As a parent, you want to do everything you can to protect your little one from getting sick. But when they do catch a cold, you want to make sure you're giving them the best possible care.
That's where medication comes in. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which cold medicine is right for your baby?
Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this blog post, we'll review the best cold medicines for babies and offer some tips on how to choose the right one for your little one.
So whether your baby is 6 months or 2 years old, we'll help you find the perfect medication to get them through their cold!
When to give your baby cold medicine
As a parent, it can be difficult to know when to give your baby cold medicine. When your little one wakes up feeling under the weather and fighting off a nasty cough or congestion, we understand the temptation to head straight for the medicine cabinet.
But there are a few things to consider before you reach for the best cold medicine for babies. If your child is under 6 months old, always speak with their pediatrician first before giving them any medication.
For children over 6 months, consult with your doctor about what medications would be best for their age, weight, and possible allergies. Additionally, pay attention to dosing instructions as even if cold medicines are marketed as kid-friendly, some can potentially have harmful side effects depending on amount and frequency of use.
Last but not least, don’t forget that warm baths and plenty of fluids can often go a long way as natural cold remedies! With these tips in mind and keeping your doctor's advice close by, you'll have everything you need to tackle whatever cold your little one throws at you!
The different types of cold medicines available
When the dreaded cold weather season strikes, one of the best weapons in your arsenal might come in the form of over the counter cold medicines. But there are distinctions between them, so you want to choose carefully and make sure you’re getting the right one for your symptoms.
Decongestants, for example, are helpful if you have a stuffy nose; they contain ingredients such aspseudoephedrine or phenylephrine that help relieve nasal congestion.
If you have a headache or fever caused by a cold, an analgesic like ibuprofen could be just what the doctor ordered.
Cough syrups can also act as suppressants to reduce coughing and aid in restful sleep.
Meanwhile expectorants can thin out mucus for easier breathing and irritated throat relief sprays work on sore throat pain directly, providing temporary relief from discomfort associated with colds.
So when it comes to stocking up on remedies to help fight off a nasty winter bug, don't worry - there's a medicine for that!
How to choose the best cold medicine for your baby
When it comes to finding the right cold medicine for your baby, the options can seem overwhelming – there are so many varieties and brands to choose from! Fortunately, careful selection can help take the guesswork out of choosing a remedy.
First, be sure to read labels thoroughly; that way, you'll know what ingredients are in the product, as well as whether it's safe for children under two years of age.
Be aware that some medicines contain alcohol or aspirin, which aren't suitable for infants.
Moreover, even if the medication is labeled "all natural," make sure that it's specifically designated as being safe for infants.
If you're still feeling unsure about what to choose, ask your pediatrician for advice as you don't want to risk any potentially life threatening accidents for the sake of a cold.
Most importantly, always follow directions carefully and don't give your baby more than one type of cold medicine at a time. With a bit of research and preparation, you'll have no trouble finding the best cold medicine for your little one.
If you prefer preventative measures then it's a great idea to look into supplements to give your baby an extra dose of Vitamin C and Vitamin Dm, both of which can help build your child's immunity to avoid colds in the first place. For more information you can check out my blog The Best Baby Vitamins for Healthy Development.
The Best Cold Medicines for Babies
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer that is available over-the-counter and by prescription. It is important to follow the dosage instructions carefully, as too much acetaminophen can be harmful.
Infants can take acetaminophen pain relievers in the form of drops, chewable tablets, or a syrup-form cold medication.
The best Acetaminophen brand in the US for babies is Infants' Tylenol, as it has been designed specifically for babies.
In the UK a popular brand is Calpol:
Calpol Infant Suspension
Contains paracetamol
Suitable for use in infants from 2 months old (weighing over 4 kg and not premature)
Saline Drops or Sprays
Saline nasal drops and sprays are a great way to help baby clear their nasal passages if they're congested. These products contain salt water that helps thin mucus and soothe the nasal membranes by keeping the nasal passages moist.
There are several brands of saline drops and spray on the market, so be sure to read the label carefully to make sure it's appropriate for your baby, such as:
NoseFrida All-Natural Saline Nasal Snot Spray
Best saline spray cold medicine for babies
NoseFrida All-Natural Saline Nasal Snot Spray
Natural sea salt and purified water specially formulated for small noses.
