Most parents head straight to their local pharmacy to soothe their child’s cold and flu. However, child health experts suggest that the use of over-the-counter medications is unsafe and ineffective for toddlers. Wondering what is the best way to deal with your toddler’s cold and flu? Try these safe home remedies.

Give Lots of Fluids

Fluids help the body fight infection, so see to it your toddler stays hydrated. Let him drink water (at least 8 glasses), tea, 100% fresh fruit juice, milk and soup. Hot and broth-based soups like chicken and vegetable helps clear chest congestion, open nasal passages and relieve a sore throat.

Plenty of Rest

Bed rest is essential in helping the immune system fight viruses. Keep your toddler at home and make sure he gets a lot of rest. Create a cozy place for your little one to rest and things to keep him entertained. Now is the best time to let your toddler watch his favorite Sesame Street episodes, finish that jigsaw puzzle, color a new activity book and read a story together.

Keep The Head Elevated

Raising your toddler’s head while he rests can help him breathe more comfortably. Arrange a few pillows or rolled towels under his back, shoulders and head so that he can sleep in a straight position. But if your toddler is a squirmy sleeper, elevate the head of the bed by placing a pillow or towel underneath the mattress. This creates a steadier, comfortable slope than extra pillows under his head. Another option is to let your toddler sleep in his car seat. He may rest better in a semi-upright position.

Steamy Air

Breathing moist air helps loosen the mucus in the nasal passages. You can do this by turning your bathroom into a steam room. Run a hot shower, close the door and sit with your toddler for 15 minutes. You may add a few drops of menthol oil in the bath water to make him feel less congested.

In addition, you may place a humidifier or a cool-mist vaporizer in your toddler’s bedroom. Just make sure you clean the humidifier first before using it since it can accumulate mold. Both options will relax your toddler.

Nasal Aspirator and Saline Drops

Use a nasal aspirator or a bulb syringe to suction your toddler’s nose. Do this once a day to prevent irritating the nose. Use a saline nose drop to help loosen the mucus from the nose and clear the breathing passageways. To do this, have him lie on his back and spray 2 to 3 drops of saline solution in each of your toddler’s nostrils and keep his head still for 30 seconds.

Honey

Studies have shown that honey is effective than cough syrup for treating night time coughs. Relieve your toddler’s coughing and give him a good night’s sleep by giving him ½ to 1 teaspoon of honey. You can also mix honey with warm water and add a squeeze of lemon.

Gargle With Salt Water

This time-tested remedy can soothe cold and flu. But, this is only for toddlers ages 4 and up or for those who can manage it. Combine ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and stir. Have him tilt his head up and gargle the water at the back of his throat and spit it out after a few seconds.

Avoid giving your toddler over-the-counter medicines. These tried and tested home remedies for your toddler’s cold and flu will help him feel a lot better and have the both of you smiling in no time.