Home remedies for cough and cold

When your child has a cough or cold, some natural home remedies can help her feel better. Extra rest, fluids, steam inhalation and using a nasal bulb can ease your baby's symptoms. For older children, you can also include gargling, warm drinks and using a jal neti pot. Always keep your baby's age in mind when trying these remedies, as some are not suitable for young babies.

1. Lots of rest to cope with the illness (all ages) It takes energy to fight an infection, and that can wear a child out. When your child rests, she's healing, which is exactly what she needs to do. Don't worry if your baby is sleeping more than usual while she's sick. Let her go to bed a little earlier than usual or sleep in a little later if you can. Your baby may even want an extra nap. At the same time, getting an uncomfortably sick baby to sleep soundly can be challenging. If your child doesn’t want to rest in bed all day, a change of scenery can be helpful. If the weather is good, you could set up a comfortable place on the balcony, verandah or garden. However, don’t leave her unattended. Indoors, make something more fun than her bed, like a tent in a snug area near you. Or perhaps, she may enjoy some time in an indoor swing or a rocking chair. If your child finds it hard to rest, help her by cuddling up with some books. Read her a story or give her a colouring book. She can also listen to some soothing music that might help her drift off to sleep. Things to keep in mind: Limit screen time. It's fine to watch a short show or play a game with her, but giving your child a device as an easy escape to calm or distract her when she's bored or restless can have a negative effect. The more time children spend watching screens, particularly in the evening, the less sleep they get. Always try to stick to your child's usual routines at nap time and bedtime. Try to get her as comfy as you can before she falls asleep. This includes a warm bath, changing her clothing and keeping the room at a comfortable temperature.

2. Steam or moist air for congestion (all ages) Breathing moist or humid air helps loosen the mucus in the nose. A warm bath will also relax your child. To moisten the air, you can get a cool-mist humidifier, steamer or vapouriser. All you need to do is leave the gadget in the room where your child is sleeping, resting, or playing. As the air gets humid, your child will breathe easier. If you do not have any of these items at home, a quick-fix solution is letting your child breathe in steamy air in the bathroom. Learn more about how to offer steam to your baby. Things to keep in mind: If you use a steamer, facial steamer or humidifier, make sure your child does not come close to the steam. Steam burns just as badly, if not worse, than hot water. Always keep the electronic gadget well out of your child’s reach, but in a place that will allow the steam or mist to circulate in the room. If you use a humidifier, be sure to clean it often according to the manufacturer’s directions. Humidifiers can build up mould, which they spray into the air if they’re not kept very clean. Leaving them on for too long can also create an environment suitable for the growth of fungus. Many recommend adding one or two drops of eucalyptus, or pine essential oil to the bath water or the vapouriser or steamer). If you'd like to try this, check with your doctor first. Some essential oils are not safe for young children. Also, some strong-smelling oils can cause irritation. If you keep your child in a steamy bathroom, her clothes might get damp. Change her clothes immediately after to prevent her from feeling cold and uncomfortable.

3. A bulb syringe (best for babies) and nasal saline drops for a blocked nose A bulb syringe (nasal aspirator) clears the nose of babies who are too young to blow their own nose. It is helpful if a stuffy nose gets in the way of your baby’s breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Try using it about 15 minutes before feeding your child. Using a bulb syringe works best for young babies, but if your older baby or child doesn’t mind it, there’s no reason not to do it. You can get a bulb syringe, and sterile saline nose drops at a chemist or pharmacy. You can also make saline water at home. Dissolve about half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of boiled and cooled water. You can also use distilled or sterile water that you can buy from your local chemist. Make a fresh batch each day and store it in a clean, covered glass jar or bottle, to prevent germs from entering.

To use saline drops:

1. Tip your child's head back, or lay her on her back with a rolled-up towel supporting her head.

2. Squeeze two or three drops of saline solution into each nostril. 3. Gently massage your child's nostrils. Wait a minute or two for the saline solution to thin and soften the mucus before suctioning. To suction with a bulb syringe: 1. Squeeze the bulb of the syringe, then gently insert the rubber tip into your baby's nostril. Some doctors also recommend gently closing the other nostril with your finger to get better suction from the bulb syringe. 2. Slowly release the bulb to collect mucus and saline solution.

3. Remove the syringe and squeeze the bulb to expel the mucus into a tissue.

4. Wipe the syringe and repeat with the other nostril.

5. Repeat if necessary.

6. Clean the bulb syringe with warm, soapy water.