The home environment changes when a child develops a cold or cough, which makes it anxious for the parent as well. Parents can see how hard it is for their child to take a deep breath with a blocked nose or dry and sore throat or to sleep through the night without waking up with a sore throat. Sometimes medicines are needed, but many natural and easy to use home remedies can help relieve cold and cough symptoms.

This blog will discuss some of the Best Home Remedies for Cough and Cold in Children that are safe, natural, and have been around for generations.

Why Do Kids Get Coughs and Colds?

Children have younger, developing immune systems until they turn eight years old, so they have not built up enough of a defense against viruses. Things like weather fluctuations, coming into contact with children in the classroom, sharing toys and other items, and even dust can trigger cold and cough symptoms.

Home Remedies For Cough and Cold In Children

1. Honey Water

Honey Water is a gentle home remedy to ease sore throats in children. Honey coats the throat, preventing coughing, and helps provide immediate comfort to a child who has a cough, especially at night.

How To Make Honey Water:

Mix 1 teaspoon of honey in warm water and give it to your child about 45 minutes before bedtime. Honey naturally contains properties that will help reduce coughing in children.

This simple remedy is an important part of Natural cough treatment for children, as honey naturally reduces inflammation and calms the throat.

2. Turmeric Milk (Haldi Doodh) 

The turmeric milk contains antimicrobial and antiviral properties that can help provide an immunity-building factor along with relieving some of the chest congestion associated with a cough or cold.

To use: Boil 1/2 tsp of ground turmeric into the milk and give it to the child warm before sleeping.

One of the best home remedies for treating coughs and colds in children.

3. Steam Inhalation for Blocked Nose

Steam has been shown to loosen mucus and provide a fast way to relieve the feeling of having your nose blocked or stuffy.

To use: Use a steam vaporizer or warm humidifier and have the child breathe in the steam for 5-10 minutes. You may want to add a little ajwain (carom seeds) or eucalyptus oil for additional benefits.

Steam vapor is an effective remedy for children who suffer from colds, particularly in the wintertime.

4. Ajwain Potli Warm Compress 

 Ajwain (carom seeds) is an excellent remedy that has the ability to provide relief from chest congestion and open the air passages.

To make: Dry roast ajwain, put it into a piece of cloth, and apply it to the child's chest, back, and/or feet.

This warm compress will help give quick relief to children who are suffering from a cough. It helps reduce chest congestion & making it ideal for Child cough home treatment.

5. Ginger and Tulsi Tea 

The ginger in the tea helps with inflammation, while tulsi (holy basil) strengthens the immune system.

To prepare: Boil ginger and tulsi in water; cool slightly, add a small amount of honey, and give to the child 2 to 3 teaspoons twice a day.

A gentle remedy for calming and relieving discomfort associated with a sore throat.

6. Ghee With Ground Black Pepper

Ghee is a warm oil used to answer the question about throat dryness. Black pepper is added to ghee to relieve persistent coughing.

Instructions: Add a small amount of pepper to the ghee while it is still warm. Give them ½ teaspoon ghee with ground black pepper two times a day.

This will work very well for dry nighttime coughs.

7. Salt Water Gargle

Gargling helps to remove excess mucus, soothes the throat, reduces infection, and is appropriate for children over the age of 10.

Instructions: Mix salt with warm water, and have your child gargle twice daily.

Very simple solution but a most effective remedy.

8. Warm Soups to Hydrate

Eating warm soup helps to keep the throat moist and is good for comfort in recovery from an illness.

Additionally, warm soup is beneficial; they regain their strength and develop immunity. They also support Kids cold and flu relief, helping children regain strength and immunity. 

9. Best Infant Sleeping Position 

Elevating the infant’s head slightly with an additional pillow will reduce the likelihood of coughing, since mucus will not be present in their throat while they sleep on their side.

10. Moist air helps to avoid drying out the throat

To achieve and keep a consistent humidity level, use either a humidifier or heater as needed, or put a heating pad in a bowl of water (warm) in your home. This will help with both humidity levels and comfort.

When to See a Doctor

Home remedies are great, but medical attention is necessary when:

• High fever persists
• Child has trouble breathing
• No improvement for more than 3 days

Child becomes unusually tired or irritable