Suitable from birth
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a pain reliever and fever reducer that is available over-the-counter and by prescription. It is safe for infants as young as six months old. However, it is important to follow the dosage instructions carefully, as too much ibuprofen can be harmful.
Nurofen for Children & Baby
Suitable for babies from 3 months and weighing over 5 kg
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are medications that are used to treat allergies. They can also be used to treat your child's cold symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing. Some antihistamines are safe for infants, but it is important to check with a doctor before giving them to a child under the age of two to avoid serious complications.
The best antihistamines brand for babies is Benadryl. It comes in the form of a syrup or a chewable tablet.
Benadryl Children's Dye-Free Allergy Liquid
Best cold medicine for babies with Antihistamine
Benadryl Children's Dye-Free Allergy Liquid
Antihistamine for kids is specially formulated to relieve allergy symptoms caused by hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies including runny nose, sneezing, itching of nose or throat, and itchy, watery eyes
Suitable from age 2 as prescribed by Doctor.
Decongestants
Decongestants are medications that are used to treat congestion, or the buildup of mucus in baby's nose and sinuses. Some decongestants are safe for infants, but it is important to check with a doctor before giving them to a child under the age of two.
Vicks Vaporub Baby Rub
Suitable for babies from 3 months as directed by your Doctor.
Cough Syrups
Cough syrups are medications that are used to treat coughs. Some cough medicines are safe for infants, but it is important to check with a doctor before giving them to a children younger than the age of two.
The best brand of cough syrup in the UK is Calpol Infant Suspension (as above). It is safe for infants as young as two months old and contains an active ingredient that helps to reduce coughing.
In the US a popular brand is:
Boiron Chestal Honey Children's Cough Syrup
Recommended for everyone ages 2 and up
These are just a few of the many different types of cold medicine for babies that you can choose from. Be sure to read labels carefully, ask your doctor for advice, and follow dosage instructions carefully
The side effects of cold medicines
Cold medications can be both a blessing and a curse. While they are very good at relieving the symptoms of a cold, they may also cause a range of unpleasant side effects.
These might include headaches, nausea, drowsiness, restlessness and difficulty sleeping. Some kids medicine may also cause constipation, while others may increase blood pressure or heart rate.
In rare cases, cold medicines can even trigger allergic reactions and more serious respiratory issues.
So while it’s important to take medicine if your baby is feeling sick due to a cold, it's best to consult your doctor first so that you know what to expect in terms of side effects.
That way there won’t be any nasty surprises and baby's recovery will get off to the best possible start.
How to administer cold medicine to your baby
Being a parent can be a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding job, especially when it comes to giving your baby medicine. When your baby has a cold or allergy symptoms, you may choose to treat him or her with a safe and effective cold medicine.
However, administering to an infant is quite different than administering medication to older kids or adults.
Here are some tips for giving your baby cold medicine:
First, always read the label carefully and get advice from your doctor before giving any medication.
Second, use a measuring device that comes with the product.
Third, ask your pediatrician about dosage in milliliters (mL) rather than spoonfuls.
Fourth, when administering liquid medications directly into your baby's mouth make sure he or she is upright before and during the process - this will reduce the chance of both gagging and aspiration.
Fifth, never give more medications at one time than is recommended on the label.
Finally, never mix medications without consulting with your child's doctor first.
Above all else, remember that safety comes first when administering cold medicines to babies and young children. With these tips in mind you can help ensure that you're providing proper care for your little one when giving them much-needed relief from cold symptoms.
Conclusion
So, when is it safe to give your baby cold medicine? As a general rule, you can start giving your baby over-the-counter cold medicines at 6 months old. However, always check with your pediatrician before giving your child any type of medication.
There are many different types of cold medicines available, so how do you choose the best one for your baby? The safest and most effective cold medicines for babies are those that contain ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Always read the label carefully to make sure you’re giving your child the correct dosage and don’t give them more than recommended.
Be aware of the side effects of cold medicines and watch out for signs that your child may be having a bad reaction to the medication.
Finally, learn how to administer cold medicine properly so that you can ensure accurate dosages and avoid any potential health risks.
Follow these tips and you’ll be able to help keep your little one healthy during flu season!
