If your toddler has a cough, then you may want to want to take your child to the doctor to see if this is a minor health problem or if the cough can develop into something more serious. However, if you wish to try out home remedies for
cough in toddlers, then here are some suggestions that you can use.
If your toddler has a croupy or barky cough, then you can turn on the warm shower in the bathroom. Close the door and let the steam build up in the bathroom. Once the place is nice and humid, sit there with your child for 15 to twenty minutes. Steam helps children breathe better. If you are wondering what you are going to do in the steamed up bathroom, then you can take along a book and read out a story to your toddler. You might even want to install a cool-mist humidifier in your toddler’s bedroom to help her sleep.
You might want to give your child soothing beverages like fresh fruit juices or vegetable juices. You can give hot, clear soups to your child too. A hot mug of cocoa or a glass of milk with a pinch of turmeric and pepper can also soothe the throat and bring relief from a persistent cough.
Cough drops are fine for small children, but not recommended for toddlers because they might choke on them. If your child is more than one year of age, then you might want to give him half-a-spoon of honey to ease the cough. You can make a medicinal brew by mixing leaves of Holy Basil, crushed ginger, peppercorn and honey or sugar. Give small amounts of this liquid to your toddler at regular intervals all through the day.
Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. You might want to give a sliver of the root to your toddler to chew. Aloe vera too is known for its healing properties. Also, teach your child to gargle with warm water mixed with salt.
When should you call your doctor: Childhood coughs are generally not a cause for worry. However if you notice the following symptoms, then you may want to call your doctor.
• If you child is working too hard to breathe or is having problem breathing.
• Your child is breathing very quickly.
• His lips, tongue or face is turning blue or a dusky colour.
• Your child is les than three months of age and has fever.
• Your child has very high fever.
• Your child is coughing up blood.
Submitted by P T on May 11, 2010 at 11:43
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