Safe home remedies to soothe your child’s cold and flu symptoms

Whether your baby or child has a cough, a cold, or the flu, you can try these gentle, safe home remedies. Parents often head straight to the drug aisle of their local pharmacy when their child gets a cold or take a local doctor prescription. But the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns that over-the-counter medications aren't effective for treating kids' coughs and colds and can be dangerous for children younger than 6.

There are various home remedies to soothe your child’s cold and flu symptoms.

1   Saline drops and a bulb syringe

When kids are too young to blow their nose well, saline drops or a bulb syringe can clear his nose. Using a bulb syringe works best for young babies. Drops clear the nose when kids are too young to blow their nose. Tip your child's head back and squeeze two or three saline drops into each nostril to thin and loosen the mucus. Try to keep his head still afterward for 15 to 30 seconds.

    Vapor rubs (3 months and up)

Vapor rubs may help kids sleep better at night. Research suggests they make the cold sufferer feel as though she's breathing better by producing a cooling sensation in the nose. Massage the vapor rub into your child's chest, neck, and back. Don't put vapor rub on broken or sensitive skin. Don't apply it to your child's mouth or nose, around her eyes, or anywhere on her face.

      Extra fluids (6 months and up)

Drinking plenty of fluids helps prevent dehydration and flushes and thins nasal secretions. Breast milk, formula, water or other fluids that your child enjoys drinking. Traditionally, mothers prefer to give warm liquids such as soups, tulsi adrak ki chai, besan ka sheera, dal ka pani and so on.

     Chicken soup or tea (6 months and up)

Studies show that warm liquids are soothing and relieve cold symptoms like aches, fatigue, congestion, and fever. Warm, clear liquids can be very soothing and help relieve congestion. Both are a good alternative for babies who are still getting accustomed to solid foods.

      Elevating the head (12 months and up)

Elevating your child’s head while she rests can help her breathe more comfortably. You can raise her head with the help of towels or pillows. Simply place a pillow or folded towel under the head of your baby's mattress to create a slight angle. This will raise her head safely and help her to breathe.

       Nose blowing (2 years and up)

Clearing mucus from your child's nose helps her breathe and sleep more easily and generally makes her more comfortable. Have your child hold one nostril shut and practice gently blowing air out one side. Give your child his own box of tissues. Teach him to throw used tissues in the trash can and to wash his hands after blowing his nose.

      Gargling with salt water (4 years and up)

Gargling with salt water is a time-honored way to soothe a sore throat. It also helps clear mucus from the throat. Tell him to tilt his head up and try to hold the water in the back of his throat without swallowing it. When he's comfortable doing that, have him try to make sounds with his throat. Show him what that looks and sounds like. Teach him to spit out the water rather than swallow it.