Some Good Natural Cough Remedies for Babies
An important part of natural cough remedies for babies is keeping the child properly hydrated. Infants under six months old need to drink their regular formula or breast milk. Though some have concerns about children becoming congested from consuming milk, there is actually no evidence that this occurs. Younger infants should never be given water, because the kidneys’ inability to process it can cause the child’s electrolytes to become imbalanced. Toddlers will often drink a lot of diluted juice, which usually appeals more to them than water. Watch carefully for any signs of dehydration.
Herbal rubs can be very helpful for babies who have coughs. Two tablespoons of olive oil can be mixed with 2 drops of rosemary and eucalyptus oil. These will need to be thoroughly mixed together for the best effect. You can spread the mixture over the chest and back area. A shirt should be put on if your baby isn’t already wearing one. Both of these oils provide a feeling of calm and will help your baby sleep. If desired, you could also use the essential oils in a humidifier instead of making them into a rub. Other essential oils that work well include peppermint oil and sage.
Another one of the popular natural cough remedies for babies is lemon water. Check with your pediatrician first to make sure it’s appropriate for your baby’s age. A teaspoon of lemon juice can be easily added to some water, along with a teaspoon of some type of natural sweetener. Do not give a baby honey under any circumstances. Add this mixture to the baby bottle, as he or she will be more likely to accept it. This is an effective, natural way to help soothe an irritated throat. The lemon juice also provides extra vitamin C, which is good for the child’s immune system.
Finding safe but effective natural cough remedies for babies is important. Many of the over-the-counter medications indicated for infants have had safety issues and been removed from the market as a result. It’s essential to find out how safe any natural remedies are before attempting to give them to your child.