Babies, due to their fragile condition, are susceptible to catching colds or developing coughs, which understandably worries parents. While consulting a pediatrician is vital for precise diagnosis and treatment, there are helpful home remedies that can offer comfort and aid in your baby’s problem.
A safe and gentle technique for easing coughs and colds in babies is to use natural remedies at home. These approaches are typically mild and involve subtle nurturing techniques. Additionally, they encourage a sense of certainty in parents by assisting them in taking proactive measures to ensure their baby’s comfort and health.
In this blog, we will explore some simple yet powerful home remedies for colds and coughs for babies.
Steamy Sessions
Your infant will be able to breathe more easily thanks to the soothing effects of steam on congested nasal passages and irritated airways. Steam will flood the bathroom as you run a hot shower. Gently enter the steam-filled chamber while holding your infant in your arms. Stay in the space for 10 to 15 minutes, making sure your child is breathing in warm, humid air.
Hydration is Important
Staying hydrated helps thin mucus, making it easier for the body to expel, especially for a baby with a cold and cough. It also prevents dehydration, which is crucial for your baby’s overall well-being.
Offer your baby plenty of fluids like breast milk, formula, or water if they are older than six months. Use a dropper or a small cup to administer fluids if they are having difficulty nursing or bottle-feeding.
Elevate the Head
Elevating the head helps to alleviate congestion by promoting better drainage of mucus, reducing coughing and the discomfort of a cold and cough in babies.
Place a pillow or a folded towel under the mattress at the head end to raise your baby’s head slightly. Ensure that it is secure and doesn’t pose any risk to your baby.
Nasal Saline Drops
Saline drops help to moisturize and clear the nasal passages, reducing congestion and making breathing easier for your baby with a cold.
Lay your baby down gently and put a few drops of saline solution in each nostril. Wait for a few moments, and then use a bulb syringe to suction out the loosened mucus. Clean the syringe thoroughly after each use.
Honey for Cough Relief
Honey has natural soothing properties that can help alleviate coughing and soothe the throat.
For babies older than one year, add a teaspoon of honey to warm water or herbal tea. Give it to your baby in small sips. Ensure that your baby is not allergic to honey before using this remedy.
Warm Compresses
Warm compresses help relieve chest congestion, reduce coughing, and provide soothing comfort.
Dip a clean cloth in warm water, wring out the excess, and place it gently on your baby’s chest. Ensure that the cloth is warm but not hot. Leave it on for a few minutes, and then remove it.
Onion Juice and Honey Mixture
The use of onion and honey as a home remedy to alleviate cold and cough symptoms in babies has been a traditional practice. Onions contain compounds that possess potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are believed to help soothe the symptoms and provide relief to infants. However, it’s important to approach this remedy with caution and consult a pediatrician before trying it.
Take 1 tablespoon of onion juice and mix it with 1/4 teaspoon of honey. Give this mixture to your baby every morning on an empty stomach for at least 1-2 months.
Carom Seed and Honey Mixture
Carom seeds combined with honey provide quick relief from coughs and strengthen your child’s immune system.
For a severe cough, make a mixture of half a teaspoon of carom seed, half a teaspoon of honey, and add 1 black pepper granule to it. Give this mixture to your baby for instant relief and improved immunity.
Honey, Clove, and Sugar Mixture
This is an ideal mixture that helps alleviate cough in babies and provides quick relief. It is also useful for application on the skin for a soothing feel, but the mixture can also be ingested by babies and gives them quick relief from cough and cold.
Mix 1 teaspoon of honey, 1 clove (powdered), and a little sugar. Give this mixture to your child in small droplets as needed. Your child will also love the taste of it.
Mustard Oil with Black Garlic
Mustard oil with black garlic helps relieve congestion and breathing difficulties caused by a blocked nose.
Take 1/2 cup of mustard oil and add 5 pieces of black garlic. Boil the mixture until the color turns completely black. Allow it to cool, and store it in a bottle. Apply this oil to your baby’s chest, head, and nasal area.
Carom Granules
Ajwain granules release a soothing aroma that helps relieve coughs in babies.
Take 1/4 cup of carom seed and grind it into a granule powder. Place the powdered carom seed in a muslin cloth and tie a knot. Keep this cloth beside your child’s head.
Vitamin C-Rich Foods and Supplements
Vitamin C helps boost the immune system and can aid in faster recovery from cold and cough in babies.
Vitamin C for babies with colds is also a very effective remedy. Include vitamin C-rich foods in your baby’s diet. Offer fruits such as oranges, strawberries, kiwis, and mangoes. Puree the fruits or offer small, soft pieces that are safe for your baby to consume. You can also consult your pediatrician for guidance on introducing vitamin C supplements, if necessary.
Conclusion
Using home remedies can help a baby’s health while easing cold and cough symptoms without being harsh on the body. As a substitute for other harsh substances, these treatments are renowned for their gentleness and non-invasive nature. These methods enable parents to actively contribute to the well-being of their children while also providing them with immediate relief. The purpose of this presentation was to promote a holistic and protective approach to child care, and we discussed a variety of effective home remedies specifically tailored to treat colds and coughs in babies.
