By now you've probably heard that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines aimed at kids under two years old have been pulled from shelves. There's still a question as to whether similar medications for kids under 6 will follow suit, but that's another story for another day.
The problem remains, though: what to do when your baby gets a cold now that you won't be dosing her up with Dimetapp?
I have answers, and they're not as weird hard as you might think. In fact, those OTC medications were pretty ineffective against colds, but mine work. Nyah.
1. Don't fear the fever. Fever is the body's natural reaction in fighting off germies. If you quash the fever, you interrupt the body's natural immune system and germ-resistance. Resist the urge to dose for low-grade fevers, and be aware that little kids can have higher fevers that we weakling adults and still feel decent and functional. I usually think about dosing if the fever gets to be around 101 or so, but it largely depends on how my kid feels. Yes, it's scary at first, but remind yourself that it's better. Fevers are your friend. You can ease them with a cool cloth to the forehead, lots of fluids, etc.
2. Speaking of fluids... You want to push fluids in a big way. However you can. Brothy soups, teas, water, juices (without the sugar, please, as that is taxing to the body that's already taxed by sickness), anything you can. Make your own popsicles from 100% juice if you have to.
3. Suck the snot. Remember that nose-sucky-thing* that was sent home with your baby from the hospital? This is a perfect time to use it. You can apply some saline nose drops (or go all nag-champa and use a Neti pot) and then suck away. This one thing will likely do more than anything else. Breathing steam helps, too.
4. But what about the cough? Do familiarize yourself with the difference between a cough-from-a-cold and a cough-that-needs-a-doctor. But for run-of-the-mill coughs, my kids like the homeopathic syrups like Chestal and anything with elderberry in it (bonus those taste good). Check your local health food store for recommendations.
5. And my throat hurts, too! A spoonful of raw honey can work wonders for sore throats: it's anti-microbial and soothes raw throats. Um, and tastes good. If you can get your kids to drink tea (an eyedropper for a baby works well) you can make an herbal blend like Throat Coat or simply some echinacea tea with a little honey and lemon. But NO honey for babies under 12 months.
6. Nurture. Rest, soothing comforting foods like soups, and lots of love can work wonders.
*That's the technical term, but you can call it a "bulb syringe" if you insist.
Oh, and one more thing. I'm a blogger, not a doctor (but you knew that). These things have worked for me, but you know your baby best and know when it's time to see a doctor.
