How to Cure Cold Issues in Toddlers

The most common problems that toddlers face are cold-related issues. Being a parent and going through the ordeal of seeing your small toddler fighting with constant sneezing, coughing, or having a runny nose can be very disturbing to many parents.

Most of the time, colds in toddlers are not real concerns but can be uncomfortable and distressing. Therefore, knowing how to treat the symptoms effectively to keep the child comfortable and safe is vital.

Today, in this blog, we’ll discuss some cures to treat cold issues in toddlers. But, let’s start with the basics.

Understanding the Common Cold in Toddlers

A virus, such as rhinovirus, primarily causes the common cold in toddlers. Toddlers are at greater risk of colds since their immune systems are still developing. On average, a toddler might catch 6-8 colds per year. They will experience these colds for about 7-10 days, and their symptoms will persist slightly longer.

Common Cold Symptoms in Toddlers:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Low-grade fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Watering of eyes
• Loss of appetite
• General restlessness

Though colds in infants tend to be self-limiting, the symptoms can be well-managed to decrease misery.

Tips to Cure Cold in Children

1. Keep Hydrated

One of the most important things you can do for your toddler with a cold is to keep him or her hydrated. Fluids help thin mucus, making it easier for your child to breathe and clear their nasal passages. Encourage water, clear broths, and diluted fruit juices frequently. For younger toddlers, breast milk or formula counts toward their fluid intake.

Tips for Keeping Your Toddler Hydrated

• You should provide fluids every hour, even if it is just a small amount.
• You can get a sippy cup or a fun straw to drink to make the whole experience more fun.
• Giving sugary drinks such as soda or too much fruit juice will keep the child even more dehydrated.

2. Humidifier

A cool-mist humidifier in your child's bedroom will add moisture to the air, soothe inflamed airways, make it easier to breathe, and help kill dryness in the nasal passages and throat, thus reducing cough and congestion.

Safe Use of a Humidifier

• Use only cool-mist humidifiers, as you do not want to risk burns. Clean the humidifier regularly to avoid mold or bacteria build-up.
• Place the humidifier as far away from your baby's bed as possible.

3. Saline Nasal Drops and Aspirator

Saline nasal drops are inexpensive yet relatively efficient for baby nasal congestion treatment. The salt-water-based solution will break up the gob within your baby's nose and, by doing so, clear it easily. After using saline drops, you can make use of an aspirator or a bulb syringe in gentle sucking motions to remove the mucus.

Steps to Use Saline Drops:

• Place your toddler on his or her back and bend the head slightly.
• Add a few drops of saline solution in both nostrils.
• Wait for just a minute or so for them to take action.
• Suction out the secretions with a bulb syringe by gentle suction.

This is most effective when carried out together with feeding and naps when congestion makes it a little difficult for your toddler to breathe.

4. Apply Warm Compresses

Give your toddler warm compresses in order to loosen the mucus in the nose.

Warm liquids, such as chicken soup or herbal teas, can soothe a sore throat and help loosen congestion in the nose. They can also keep your toddler hydrated while helping to ease some of the symptoms of the cold.

Toddler-Safe Fluids and Foods:

• Warm chicken or vegetable broth
• Warm water with a splash of honey (for toddlers over one year)
• Herbal teas, such as chamomile-REMEMBER: before giving your child any tea, be sure to check with a pediatrician
• Soft, smooth foods like oatmeal, applesauce, or mashed bananas
• Do not administer honey to any infant who is less than one year old because such can cause botulism.

5. Rest and Comfort

Toddlers need rest. Suggest they sleep and enjoy quiet time lying down. A cold also makes them cranky and clingy. Therefore, offer more comfort and hugs to keep the children safe and secure.

How to Promote Sleep:

• Keep their head raised during naps or at night to help with congestion.
• Make the room quiet and soundproof.
• Reading, singing soft melodies, and a white noise machine will help even out her sleep cycle

6. Over-the-Counter Medications

Even though most colds have home remedies for them, an over-the-counter medication might alleviate some of the symptoms in your toddler. You must consult your pediatrician before you give any medicine to a toddler.

Some Common OTC Medications:

• Antipyretics and Analgesics: Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen may be prescribed to suppress fever, soothe a sore throat, or relieve headaches. However, use only as directed based on the toddler's age and weight.
• Decongestants: Very rarely given in children less than 4 years of age. However, your doctor may prescribe a mild decongestant if a special situation arises.
• Cough medicines: Avoid giving an over-the-counter cough medicine to any child under 6 years old unless a doctor prescribes it.

7. Clean Environment

Cold viruses spread easily through contact. To avoid spreading germs, it is essential to keep a clean environment. Sanitize surfaces often, wash your toddler's hands and promote good hygiene.

Prevent the Spread of Germs:

• Teach your toddler to sneeze or cough into their elbow.
• Ensure you have tissues to wipe runny noses and dispose of them immediately.
• Clean the toys and pacifiers your toddler touches frequently.

8. Home Remedies

There are many home remedies that can cause relief from cold symptoms in toddlers. Though the condition for the cold is not curable, these treatments are relaxing and much more comfortable.

Some Natural Remedies for Toddlers' Colds

• Honey (for children older than 1 year): The spoonful of honey can give relief to the irritated throat along with eliminating the coughing problem.
• Warm Baths: For this, bathe your toddler and add a few drops of eucalyptus or lavender oil. This helps loosen up the nasal congestion and makes your child feel comfortable and relaxed.
• Vapor Rubs: You can rub on your baby's chest and back a gentle rub given for babies to help relieve congestion (though this is only recommended for toddlers over 2 years old).

9. Time to See the Doctor

For most, a cold will run its course in a week or two. Sometimes, however, a cold can turn into something else. It's useful to know at what point to go see a doctor.

Warning Signs to Call a Doctor

• Fever over 102°F lasting more than 3 days
• Breathing becomes labored, or wheezes
• Doesn't want to drink or shows signs of dehydration (dry lips, no wet diapers)
• Lasts longer than 10 days
• Continuous cough or ear pain

Your pediatrician may determine whether your baby has secondary infection, like ear infection or bronchitis, which will require some form of treatment.

Conclusion

It is one of those inevitable experiences of early childhood, but you can make things less painful and even more comfortable for them if you know what care and attention to give them regarding the colds. Water intake, sleep, and some relief for the symptoms with some safe, toddler-friendly remedies should come on top of the priority list. Most cases of colds resolve on their own, so it always pays to be vigilant with signs that should prompt you to bring them to professionals.

By staying updated and following these tips, you can look after your toddler efficiently when he is down with the common cold. For more such blogs, you can visit BlogifyIt today.