Tuesday, June 21, 2016

5 Drug-Free Baby Cough Remedies

Being sick is the worst. Until you have a baby. Then when your baby gets sick, THAT is the worst. It’s heartbreaking to hear that little cough and feel powerless to stop it. You can’t give medicines to small babies so how do you help your baby deal with a cough? Here are some very effective drug-free cough remedies you can safely use on your baby under one year of age.

  1. Give more breast milk or fluids

Just as when you’re sick and the doctor tells you to drink plenty of fluids, the same is true for your baby. Drinking more fluids will help your baby clear out mucus from her nasal passages, which is what is likely causing the cough. The drippings irritate the throat and makes for an unhappy baby. If you’re breastfeeding, just breastfeed even more to help your little one feel better. If using formula, make sure your baby is getting more than usual to drink. Babies above 6 months can have water or juice too.

  1. Elevate your baby’s head

Lying flat in the crib is only going to keep her head stuffed up. The fluids need to drain out so she can breathe well. Use a small pillow or even a rolled-up towel and put it UNDER your baby’s crib mattress. It will create a very slight angle which will safely elevate her head and enable her to breathe better.

  1. Use a humidifier

Humidifiers add moisture to the air. And that moisture makes it easier to breathe. Look for a humidifier that produces cool mist as opposed to one that makes steam because the cool mist ones are safer. Keep it clean or else you could wind up with a mold situation on your hands.

  1. Make your own steam room

If you don’t have a humidifier, you can help unclog congestion and release your baby’s tight chest by using your own bathroom as a steam room. Simply turn your shower on nice and hot and let it run so the bathroom fills up with steam. Then bring your baby into the bathroom with you. Hold him in your arms and enjoy the soothing steam. Bring some books and toys too to keep him entertained.

  1. Get Baby Vicks Vapor Rub

One of the best things you can do to soothe your little one is to get some vapor rub. They make a formula for babies which is completely safe. When your baby has a cough, simply massage the vapor rub onto his chest. Some moms swear by rubbing it onto the feet as well. You can also make a homemade version but talk to your doctor first because the recipes involve using essential oils, many of which can be harmful to babies if too much is used.

 

 

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