone, but is most dangerous in infants and the elderly. Its symptoms are similar to those of the common cold. They tend to run their course with only mild intensity in adults and older children. In infants and elderly, symptoms tend to be more severe, and can include fevers and wheezing.
What are the 5 stages of a cold? ›
The stages of a cold include the incubation period, appearance of symptoms, remission, and recovery.
When should I worry about my baby having a cold? ›
If your child has had a cough that's lasted longer than 3 weeks, see a GP. If your child's temperature is very high, or they feel hot and shivery, they may have a chest infection. You should take them to a GP, or you can call 111.
How do I stop my baby's runny nose? ›
How to Make Your Nose Stop Running
- Saline Drops. The first baby running nose medicine method is saline drops. ...
- Lots of Fluids. Giving a baby enough fluids, regardless of the reason causing the baby's runny nose, is recommended. ...
- Petroleum Jelly. ...
- Bulb suction. ...
- Cool mist humidifier. ...
- Don't use menthol rubs or decongestants.
7 home remedies for kids' colds that actually work
- A spoonful of honey. ...
- Plenty of fluids. ...
- Saline spray. ...
- Humidifier. ...
- Sponge bath. ...
- Extra pillows. ...
- Vicks VapoRub.
How do I get mucus out of my baby's chest? ›
Gentle taps on your baby's back can help ease chest congestion. Lay them down across your knees and gently pat their back with your cupped hand. Or do it while they sit on your lap with their body leading forward about 30 degrees. It loosens mucus in the chest and makes it easier for them to cough it up.
Can I put Vicks on my baby? ›
If your baby is under the age of 2, you should never apply Vicks to their chest, nose, feet, or elsewhere. You could try special nonmedicated rub for babies 3 months and older. The blend is dubbed as a “soothing ointment” that contains fragrances of eucalyptus, rosemary, and lavender.
What position should a congested baby sleep in? ›
Keep Theirs Heads Upright
The best default position for your baby to be in when they have a cold is upright. This helps for congestion to clear and for breathing to become easier. And, most importantly, it helps them get that vital rest they need so much.
What should a baby sleep in with a cold? ›
Keep cool. It might feel counterintuitive if they're suffering from a cold, but body temperatures spike at night, so make sure their room is cool and well ventilated. Layer their bed with a sheet and a duvet or blanket so they can snuggle up to start with and then sleep with just the sheet later if they get too hot.
How should a baby sleep with a cold? ›
Make Sleep Easier
Your baby's stuffy head, runny nose, or cough can keep them awake. Try these tips: Use a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer. They add needed moisture to the air in their bedroom.
Can a cold room make a baby sick? ›
Q: Can cold weather make a baby get sick? A: We're so happy you asked this question so we can set the record straight once and for all: To catch a cold, you need to be exposed to a virus. Simply being out in cold weather can't trigger the sniffles.
Is it OK to let baby sleep with stuffy nose? ›
While it might be comfortable for your baby to sleep with a congested nose, it's considered safe for most children.
Why do babies get colds often? ›
Babies get so many colds because their immune system isn't yet ready to fight off the 100 or so viruses that cause these infections. The cold virus spreads through the air when someone who's sick coughs or sneezes.
What are the first signs of RSV? ›
Symptoms
- Runny nose.
- Decrease in appetite.
- Coughing.
- Sneezing.
- Fever.
- Wheezing.
Early Symptoms of RSV
- Runny nose.
- Decrease in appetite.
- Cough, which may progress to wheezing or difficulty breathing.
How do you tell if a cold is turning into RSV? ›
Recognizing RSV Symptoms
- High fever (or low fever if immunocompromised)
- Rapid breathing or other signs of difficulty breathing.
- Wheezing.
- Worsening, barking cough.
- Skin, lips or nails turn blue.
What are the worst days of a cold? ›
Symptoms peak: Cold symptoms peak at 1 to 3 days. The main symptoms include sore throat, stuffy nose, runny nose, cough, discomfort, sneezing, fever (more common in children), headaches, clear, watery discharge from your nose (mucus), and body aches.
What are the last signs of a cold? ›
Some people might also experience what's known as the post-infectious cough, which is a nagging cough that can last an average of 18 days after your cold subsides.
...
The most common symptoms to look out for during this stage are the following:
- cough.
- congestion.
- runny nose.
- fatigue.
How do you know a cold is ending? ›
Within 7–10 days , people will usually start to recover from a cold. Symptoms begin to ease up, and people will start feeling better. People may also find that they have more energy and are more able to carry out tasks as usual.
