home-remedies-Cold Mama Baby CareColds and flu are very common in children. Kids get catch flu 6 to 7 times a year before they start going to school. Mostly kids get sick excessively because they have never been actually exposed to the various types of cold and flu viruses that majority of the adults have experienced and already got the immunities for them.
There are various types of cold viruses which may make things worse. Unluckily, there is no cure for cold and flu. This is the reason why people straightaway go for remedies for cold and flu. If your kid is not feeling good, let them rest and help them to stay hydrated. It’s already winter season and we all know that cold and flu season is around the corner. Children from ages 1 to 5 are at high risk of catching flu.
Cold and flu are viral infections. Medicines, especially antibiotics will not help in curing an infection. In this case remedies are the best way for treating colds and flus. There are some remedies which may help you in treating cold and flu and will not cause any harm to your child.
Symptoms and Signs of Cold and Flu in Toddlers:
Being aware of the symptoms will help you soothe and relax your child during the viral infection. Following are some of the symptoms of cold and flu.
- Mild running nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Blocked nose
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Edginess
To treat your children rightly you need to comfort them so they could feel better during this sickness.
Some Remedies for Flu and Cold:
Following are some home remedies which are effective, safe and will help your baby to feel better while suffering from cold and flu.
- Feeding breast milk:
Breast milk have the antibodies which have in making the immune system strong and fights with the germs and bacteria as well as cold and flu viruses. This is surely one of the best natural remedies to cope with cold and flu in babies.
- Treat With Fluids And Rest:
Give your child plenty of fluids like water and juices and avoid giving any sort of liquid that contain caffeine in it. Let your child rest and keep a track on the urination timings of your child. Your child should get dehydrated.
- Congestion:
Congestion causes stuffy nose which irritates children the most. You may use a humidifier in your child’s room to keep the room humid and moist. Remove mucus from the nose as it causes blockage and makes it difficult to breathe. Warm baths are a good option because it relaxes the child’s body. Avoid self-medication.
- Vaccination:
Make sure that all your children including toddlers to the adults get proper vaccination for prevention of flu.
- Usage Of Honey For Loosening Cough:
If your child is a toddler avoid giving him medicines and try giving warm honey. Warm honey unblocks the nasal passage and helps in breathing easily. Honey is more safe and effective than many cough medicines and also less harmful.
- Ajwain And Garlic:
Garlic and Ajwain contains anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties which helps in fighting with viruses and bacteria. This is one of the best home remedies for cold and flu. You have to take 2 cloves of garlic and 1 spoon of Ajwain and heat them until they roast. Cool them and put it in a pouch. Put it somewhere safe in the baby’s room. The smell of these herbs will helps your child breathe comfortably and help in clearing blockages cause due to cold.
- Mustard Oil With Garlic And Carom Seeds:
Mustard oil, garlic and carom seeds have the anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties which fights with different viruses and bacteria. Heat quarter of a cup of mustard oil, add 2 cloves of crushed garlic and few carom seeds to it. Wait till they turn brown and then take them off the stove. Give a relaxing massage to your child on chest and under the feet.
- Use Of Saline Drops:
Saline drops or commonly known as nasal drops are a quick and affective way to give your baby some relief from congestion. Use a dropper to give saline drops to your kid.
- Steam:
Run hot water in the tub or container let the steam diffuse all over the bathroom. Make baby sit in the steam for at least 10 to 15 minute. This will help in removing blockages and cause some relive to your baby from congestion.
- Lemon Water And Honey:
Lemons are a great source of vitamin c which is actually very helpful in fighting viruses like cold and flu. Take a lemon and squeeze in a glass of Luke warm water and add some honey for great taste. Those kids who are used to of these ingredients will find it best for their cold and flu.
- Gargles:
Children can go for gargling too. Doing gargling with salt water is an easy and effective way of getting rid of sore throat and flu. Gargling helps to get relief in cold and helps swelling to get better. It also cleans mucus. Your child can gargle 2 to 3 times a day for better results.
- Increase The Height Of The Pillow:
Raising the height of the pillow helps in breathing easily and properly. Kid’s body self-repairs at the night time and uninterrupted sleep helps in recovering from infection. Raised head will help the mucus to stay out of the body and the baby will sleep properly and peacefully. Remember to only raise the height of the pillow to an optimum level because it can cause neck problems if the height is too higher.
- Use Vicks:
Vicks is an ointment which is peaceful breathing. You have to rub it on your baby’s chest, neck, back, and forehead and on the nose. It will give instant relief to your baby and helps in an uninterrupted sleep.
See Your Doctor:
These are helpful and effective remedies for toddlers and infants. These are super easy and harmless for babies and kids. If you feel fever lasting long than 3 days pay a visit to your doctor immediately. If you do not find your baby getting better call on your kid’s health provider straightaway.