Seeking Cold Remedy for a 19 Month Old?

Hi I.,

Have you tried a Humidifier? This may break up the mucus. Rub a small amount of Vic's vapor rub on her chest. If she has a cough (this may sound weird) rub Vic's vapor rub on the bottom of her feet and put on warm socks, this will calm the cough! Hope this works for you!

Good luck!

Nasal suction ball to try to remove the thick mucus, You also need to get a vaporizor, to help her breath and keep the mucus in control. There is even a vapor bath solution for children I think Vicks makes it.

Congratulations New Mother, you will do fine.

I am 60 years old, a mother of 3 children a grandmother of 9 and a great grandmother of 2

Saline drops, nose sucker, a humidifier are the best. You can raise the mattress on her crib.
I would avoid items that contain menthol ... There have been studies that have shown respitory distress when used.

You can try ocean nose saline or little noses for her poor little nose. They also have baby vic's vapor rub.

Poor Mom and baby girl.... Talk to your pediatrician and see if gentle nasal washes are ok. In the old days, we used humidifiers in the child's room, which helped keep things loosened up.We also had little nasal suction bulbs that we could put in the childs nose to suck up the mucus. A warm steamy shower will also help. Just sit in the bathroom with her, and then maybe suction the mucous. she does not need tylenol any more if she doesn't have the fever, so that was a good move. As long as she is not struggling to breathe...These things usually burn themselves out in a few days, so good luck to you! terri

Try taking her in the shower with you and just let the steam fill the bathroom, this should break up mucus. There is always saline drops, just make sure you aspirate with the nasal syringe. I hope she feels better. :(

I do this with my kids still - get a bathroom really steamy hot. Then fill the bathtub with appropriate warm water and let her play in the tub and steam. This helps to release the pressure and get her nose to drain.

Go into the bathroom, close the door and turn the shower on hot. Sit in the steamy bathroom as long as she is willing. You could bring some toys and books. Keep a humidifyer on in her room at night. Use a saline spray in her nostrils. They sell them over the counter at the drug store. Also check the health food store for homeopathic remedies. Hopefully the gunk will loosen up and you'll be able to clear her up a bit. Good luck!

http://www.switchingstores.com/fourply
they have koala pals and an oil as well that helps us...we also use there pain rub mixed with lotion for our 18 month old! Good Luck! and happy holidays!!!

Usually thick mucus indicates an infection especially if it's pale yellow or green; perhaps sinus. A fever also indicates infection. I have 3 grown children whom I nursed with homeopathic alternatives when appropriate but not for sinus or ear infections. Sinus infections are very painful - if she is still uncomfortable and the mucus is not clear you should call the doctor. If it's clear, it could be allergy problems.

Saline nasal spray. She won't like it at first, but she'll get used to it. even if she doesn't, you've just got to get one good squirt in each nostril a couple of times a day.

My son, now almost 4, actually asks for "nose spray" before he tries to blow his nose when he's got a bad cold.

Hope this helps,
T.

Reduce or eliminate dairy intake until it subsides. Dairy creates thick sticky mucus.

Dear I.,
Saline sprays are great, but I always used vick's vapo rub on my kids. Same thing my mom always used. A little on the chest under a t-shirt. The vapors help with congestion. I haven't heard of it causing respiratory problems. Many people swear by rubbing vick's on the soles of the feet and putting socks on to clear up coughs. My kids actually liked the vick's on their chests and backs because it gives a warming feeling. Now that they are older, they like a little bit just under their nostrils. It breaks the mucus up so it can be blown out.

I hope you find what works for you and that your little one will be feeling better soon!

My friend, a nurse, has told me I can use saline drops (it doesn't have any chemicals) for my baby's nose when that happens to soften the boogers so they will soften and drain. Or then you can use the bulb they give you at the hospital that sucks out the boogers once they are reduced to mucus. I haven't had to try it yet but will.

Saline drops are the best. I saw at Target today that Tylenol makes a brand of them. They are amazing, it's also amazing what will come out your daughters nose when you use them. I also raise the mattress on her crib. I've never had luck with a humidifier. I also use the Johnson's and Johnson's menthol bath stuff.
Best of luck!
C.
PS. Last year when my husband and daughter got sick I cleaned the house and aired it out most of one day. Changed all the sheets, pillow cases and washed all the blankets. The cold/flu whatever it was stopped there and we had a pretty mellow winter last year.

Hello I.,

I'm all for natural remedies when available and when they work enough--but sometimes you need a little more. My Dr. just recommended Mucinex (spelling?) for my 18 month old son. They have a kind for kids that is in granular form. It looks like a pixie stick. He said the dose for my 21 pound son is half of a packet every 4-6 hours to help thin the mucus enough so it can drain / be cleared out easier. The saline drops worked well for my kids when it was just in their noses and I could then use the asperator (sp?).

Good luck!

I agree, saline drops are great. A Neti pot is even better, but I think your daughter may not want you to use it, as she is still quite young.
I have a humidifier running often in the colder months. I like a humidifier with a digital display that tells you when to change the filters and has an adjustable humidity level, so that it doesn't become more humid than you want.
Hope your daughter recovers soon!