The Croup

If the night air is cool, take him outside in it. Croup starts as a cold, and progresses sometimes into more (croup). Keep him cool, especially at night, b/c the hotter they get, the more they cough.

My son has had it 3 times now, and the last time had steroids and breathing treatments. (he is two). It is scary, but the worst is definitely over, I think.

I don't know about Benadryl; it probably won't do much. Triaminic yellow is good for stuffy noses and has guafisen so it helps with the deep cough.

Also, you can put him in the bathroom with the shower running and steaming it up (sit in the steam), and a cool humidifier works well too.

I don't know about vicks either...

Good luck!

I agree with the other mommies, I wouldn't do any benedryl without checking with the pediatrician first.

When my daughter had croup the two things that helped the most were a cool mist humidifier and Vicks. BUT, we use Baby Vicks and put it on her feet with socks on. I know that sounds weird, but it is always my "treatment" of choice when either of my kids has a cold, cough or stuffy nose.

I hope he feels better really soon!

I'd definitely ask your pedi about giving benadryl and how much.

My little one had croup a lot and we used a cool mist humidifier on high in her bedroom at night and it did wonders (do not use the warm water kind) for both the croup and runny noses. Also stick his head in the freezer and have him count food or something - the cold air helps.

My pedi said that a little bit of vicks can help, but that with some kids it can cause their lungs to be a little irritated if you use too much.

Benedryl is more for allergy type symptoms than cold. I would call the Dr and see what he suggest but Triaminic is good.

The freezer and steamy shower work wonders too. I did the steamy shower and cold air when my daughter had it at 7mths old. Sounds as if his case is mild and you are on the upside of it. I hope he kicks it soon.