Honey for Sore Throat/cough at Night

Updated on April 06, 2012
K.L. asks from Fort Stewart, GA
6 answers

We have a 16 month old who has come down with a cold. He has been having some difficulty sleeping because of his symptoms. I know there is not much we can do, but we have been running the humidifier, using saline and the aspirator, and using baby vicks. We have tried a spoon of honey for cough and in case of sore throat. The past 2 nights we have done this, and he has taken a long time to fall asleep, even standing up and running around in his crib (w.e watch on the monitor). My husband thinks it is from the sugar in the honey. Has this happened to you? Also, what else do you do to help your little ones?

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J.H.

answers from Birmingham on

I wouldn't think that a spoon full of honey would cause that much of a problem. There is probably as much sugar in a serving of juice. I would say give him a dose of Tylenol or Motrin at bedtime. If his throat hurts, that will help with the pain and possible swelling so he will be able to sleep better. I'm sure you are already forcing fluids as well. That will help with any secretions he is having. He may also be having allergy issues. We are still covered in pollen over here in Alabama. If his nose is running clear instead of yellow, I might think of calling his doc to see if he can have a dose of Zyrtec at night.
Hope you all rest better soon!

2 moms found this helpful
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D.M.

answers from Denver on

You are doing all the right stuff. I would also try some Advil - would help w/ irritation of the throat. I don't think the sugar would make him hyper. I might skip the aspirator and just let the saline thin out the mucus. You could also "steam him". Run the shower and close him in the bathroom with you and put some toys on the floor to play with and let the steam loosen his chest and nose up to get the gunk out. Hope he feels better soon :)

2 moms found this helpful

☼.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

We also use honey at night for coughs/sore throats and it has never affected our daughter that way!

2 moms found this helpful

F.H.

answers from Phoenix on

Try a THICK layer of Vicks on the bottom of his feet then put on socks and a one piece sleeper with feet (so he can't take off his socks and touch the vicks). No more coughing at night. Works on all ages. Good luck!

2 moms found this helpful

L.S.

answers from San Francisco on

I know honey isn't recommended for children under a year; but your son is older. For sore throats, we use an echinacea spray. It really seems to zap the virus and even ward off a cold. You can also get a zinc spray. I think you would want to check with your pediatrician first, though.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.C.

answers from Atlanta on

We've never had this problem with honey.

You can even buy Zarbee's All Natural Cough Syrup, which is honey, zinc, and Vitamin C at your local drug store (I know Walgreens carries it).

Another thing is the Vick's Baby on the bottom of the feet really works. I don't know why, but it does. Just make sure you cover your son's feet so he can't get to it or wipe it off.

1 mom found this helpful
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