My 11 month old has a terrible cough. I took him to the doctor, nothing they can do, just a virus that has to run its course. Forgot to ask if there was something i could give him to help soothe his cough at night?
They wont prescribe cough medicine b/c of his age... suggestions?
I wholeheartedly agree with the Vicks on the soles of his feet then socks over it. I always thought it was a wives tale - until I tried it. Worked like a CHARM!
A few suggestions. One - a cool mist humidifier. Also, make sure he gets plenty of liquids. I might give him some advil or tylenol to help w/ the irritation caused by the cough (at night only) to make him more comfortable. They say honey is good for a cough, but I think he might be a bit young.... (allergy issues). Finally - this sounds a bit nutty, but put vicky vapor rub on the bottoms of his feet at night and cover them w/ PJs or socks - LOTS of it. I've tried it w/ my kids and I think it works - can't hurt!
Your son is probably too young for honey because of the risk of botulism, but the other suggestions that DM gave are good. You child could have some herbal teas (nothing with caffeine in it) if he wanted (make sure you don't burn him) and stay away from dairy products, as they cause phlegm, which will make the cough worse. Also, Walmart sells an all-natural plug-in for infants called, I think, Pediacare? In any case, it is not medicated like Vicks, and is safer for small babies, so check it out. Good luck.
When my little ones have chronic cough, I give them Newton's Homeopathic drops for cough/asthma. Neither has asthma, but that is what it is for, too, I guess. It's just a natural way to boost their immunity systems and seems to work like magic. I never knew too much about homeapathy, and I still don't, but I am a believer. All I do know is it is a non-toxic, natual way to combat ailments and to naturally boost immunity. I buy it at our local co-op, but I am sure it is available online as well or in a natural food store or even a Whole Foods. Good luck!
There is a baby version of vic's vapo-rub that you can put on the bottom of the feet and cover with socks. I usually do a bath right before bed when my kids would cough and then put the rub on. (it's not as strong as the regular vic's---it has chamomile and eucalyptus so it's easier on little ones)
Liquid elderberry extract is safe for little ones and will boost his immune system so his body will fight off the virus himself. Digestive enzymes and probiotics also help fight viruses. A few drops of melaleuca oil in a vaporizer is also good for a cough. It is aromatic and actually heals. Make sure you purchase anything you get from a pharmaceutical grade health store and not a GNC or drug store.
Yes, and like DM said, lots and lots of fluids, preferably water!
Hope he's feeling better soon.
M.
a tsp of honey an lemon juice works great..i gave that to my kids all the time-the cough syrups are just to harsh..worked great,,good luck
Put some eucalyptis oil in almond oil (or other carrier oil) and rub it on his chest. Put your hands in front of his nose and mouth and let him breathe it in for a couple of inhalations. This always works for my children.
A humidifier is good. I've always loved Vicks Vapor rub. I've tried putting it on the feet with socks, but it's never done anything for me or my son. It doesn't hurt, but it just didn't help us either. We just rub it on the neck and chest. Use a bulb syringe and use some saline to rinse out his nose. Ears/nose/throat - they are all connected - keep an eye open for ear infections, and teething could be a factor, too. Keep him well hydrated - it keeps the mucus from thickening up. If the cough turns to croup, get him into the bathroom, close the door and run a hot shower to get the room steamy. The humidity eases the throat closing up feeling.
I agree with D M. And also please get them on some form of supplements. I can't stress this enough. So many illness can be avoided by having a stronger immune system.
