If you have a child at home with a cold, here are some tried and true kid cold remedies that will actually help your child feel better and get better quickly.
As a parent, it’s always hard not to worry when your child gets sick. It’s difficult to see them uncomfortable. It’s also exhausting because they aren’t sleeping well which means you aren’t either and you’re most likely stuck at home.
When my son started preschool this year, he got more colds and viruses than he ever had in his entire life. Because of this, I have some go-to home remedies for colds. These tips help with boosting the immune system to fight cough, congestion, and fever.
These are the 11 cold remedies that help my son feel better and I believe help him get better quickly too.
11 Kid Cold Remedies That Work:
1. Hydrate
Staying hydrated is important all the time but when your child has a cold, they need even more liquids. This will help the phlegm and congestion to become thinner, and if they have a fever it’s extremely important.
My son is great about drinking water so I have his water bottle with him at all times and I fill it up multiple times throughout the day. I give 100% juice sometimes too and we make homemade popsicles as well.
2. Steam Shower
When my son is congested I like to take him in the shower with me. I give him a quick clean and then let him play while I shower. I make sure he’s in there for about 20 mins and I encourage him to blow his nose and take deep breaths.
The steam helps loosen the congestion and helps him breathe better. It’s a great part of the bedtime routine too.
3. Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
I love making my homemade chicken noodle soup when my family is sick. It not only helps my sick kid, but it also gives my husband and me an immune-boosting meal to hopefully help prevent us from getting sick. I will admit my son’s favorite part is the noodles but I know he’s also getting some of the broth and a few veggies and chicken.
Studies have proven that chicken soup increases the flow of mucus, diminishes inflammation in respiratory colds, and helps the body get rid of the cold virus altogether.
4. Green Immune Boosting Smoothie
My son loves smoothies and I have been giving him some version of my green smoothie since he was a little over a year old. With the banana and fruit, he can’t taste the spinach and other cold-fighting ingredients. Plus it helps with hydration and is a go-to when he doesn’t have much of an appetite when he’s not feeling well.
5. Fresh Air
I truly believe fresh air can do wonders for your health. Depending on the severity of your child’s symptoms and use your best judgment, but if you think they can handle a short stroller or wagon ride, then I encourage it. In general, having your kid and yourself get some fresh air and sunshine is actually beneficial. Plus it’s a nice change after all the time spent indoors and being cooped up.
I like to bundle up my son (depending on the time of year) give him a blanket and water bottle, sometimes a snack, and go for a short walk. We all get to enjoy nature and my dog gets a walk too.
6. Humidifier
A cool mist humidifier has been a great addition to my son’s sleep when he has a cold. It puts much-needed moisture into his room which helps with his breathing and his cough.
7. Citrus
I encourage my son to eat orange slices or sometimes give him orange juice. They are high in vitamin C and are excellent for boosting his immune system.
8. Ointment For Sore Nose
If your child is sneezing and blowing their nose a lot, it can make for a red and sore nose. I like to put my favorite ointment on his nose. I use it for the face, lips, and on my hands and cuticles every night, it’s literally a miracle ointment.
And a quick tip for you: if your child is like mine and doesn’t want to have ointment on their face, I apply it soon after he falls asleep for the night. He’s in such a deep sleep he doesn’t notice and it helps to heal it overnight. This works for dry, chapped lips too.
9. Rest
I encourage my son to rest more which yes means more tv time. But I still have to work and he needs to let his body rest and heal. This also includes coloring and looking at books. I also try to put him to bed a bit earlier especially if he hasn’t had a full, uninterrupted sleep the previous night.
10. Elevate The Bed
I started doing this just this year and it really makes a difference. I actually did this when my son had an ear infection and it helped. I have found it also helps with better sleep when he’s congested too.
I just put a folded-up blanket or towel under his mattress under the top where his pillow is. I find it raises it just enough.
11. Honey
*Only for children 1 year old and over* It works well for a cough. My son loves honey so it’s not hard to convince him to have a spoonful. I usually give it to him in the morning when his throat is drier and he’s coughing more. I’ve also read it’s good to give at bedtime to coat the throat too.