Treating Colds Without Medication
Babies get sick and it’s only natural to think medicine is the answer. However, almost all pediatrics and doctors agree that no child under the age of 6 should ever be given any type of cold or flu medication including decongestants, antihistamines, expectorants and cough suppressants. The reason for this is that when children’s medications became popular many kids started to develop seizures, would experience overdoses even when using the suggested dosage and in extreme cases fatalities. Research is still being done to safeguard products but you’re better off steering clear of these powerful drugs when administering to a child so small.
The first thing to keep in mind when a baby sneezes, coughs or feels a little warm is to relax. Babies are adjusting to a new environment full of dust, bacteria and germs that their little body and brand new immune system is learning to fight. Don’t underestimate the strength of your little baby. It’s only natural to be overprotective, especially of something so small, but you need to understand that just because baby sneezed doesn’t mean you need to rush him to the emergency room.
Suppose the symptoms persist? Again, refrain from medications and unnecessary calls to the doctor. There are a number of simple, homeopathic remedies you can try to bring down a baby’s fever, cure a cough and reduce sniffling. Many parents have gone back to the “good old days” when grandparents would suggest honey or lemon tea, a cool damp cloth or towel and the most over-looked way to heal most colds, rest.
In an age of information overload it’s easy to want a quick, high-tech fix that comes in a bottle and produces instant relief. Rarely do such remedies really exist and as any doctor will tell you even with the best healthcare and medicine it will always take a virus seven days to work through the human body. Don’t fight it, let your baby’s immune system develop naturally and learn to produce the internal fortitude that he will need throughout the rest of his life.
This doesn’t mean you should leave your child to suffer. In addition to the tea and honey there are other steps you can take when a baby is feeling under the weather to provide relief. Cool-mist vaporizers are a safe and excellent way to soften mucous that is collecting in an infant’s throat and mouth. This can also help to loosen phlegm and once that clears your baby will feel a lot better. Saline drops are another safe and effective way to provide moisture to baby’s ears, nose and throat that will help loosen up congestion. A little drop of honey never hurts and the soothing texture can feel great on a sore throat.
Watch your baby very carefully the first few weeks and notice how he begins to fight off colds. Again, don’t panic because he let out a sneeze or cough. Only be concerned if such symptoms persist even after you have tried a number of alternative remedies. If symptoms do not appear to be improving then it is recommended that you call your doctor and find out if there may be something more serious. Trust in your parenting instincts and your pediatrics advice, not the pills.