Cold season is here and viruses pay no mind to age. Sadly any parent strolling the cold medicine isle will find flipping packages that most cold medicine is not approved for children under the age of 6, and you’ll be hard pressed to find one approved for kids under 2. In fact the FDA nearly banned the sale of pediatric cold medicine aimed at children 6 and under, but stopped short only recommending against their use. None of this changes the fact that every wheeze, cough, and sneeze a toddler suffers through during this seasons cold is agonizing for their parents.
So, are there any cold and flu medicines approved for toddlers?
In my search for cold relief for my toddler I did find one single cold medication that was approved for kids age 2 and up. The option for older toddlers came from a familiar name, Hyland’s who also produces an all natural form of teething tablet which I found to be safe and extremely effective in a past article you can read here.
Hyland’s has a small line of cold, cough and flu solutions for children and toddlers which vary in age appropriate use. For age 2 and up they have Hyland’s Cold n’ Cough in day and night formulas as well as Hyland’s Sniffles and Sneezes for cough-free colds. They do also offer Cold Plus C tablets which are approved for children 1-6, and a honey based cough syrup for kids over the age of 1. (Honey should not be given to children under the age of 1, read why here.) All of Hyland’s Cold and Flu medications for kids are all natural and entirely safe.
What else can I do to ease my toddler’s cold symptoms?
In reality cold medications only ease the symptoms of a cold and if they have the proper additives help give your child’s immune system a fighting boost, but because colds are caused by viruses they can’t be cured with medicine. Outside of the above mentioned over the counter option for cold medication you can also try:
-Adding a humidifier or vaporizer to your home. Higher moisture content in the air can help mucous drain easier as well as ease respiration. It’s the low humidity off cold weather that often leads to colds in the first place. If you don’ t have a humidifier a warm bath with the door closed works well. You may also try taking your toddler into the bathroom shutting the door and turning the shower on hot for increased steam.
-Elevating your toddler’s mattress slightly to help snot drain out not down. If you find your toddler waking up in a coughing fit which may even lead to vomiting it’s likely caused by booger draining down his/her throat while sleeping. A slight elevation can help mucous go the right way.
–Using nasal saline drops and a booger sucker (aspirator) if your child won’t throw a kicking screaming, crying fit naturally removing the mucous helps tremendously, however if it’s a tear filled battle skip this option. The tantrum your toddler throws will only cause more snot to drip making your efforts in vain.
Citation:
FDA nearly bans cold and flu medications for young children
http://blogs.wsj.com/health/2008/10/03/fda-rejects-ban-on-cough-cold-medicines-for-kids/
Hyland’s Cough n’ Cold
http://www.hylands.com/products/coldcough.php
Toddler Cold Solutions
http://www.babycenter.com/0_colds_11417.bc?page=2
