How to Soothe a Child's Cough Naturally

Cold medicines aren't considered safe for little kids anymore, so here are some ways you can help your child feel better.

Things You'll Need

• Honey
• Herbal Tea
• Vaporizer (not cool mist)
• Steamy bathroom

Instructions

1. Offer herbal tea sweetened with honey. If your child won't drink tea, offer honey toast or honey on biscuits. Remember--never give honey to a child under one year old.

2. Run a steam vaporizer at night, and even during the day if your child is coughing a lot and is sick enough to stay in one place. Cool mist humidifiers are often recommended in young children's rooms, but they don't have the same soothing effect as steam. Place the vaporizer in an out-of-the-way location, making sure the cord isn't dangling where your child can pull it down. The top of a dresser works well. Nothing feels as good as a nice steamy room when you're sick!

3. For a particularly nasty coughing fit, close the bathroom door, run the shower hot, and fill the room with steam. A warm bath might be nice too, but the steam is the important part.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're worried about your child, call your doctor.

• This advice might help you get through a tough night. Good luck!