Use These Natural Products to Soothe Your Kid’s Cold Symptoms

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As we head deeper into the season of coughs, sniffles, congestion, and scratchy throats, you want to keep your cabinets cold and flu season-ready. While sore throats and runny noses might be expected this time of year, no parent likes to see their little ones suffer.

Colds and the flu are caused by viruses, so antibiotics usually aren’t helpful. Plus, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against giving kids over-the-counter cold medicine under the age of four, and says kids ages four to six should only get medicine if their doctor says they should. “There is more risk of harm, and they’re not effective for younger children,” pediatrician Dr. Mona Amin tells SheKnows. Your child also doesn’t need treatment for a low-grade fever (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or lower), but you can give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) if your child is uncomfortable — just make sure to follow the dosing instructions.

Why Natural Products Are Best For Treating Sick Kids

Rest and plenty of fluids are key while your child rides out the illness, but maybe you want a little more help for their uncomfortable symptoms. “Many parents want effective and safe options for treating their children’s cold symptoms,” Dr. Joy Weydert, a practicing pediatrician in Kansas City, tells SheKnows. “They also want things as natural as possible because they are aware of the concerns around some of the OTC cold medicines that have caused harm.”

Natural Cold Products to Avoid

That said, there are a few natural products you may want to keep away from your sick kiddos. Our experts recommend staying away from:

Essential oils: “I don’t recommend essential oils for little ones,” pediatrician Dr. Jen Trachtenberg tells SheKnows. “There is increased [likelihood of a] call to poison control, since many can be toxic if ingested and cause skin irritation for some.” Others may pose health risks. Peppermint oil, for example, “can irritate the respiratory tract in young children, sometimes making breathing issues worse,” Dr. Amin says.

Mentholated chest rubs: Mentholated chest rubs, especially those containing camphor, are a no-go for kids under two, because they can “irritate a child’s skin and even worsen their breathing,” Dr. Amin explains. “This is why it’s important to use a baby-safe chest rub for children under two years and follow instructions on the packaging carefully.”

Steam vaporizers: These products “can be a burn hazard for children and increase the risk of mold growth,” Dr. Amin says. Instead, opt for a cool-mist humidifier; they’re safer and provide similar relief, minus the risk.

The Best Natural Cold Products For Sick Kids

If you’re looking for a safe natural route to help cure your kid’s latest case of the sniffles, here are 13 great natural cold remedies for kids to try. Of course, always consult with your child’s doctor before using anything.

A version of this story was published October 2019.

This article was originally published on sheknows.com.