On Parenting: Cough Medicine Isn't for Kids

My son just turned 2 and I thought at 2 there would be more options when he would get a cold, but aparently not. When he was under 2 my ped would always tell me to use the saline drops/spray & the vicks humidifier, prop him up & give him infant motrin or tylonel if he had a fever and I never thought those options worked very well. So when he turned 2 I went to the drug store to see if they had anything...and they had nothing for children under the age of 6 years old. Now I did find something at another store called Cold n Cough for kids. Its a homeopathic cough medicine for sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, sneezing & runny nose. So I tried it & I'm not really sure about it. My son seems to be breaking out with little red bumps on his face so I'm thinking he may be alergic to something in it. But once again this leaves me with nothing but tylonel or motrin for my son. They really need to come up with some other option if they are going to take over the counter cough medicines off the table for children under 6. I just put a call into my ped to see what he has to say if there is anything that I can give him. But its really awful to sit here & see your child sick & know there is nothing you can do about it except a vaproizor. I wish everyone the best of luck & hope that someone comes up with something.

Aidan's Mommy of PA 11:09AM October 13, 2010

Honey, in my experience, has helped greatly. However, I did not try this until my son was over 2. I believe the AAP recommends at least over the age of one to avoid risk of Botulism. I use a cold mist humidifier, and I have tried the baby vicks vapor rub, but it has never worked. I've heard to spread it on their feet to calm a cough, but it did not work for my son. Basically, saline drops/spray, bulb syringe, humidifier, and lots of love. I have given motrin or tylenol if he seems extremely uncomfortable, but no cold medicines of any sort.

Jenifer of PA 8:57AM May 04, 2010