Top 10 Home Remedies For Baby Cough & Cold

When babies are attacked by coughs and colds, it becomes highly distressing for them and their parents. Babies can catch about eight or more colds during their first year alone. Babies get so many colds because their immune systems aren't yet ready to fight against the 100 or so cold viruses that cause these infections. While medications are available, sometimes simple home remedies for baby cough and cold can offer effective relief without the need for pharmaceuticals.

In this article, we'll explore some tried and tested home remedies for cold and cough for babies, offering comfort and speeding up recovery.

Understanding Baby Cough and Cold Symptoms:

Before delving into the home remedies for baby cough and cold, it's important to recognize the symptoms of colds and coughs in the little ones. These may include:

1. Coughing
2. Runny nose or stuffy nose
3. Mild earache or hearing dullness
4. Fatigue
5. Fever
6. Fussiness
7. Trouble sleeping
8. Sore throat
9. Sneezing
10. Headache
11. Reduced appetite
12. Diarrhoea

The Role of Viruses:

Most colds and coughs in babies are caused by viruses, which spread easily through sneezing, coughing, or close contact with infected individuals. It's essential to note that antibiotics are ineffective against these viral infections. Therefore, applying the age-old home remedies for cold and cough for babies may soothe the sick infant and ease the discomfort associated with the issue of baby cough.

10 Effective Baby Cough Home Remedies:

Here are some effective home remedies for baby cough to help alleviate coughs
and colds in babies:

     1. Offer Breastmilk:

You may try freezing some amounts of your expressed breast milk until it becomes slushy and then feed it to your baby with a small spoon. The slushy, frozen breast milk relieves the issue of sore throat in infants while providing the vital antibodies to fight the problem of baby cough and cold.

     2. Use Mist Humidifier:

Place a cool-mist humidifier in your baby's room to help loosen the mucus in the baby's chest and nasal airways. This is one of the best and simplest home remedies for baby cough and chest congestion.

     3. Bash Aside Cold with Haldi (Turmeric):

Haldi or Turmeric contains a potent natural compound called curcumin, which helps the body get rid of the mucus that is trapped inside. It can be mixed with lukewarm water and given to the baby, and it is one of the best home remedies for baby cough and cold. Turmeric may also be added to the baby's formula milk. However, you should not give too much turmeric as it can induce nausea.

     4. Use the Power of Light Steam:

Inhaling steam is a natural way to provide relief for blocked nose, chest congestion & cold. But proper steam for infants using a steamer is not at all recommended. Rather, you may keep your room slightly steaming by placing a steamer or boiling water near the bed. You may also make your bathroom steamy by running a hot water tap for a few minutes. Sit in the bathroom for about 10–15 minutes by taking your baby in your lap. This is one of the most effective home remedies for baby cough and chest congestion.

     5. Lahsun (Garlic) Decoction:

Boil a clove of garlic in a cup of water. Strain and give it warm to the toddler over one year of age. Garlic is a fantastic anti-cold ingredient.

     6. Hot Compress with Ajwain (Carom Seeds):

Dry roast ajwain seeds until aromatic and slightly hot. Tie the hot ajwain in a cotton cloth to make a pouch. Apply this on your infant's chest to bring relief from chest congestion. This is one of the best home remedies for baby cough and chest congestion. But, while using this home remedy, exercise caution, as if the pouch is too hot, it may burn your infant’s skin.

     7. Massage with Warm Sarson Ka Tail (Mustard Oil):

This is a grandma's remedy for baby cough and cold issues. Warm garlic-infused
mustard oil may relieve the baby of chest congestion. This is in fact one of the time-tested home remedies for cold and cough for babies.

     8. Give the Baby Warm Chicken Soup:

Warm chicken soup may be given to babies above 6 months of age. This ancient
remedy can loosen the mucus clogging the airways and bring relief. It also supplies enough fluids to the baby suffering from cough and cold.

     9. Use Saline Water Nasal Drops:

Put a few drops of saline water in the blocked nose of your baby. This home remedy will help treat nasal congestion in babies suffering from colds. Using saline water as an infant nasal drop is one of the simplest home remedies for cold and cough for babies.

   10. Diffuse Essential Oils:

Using diluted essential oils like eucalyptus, clove, ginger, rosemary, cedarwood,
lemon, peppermint, and sandalwood in the diffuser and placing the diffuser in the
baby's room can help in decongesting the baby's respiratory airways. This is one of the most popular home remedies for baby cough and chest congestion in the
present times.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

While home remedies for cold and cough for babies can provide relief for mild
cases, it's essential to consult a doctor if:

1. Your baby is not nursing or drinking enough fluids.
2. Your baby is excessively crying despite attempts at soothing.
3. There are signs of difficulty breathing, wheezing, choking, or swallowing.
4. The cold or cough persists for weeks

The Takeaway

While colds and coughs in babies can be distressing, natural home remedies offer
safe and effective ways to alleviate symptoms and promote recovery. By utilizing these home remedies for baby cough and cold and knowing when to seek medical attention, parents can provide the best care for their little ones during periods of illness. Remember, a little comfort and care can go a long way in helping your baby feel better.