I get it. When your child has a cold, and is up all night coughing and congested, you can’t sleep. Unfortunately, there is no magic pill to fix this. Most colds are caused by viruses, and no antibiotic will work. What works well to help your child the best is saline/suction of their nasal passages and motrin/Tylenol for fevers. Of course, if the fever lingers for more than 48-72 hours, please have them seen by a doctor to make sure there is no concern for an ear infection, urinary tract infection or something else.
To help with congestion and nasal discharge, spraying saline into their nose and using a bulb suction to help clear the mucous is the best way to go. It’s like a Netty-Pot for kids. Please make sure you clean the syringe and saline spray after use!
As for what I don’t use, there are a few don’ts that I have. Humidifiers, I personally don’t care for them, but if you like them, go ahead. Please do NOT give your child a cough suppressant if they are younger than 5 years of age, and even if they are older, remember, its best for them to clear their mucous, as that is the reason they cough. If your child is younger than 1 year of age, avoid anything with honey.