Can a cold turn into RSV? ›
Most cases are mild, but for some children, an ordinary cold or flu can quickly turn into respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), asthma or pneumonia that requires ER treatment or hospitalization.
How can I dry my child's runny nose fast? ›
A nasal wash can help remove mucus from your child's nose.
- You can buy a saline spray at a drugstore or make one at home. To make one, use 1 cup (240 milliliters) of warm water, 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) of salt, and a pinch of baking soda.
- Use gentle saline nasal sprays 3 to 4 times per day.
How can I kick a cold in 24 hours? ›
There is no way to get rid of a cold fast. A cold will usually go away on its own without treatment. However, a person may experience uncomfortable symptoms while they recover. People can take steps to aid recovery, such as getting plenty of rest.
Does vitamin C help with colds? ›
Vitamin C does not prevent colds and only slightly reduces their length and severity. A 2013 review of scientific literature found that taking vitamin C regularly did not reduce the likelihood of getting a cold but was linked to small improvements in cold symptoms.
Does honey help with cold? ›
If winter brings you a sore throat and coughing, a spoonful of honey can be quite soothing. And it might even reduce symptoms from an upper respiratory tract infection, suggests a review of studies published online Aug. 18, 2020, by BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine.
Wipe away extra mucus with a soft cloth or a tissue. Use a sterilized rubber bulb to gently suction out extra mucus (more on this below). Use a saline spray to help loosen dried snot and clear it out of the nostrils. Use a cool-mist humidifier in baby's room to keep the air moist.
Why put Vicks on your feet? ›
Using Vicks VapoRub on your feet or other areas of your body has a cooling effect. This is mainly because of the camphor and menthol. The cooling sensation of the vapor rub may be pleasing and temporarily help you feel better. But it doesn't actually reduce body temperature or fevers.
What does putting Vicks on your feet with socks do? ›
People swear it works: putting Vicks VapoRub on the souls of your feet and covering them with a towel or socks can get rid of your cough overnight.
Does putting Vicks on your feet help with a cough? ›
Summary. There is no evidence that using Vicks VapoRub on your feet will help ease a cough. This product may seem to help when rubbed on your chest because menthol vapors make you feel as if you are breathing more easily. However, those aromatherapy benefits are hard to get if the product is far away from your nose.
What do you feed a baby with a cold? ›
It is so important to be feeding your baby lots of fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin C and antioxidants. They are invaluable for protecting the immune system. Remember with a cold you can have a stuffy nose, a cough and even headaches.
Is there anything I can give my newborn for a cold? ›
Give plenty of liquids, including breast milk or formula (if your baby doesn't take breast milk). A small amount of water may be offered to your baby if they're over 6 months old. Suction out nasal mucus using saline drops and a suction bulb. Moisturize the air with a cool-mist humidifier.
Is a cold serious for a baby? ›
If your baby has a cold with no complications, it should resolve within 10 to 14 days. Most colds are simply a nuisance. But it's important to take your baby's signs and symptoms seriously. If symptoms don't improve or if they worsen, it's time to talk to your doctor.
Is banana good for baby during cold? ›
Choose bananas that are yellow and apt for babies who are on their semi-solid diet. Even kids having cough or cold can also eat bananas but ensure if they are allergic to them or not.
What is the best sleeping position for a baby with a cold? ›
Keep Theirs Heads Upright
The best default position for your baby to be in when they have a cold is upright. This helps for congestion to clear and for breathing to become easier. And, most importantly, it helps them get that vital rest they need so much.
Can I use Vicks on my baby? ›
If your baby is under the age of 2, you should never apply Vicks to their chest, nose, feet, or elsewhere. You could try special nonmedicated rub for babies 3 months and older. The blend is dubbed as a “soothing ointment” that contains fragrances of eucalyptus, rosemary, and lavender.
Call Your Doctor If:
Any fever if under 12 weeks old. Nasal discharge lasts more than 14 days. Cough lasts more than 3 weeks. You think your child needs to be seen.
How long should a baby have a cold before going to the doctor? ›
Colds. Contact your health care provider if your baby has a cold that interferes with his or her breathing, has symptoms that last longer than 10 days, has ear pain, or has a cough that lasts more than one week.
How do you tell if it's RSV or a cold? ›
You won't be able to tell the difference between a cold and respiratory syncytial virus in your home. You must to go to a healthcare professional to determine whether it's a cold or RSV.
How do I know if my baby has RSV or cold? ›
RSV symptoms in babies
- Fever (temperature of 100.4 or higher)
- Cough (dry or wet sounding)
- Congestion.
- Runny nose.
- Sneezing.
- Fussiness.
- Poor feeding.