Natural Cold Remedies for Babies + Kids
02.06.12 Natural Cold Remedies for Babies + Kids
We know the heart wrenching, exhausting and often frustrating feeling of caring for a child, sick with a cold. As parents, we're focused on figuring out a remedy that will provide some relief, and hopefully, help speed up the process of recovery.
We also know that there are loads of medications to reach for when your child has a cold, and when you're feeling desperate, they feel like shortcuts to some relief. But what if you're looking to combat the stuffiness au natural? Treating a cold naturally is especially necessary when your child is under the age of 2 when the use of over-the-counter medications is not recommended.
Good news! NoseFrida nasal aspirator to the rescue! Developed by Ear, Nose and Throat specialists in Sweden, this simple to use contraption is also thankfully free of BPA, phthalates and latex. And it works! One side of the tube easily and securely suctions against baby's nostril while the other end of the tube sits in your mouth...protected by a filter in the nasal nozzle, preventing any exchange of mucus between child and parent. Were you wondering about that part? It's easy to replace the filters in between uses and to keep the aspirator clean. Phew...
Because kids under the age of three can't be counted on to effectively blow their nose, this is the most reliable tool to help them clear out. Of course, if you are able to stomach mouth to nose snot removal, this tool is unnecessary. For others, it's a go-to device for clearing the noses of stuffed up babies. Tracy's favorite part of using NoseFrida is that she's able to, "see the evidence (snot) through the clear tube". Success! For more, (she's a pro) read her first hand experience with snot removal.
Another form of relief is a natural chest rub. Help your child to rest easy and relax yourself, knowing that the ingredients massaged on your baby's chest (or neck and back) is helping the feeling of breathing better with a cool air sensation.
A much improved and safer version of the old school petroleum-based Vicks vapor rub, is the fabulously effective Badger Aromatic Chest Rub. Made only with organic ingredients (and without the use of petroleum) like local beeswax, olive oil, essential oils and vitamin E. Caution: Be sure to keep this away from your child's eyes as the eucalyptus could sting. Your child may grow quite accustomed to this treatment and continue requesting the massage long after recovering from their cold....
Other helpful remedies:
- Lots of rest: It's tiring to fight an infection and resting/sleeping is the key.
- Steamy air: Moist air helps loosen and thin mucus. Place a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil in the humidifier.
- Extra fluids: helps to flush out mucus and prevent dehydration.
- Elevating head: sleeping in a car seat is sometimes the best bet.
- Warm bath: helps to relax for a restful sleep.
- Saline drops: Use this in combination with the NoseFrida for optimal extraction.
- Warm foods: warm pureed vegetables and chicken noodle soup.....