Cold Remedies for Children

A common cold is defined as an infection of the upper respiratory tract. It is a viral infection which means that it is caused by a virus and not by bacteria. The common symptoms associated with a cold are running nose, coughing, fever, body ache and joint aches.


Fever complicates the proper diagnosis of a common cold as it is also a common symptom with influenza. In an infant, you will not be able to detect body ache or joint ache as your infant will not be able to communicate these to you. If your infant is crying or is irritable, you can assume that he or she is suffering from some sort of ache.

The immune system of an infant is underdeveloped. As we grow older we suffer from various illnesses and develop immunity to them. An infant does not have this immunity built into its system and it requires exposure to a virus for the immune system to develop some kind of defense mechanism against them. This is one of the primary reasons for an infant to suffer from more colds and coughs than an adult even of the same family in the same environment and with the same genetic makeup. Infants also crawl on their hands and feet, lick things and put their dirty hands into their mouths. This exposes them to viruses and bacteria that could cause an illness. However, this is not a bad thing as it helps the immune system recognize new viruses and develop immunity to them. Studies have shown that children in sterile environments have weaker immunity than children who are more likely to be exposed to dust and dirt.

For common colds you can try steam inhalation with your baby. You can add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to boiling water and make your baby breathe this steam by sitting with your baby under a tent made of a bed sheet or towel. Inhaling the steam will not cause any side effect to you; it will probably clear your nasal passages as well.

You can also try using a decongestant which can be rubbed on the chest and back of your baby. Also make your baby drink more water to keep his or her membranes lubricated. Make sure your child is not kept in an excessively dry environment. Dehumidifiers may cause the air to be dry which will result in evaporation of moisture from the nasal membranes.