7 home remedies to cure cough and cold in infants

Infants usually get infected with cold and cough a numerous time before their first birthday. Medicines might bring quick relief from cold and cough to your baby but it may harm their tiny organs. When you see your baby sick with a cold or cough you try to do everything possible to help them get rid of all the discomfort. Oral over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medicines may temporarily reduce the symptoms of cold and cough in your baby but it can cause serious harm to their internal organs. Choosing home remedies to cure your baby’s common cold and cough is one of the safest and most economical ways.

Below mentioned are some remedies that can cure the ailment:

• Breastmilk- It may surprise you but when you are breastfeeding your baby you are making your baby’s immune system stronger because the miraculous milk is full of antibodies. It makes the human body immune to all kinds of viruses and germs and provides hydration.

• Garlic and Carom seeds pouch- This herbal remedy is quite effective because of its anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Make a pouch of dry roasted - 2 cloves of garlic and 1 spoon of carom seeds (ajwain). Tie them in a muslin cloth when it cools down and place this pouch at a safe distance from your baby’s cot. You must avoid keeping it on the cot or under the cot. This pouch releases an aroma that will provide relief to the baby and it will help in clearing the blockage.

• Mustard oil infused with carom seeds and garlic- If you apply this oil on your baby’s chest it will help him/her get rid of the congestion as mustard oil, carom seeds and garlic have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. All you have to do is take some mustard oil (about 1/4th cup) and add 1 spoon of carom seeds and 2 cloves of crushed garlic. Strain the oil when cooled and store it in a clean bottle. Just take few drops and gently massage this oil on your baby’s chest as and when required.

• Massage with infused coconut oil- Heat half a cup of coconut oil with some tulsi leaves (3-4), 1 onion, and 1 betel stem. Add a pinch of camphor to the infused oil after switching off the gas. By applying this magical oil on your baby’s chest and neck, the baby gets relief from nasal congestion.

• Turmeric paste- Burn a dry turmeric stick on a gas stove till it is charred and make a fine paste of it by adding little water to it. You can apply this paste to your baby’s nasal bridge, chest, forehead, and feet. The heat from the turmeric helps in absorbing all the mucus and provides relief in symptoms of a cold. The anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties of turmeric will help your baby breathe properly.

• Saline drops- Putting nasal/saline drops in your baby’s tiny nostrils by taking permission from the pediatrician will help your baby get some relief from congestion. You must carefully read all the instructions mentioned on the carton of the nasal drops and with the help of a dropper, you can put some drops in your baby’s nose. You can remove the mucus with the help of a nasal suction bulb.

• Use a humidifier- You can get a good quality humidifier from a pharmacy near you and place it in your baby’s room when he/she is asleep. You must regularly clean and sanitize the humidifier. The dry air of the room will get moisten with the help of a humidifier.

You should not offer honey to your infant until he/she turns 1. You must also use a good quality air purifier in your house for your baby’s fragile breathing system. All the above remedies should be practiced after getting consent from the pediatrician and if the symptoms are worse then you must seek medical help. If using the above-mentioned remedies then don't forget to check out for allergies also.

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