Ideas for My 15 Month Old's Cough

A humidifier and either Boiron or Hyland's childrens cough remedies (homeopathic, not a drug, no side effects, try Whole Foods, Rite Aid, or Stop & Shop, they have them)

Honey is better than any cold medicine, baby vicks rubbed on the soles of feet and covered w/ socks at night I don't know why it works but it works, a humidifier if you don't already have one is great this time of the year or sit in a steamy bathroom w/ him, another thing you can use is herbal decaf tea. Good luck I hope your little one is feeling better soon.

If it isn't bothering him (difficulty breathing or sleeping), leave it alone. Hearing it is often worse for us than for them. If he is having a hard time breathing, of course call the MD. If he can't sleep, I second the baby vicks on the soles of his feet covered in nice warm socks. It sounds strange but works wonders. A humidifier can also help. Best of luck and I hope your little guy is feeling better soon.

If it's the first day- just give him plenty of extra fluids and hugs and attention. Try raising the end of this mattress when he sleeps.
Otherwise... please skip the meds. Most coughs clear up in a week on their own. It's very common this time of year with all the dry air in our homes. Definitely use a humidifier. It'll help the whole family breathe easier.
Cough meds suppress the cough that is your son's body's response to clear his throat. His body is trying to rid him of an irritant, either from a bug or allergy. He needs to cough to get better.
I like adding the Vicks to the medicine cup in the humidifier. It gives the soothing vapors without having to rub it on the child.
Good luck!
-S.

I would recommend:
Olba's Cough Syrup - It is herbal, so it's safe for children. http://olbas.com/olbascoughsyrup.htm
Blueberry Juice - very high in antioxidants. Try to find Knudsen Just Blueberry, or Dynamic Health Blueberry Concentrate. Most others are a combo of blueberry with other juices and a lot of sugar.
Lots of fluids.
Steam - Turn the shower on hot, close the door and steam up the bathroom. Then bring your little one in the room and just hang out. The steam will help clear the cough.

Hope he is feeling better soon.

You can give him some baby motrin to reduce the inflamation which may be causing the increased mucus. This usually helps my son and myself with coughs.

I just wanted to share dosage information (based on research) for those who are interested:
ages 2-5 = 1/2 tsp.
ages 6-12 = 1 tsp.
ages 12+ = 2 tsp.
Can be given every few hours.

The research says honey works better than cold medicine to relieve cough. My own experience with my 3 1/2 year old has been mixed.

Good luck,
J.

The only thing my doctor recommends is honey. My daughter has the same cough and I keep giving her honey. Also, keep a vaporizer on and put him in the bathroom with a hot shower going - that steems up the bathroom to help iwth the breathing. Good luck

No, unfortunately not, my son is 16 months and has been coughing for several weeks, it started with croup not its just a constant cough, mainly at night and in the morning. Use a vaporizer, vicks and lots of water.
cyn

Dont give anything! Is it a dry cough? If so call your dr for an appt within the next few days. Watch for fever. There has been a bad flu like thing going around and it seems to start with the cough. If this cough is productive you dont want to stop it as it is tring to clear him out but dont make it worse cut back on dairy. -good luck-
mom of four

I have read online and have tried it with my 6 year old and it worked. Please ask your pediatrician first about putting Vicks vapor rub on his feet!

Fluids and moisture. No meds.

Check on the Vicks - there have been severe problems in very young children. Do NOT put it near the nostrils.

Honey cannot be given to children under one year but maybe your pedi will say it's OK at 15 months. It can soothe but it also builds up a desire for sweets and isn't good for the teeth, so use it sparingly if at all.

Support the immune system perhaps with a really top notch supplement to prevent future problems. I'd love to share my success with one. Prevention is more important and way more comfortable than treating problems after the fact!

I would take him to the doctor. I have found that Tylenol is pretty standard. Benedryl can "dry him up" a bit too. But I would certainly consult with your son's doctor first. Use a humidifier in his room that will help. I have personally found the "Crane" brand of humidifiers is good. They are easy to clean, and no filters to mess with. Plus they designed them to look like animals. You can get one at Target or Walmart. I hope your son is feeling better. Our daughter is also 15 months and is just now getting over her cold.
E.

Definitely try a vaporizer with warm mist near his crib.

Also, Vicks makes vapor plug-ins that go into an electrical outlet and release a gentle soothing vapor - also helpful!

Hope he feels better soon!

vicks rubbed on the bottom of his feet, especially at bedtime. on his chest too. it's been a miracle in our household this year and really really works!

Stay away from cold meds and do tylenol or advil, humidifier. Check with your pedi if its real bad and if he has other symptoms.

you could 'steam' him out in the bathroom a few times during the day to keep things loose in his chest. vicks on the soles of his feet covered with socks works wonders too. and then teaching him to cough twice. the first time loosens mucous, the 2nd brings it up. goo dluck

No cold medicine. Try to make sure he has lots of fluids and put a humidifier in his room while he sleeps. If he gets a bad coughing attack, you can either put him in the steamy bathroom (run a hot shower) or bring him in the cold air (bundled up of course).

Have him swallow a teaspoon of honey. That's what the pediatrician told me to do for my daughters.