Babies often fall ill due to a common cold. Viruses are responsible for causing cold and cough. There are over 200 viruses that may cause a cold and cough. Most often, people catch a cold during the fall and winter. Babies can get a cold 8 to 10 times a year before they turn 2. Parents should take babies under the age of 3 months to a doctor if they have breathing troubles, start vomiting, or have a fever. If left untreated, a cold and cough in toddlers can cause bronchitis, croup, and pneumonia.

Parents should avoid giving over-the-counter medication to children under the age of 4 years. Cough medications should also not be given to toddlers as coughing is the body’s way of releasing phlegm. However, there are ways to treat infants with a cold and cough. Some of the best ways to treat this condition are:

Saline drops
Saline drops are water and salt solutions. If the infant has a stuffy nose, saline drops or a saline nasal spray can help thin the mucus and shrink the airways. These drops may be administered with a suction bulb. It is recommended to use it two to three times a day. Medicated nose drops and nasal sprays should not be given to children below the age of 6 years.

Increase the consumption of fluids
Drinking fluids is helpful in treating a cold and cough. The water will thin out the mucus and provide relief from stuffiness. It will also make it easier for the child to cough up the phlegm. Apart from water, the child may be given juice, soup, hot chocolate or milk as well. Warm fluids are best as it can soothe a sore throat. Ensure that this fluid is not too hot as it can burn the child’s throat. In the case of babies under the age of 6 months who only drink breast milk or formula, they may be fed more milk than usual.

Honey
A spoonful of honey can go a long way in treating a cold and cough. It can ease a cough and soothe a sore throat. Half a teaspoon of honey before bedtime is all that you need. In many cases, it may be even better than over-the-counter cough medications. However, babies below the age of 1 year must never be given honey as it can lead to several complications.

Inculcate good habits
Cold and flu are common infections and are usually nothing to worry about, but if left untreated, they may turn into something severe. So, along with the above, some simple lifestyle changes can be quite helpful.

• Wash the child’s hands before meals and after playing
• If the child has a cold, keep them at home and away from other children
• Encourage the child to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze