Last Updated: 26th Jan 2019
Cold and Cough is the most common disease that happens to almost every newborn more than 5 times in a first year. And it’s very obvious that you as a new parent get panic with it initially, but with time, you know how to cure a cold and cough of your child without visiting doctor every time. Home Remedies are the most effective and safe solution to cure the cold and congestion in babies. But if your child is below 3 months of age then don’t try any remedy at home. it is always advisable to visit paediatric to consult.
Changing weather can also trigger a cold and cough in your newborn. So, you have to understand the cause of cold and congestion in your baby. Normally, the cold takes 7 to 10 days to get cured completely and cannot be cured quickly with any kind of medicine. During a cough and cold, babies become cranky and irritated. It also disturbs the child’s sleeping pattern. I know, it’s not easy to see your child in terrible condition. Cold gets better with time by its own.
Before my son’s arrival, I was not at all interested in exploring the home remedies for myself. I used to have a big box of generic medicines and never gave much attention to the side effects of allopathic medicines on my body in the long run.
But, when I conceived, I promised myself to live a medicine-free life. I wanted my baby to have a strong immune system and be less dependent on medicines. So, my journey in exploring home remedies started with my son’s birth. Now, we never rush to doctors or the medical stores for immediate solutions until and unless the problem is severe.
Let’s talk about the symptoms of common cold and cough in babies
Symptoms of common cold and cough in babies and kids
- Running nose
- Sneezing
- A cough
- Fever
- A sore throat
- Stuffy nose
- Blocked nose
- Loss of appetite
- Restlessness
I’m not suggesting any baby cough remedies for 3 month old or below. I never recommend any kind of oral remedy to the baby below 6 months of age.
I am sharing a few home remedies for cold and cough in infants
Most Effective Home remedies to cure a cold and cough in 3 to 6 months baby
1. Ajwain Potli
Ajwain or carom seeds have antiviral and antibacterial properties. Dry roast ajwain on a tava or pan. Put the ajwain in a cotton cloth and make a potli of it. Gently rub it on the baby’s chest, back, under feet and palms.
Make sure the potli is not very hot. First, test the temperature by putting the potli on your wrist. Make sure that the baby must have a single layer of clothing before you start to rub potli on the body.
Caution: Don’t rub it on the naked chest of your baby.
You can place potli near baby’s nose or in baby’s crib so that it can inhale ajwain smell. It is a really helpful remedy to cure baby’s cough.
2. Breastfeed your baby
Breastfeeding is the first and foremost solution to treat cold and cough for your newborn. In your baby’s first six months, breastmilk is the only way to heal your child’s body from any type of problem. Breastmilk also improves the immunity of your child to fight against bacteria, germs, and virus.
You can put a few drops of breastmilk in each nostril of your baby. It will help to cure a cough and cold faster.
You should also check – best baby formula milk
3. Saline Drops to get relief from blocked nose
Nasal saline drops are a quick solution to get relief from the blocked nose and nasal congestion in newborns. It’s safe and recommended by pediatrics to use for infants.
Saline drops are actually the salt-based water. Put saline drops in each nostril of your baby as this would help to clear the nose. Nasal saline drops loosen up mucus. Use of saline drops makes feeding easier for your baby. Just elevate your baby’s head while putting in the drops, otherwise, the liquid will flow out.
If your baby has a stuffy and blocked nose then use saline drops or spray. You can easily buy it from the pharmacy. You can also use a bulb syringe to remove mucus from your newborn’s nose.
One can also go for making saline drops at home, just be very careful about hygiene.
I have personally used “Little Remedies” Saline Drops for my son. You can Buy Saline Drops from Here.
4. Garlic Cloves in Ghee/ Mustard oil
Boil few cloves of garlic into mustard oil and apply it externally on your baby’s neck, chest, back, under feet and palms.
This remedy helps to cure cough of your child. Remember, the oil must be warm and not very hot. Mustard oil gives warmth to the body and garlic has antibacterial properties that help to destroy bacteria that cause cold.
5. Vicks Baby Rub
When your baby has a cough and chest congestion, this also creates problems with the child’s sleeping patterns. To let your child sleep peacefully throughout the night, try this quick solution to help your child.
For this, you just need Vicks baby rub and a pair of socks. You just need to rub it on the bottom of your baby’s feet and cover the feet with cotton or woolen socks, depending on the weather. This remedy is recommended for the babies above 4 months of age.
Vicks baby rub allows the airways to open up and thus breaks down mucus. Cooling effect (menthol) of baby rub does the trick with the brain that your baby is not congested and airways are open. So, this remedy is helpful to let your baby sleep comfortably without coughing throughout the night.
You can buy the Vicks baby rub from here Vick’s Baby Rub
6. Mustard oil infused with sendha namak
Mix 1 teaspoon of sendha namak in warm mustard oil and gently massage on the chest and back of your baby and cover the baby with a cotton sheet or blanket. This mixture gives warmth to your little one’s body.
You may also like to check – Best baby face cream
7. Tulsi and coconut oil massage
Tulsi is a sacred plant in Hindu Indian culture and a commonly used herb in Indian households. Tulsi has antiviral, antibacterial and antibiotic properties that help to cure diseases like cold and cough, fever, throat infections, flu and congestion. Tulsi is one of the widely used ingredients in many home remedies.
For small babies, you can add tulsi in oil and give the massage with it to your child.
Take 2-3 teaspoons of good quality coconut oil; prefer to go for organic products. Warm the coconut oil and add 5-6 crushed tulsi leaves. By crushing them, tulsi leaves’ juice will mix with the coconut oil and oil will soak all the healing properties of tulsi.
Remember, the oil must be warm not too much hot. Gently massage the oil on the chest, back and under feet of your baby while sleeping. This oil mixture will help to give relief from cold and cough.
8. Elevate baby’s head
Your baby’s sleep may get disturbed because of blocked and stuffy nose. He may have breathing issue while sleeping. To make your baby sleep comfortably, elevate its head slightly using a pillow. It helps your child to breathe easily during congestion.
Also read – best baby soap
9. Light Steam
Inhaling light steam helps to clear the blockage and loosen the mucus in your baby’s nose. Steam is a good and natural way to deal with blocked nose and chest congestion. Clear nose helps your baby to sleep better. Inhaling steam helps to open blocked airways.
To give light steam to your baby, keep your baby in your lap and keep steamer near you. This way, your baby will get the sufficient steam. Continue it for about 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid keeping your baby close to the hot steam water as it could harm your little one. You can keep steamer near your bed and turn your baby’s face towards it.
You can also use the bathroom as the steam room, turn on hot water tap or shower and let the door remain closed. Sit in the bathroom along with your baby for 10-15 minutes. Your baby will get sufficient steam.
If your child doesn’t like steam then you can use room humidifier or vaporizer in its sleeping area. It will help to keep room moist.
You can buy Vaporizer from here VAPORIZER
10. Wash Your Hands Often
Keep your hands clean and wash them frequently. As your baby is suffering from cold and cough, dirty hands can transmit germs to your baby.
Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your baby. Also, keep your baby’s hands clean too, you can use wet wipes to clean baby’s hands. Please suggest everyone to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer before holding your baby.
You may also like to read – Best baby shampoo
11. Saffron
Saffron is a stimulant tonic, which helps to treat cold, cough, congestion and fever. Adults can have saffron in milk but for infants, the saffron paste is used to apply on the forehead to quickly relieve cold.
Saffron is helpful in curing blocked chest and congestion. Take a pinch of saffron, grind or rub it to make a paste. Add few drops of water. Apply the paste on the baby’s chest, forehead, throat and under feet at night. You can do this every day until a baby is relieved from cold and congestion.
12. Humidifier
You may have observed that coughing usually increased during sleep time. It all happens because of the dry air in the room. Using the Humidifiers help to add moisture to the air which may help ease coughing in babies.
13. Dry Roasted Turmeric
Turmeric has antibacterial and anti-viral properties, it helps in relieving the cold and cough in kids and adults. For Babies, dry roast the turmeric and make a powder from it. Now, make a paste of turmeric using a little amount of water. Put a layer of turmeric paste on the baby’s nose during night time, it helps to relieve a blocked nose and running nose.
Avoid putting the turmeric inside nostril of the baby.
Things to keep in mind
- Please don’t give honey to babies below 1 year of age. It may cause a rare disease called Infant botulism.
- If your baby has a cold then cover your child according to the weather. Baby’s clothing must be in layers in order to cover the chest from cold and to keep it warm.
- Don’t get panic in case of cold and cough. Cold and cough in infants help to develop their immune system.
- If your baby has other problems along with cold and cough then don’t try the home remedies and go to pediatric for the checkup.
- Don’t try any home remedy for babies below 3 months of age.
- Breastfeed your baby as much as possible. Mom’s milk is loaded with antibodies that help to build immunity against all types of germs, viruses, and bacteria.
- Give your baby lots of cuddles. Your love and touch help your child to get well soon.
- Loss of appetite is normal during a cough and cold. Don’t feed your baby forcefully. Let your baby decides “when and how much food” his body needs.
- You must know when to seek medical care. If your baby has certain symptoms such as high fever, drowsiness, constant crying, body rashes, breathing problem then you must seek medical help immediately.
You can also read Home Remedies for Constipation in Babies & Kids
Disclaimer: All suggested home remedies during cold & cough are based on my experience, expert advice, and research. For babies below 3 months of age, it’s always better to consult pediatric before trying any kind of home remedy.
Richa says
December 18, 2016 at 3:25 PMthese were some real genuine home remedies, loved each one of them especially tulsi and coocnut oil massage, i didn’t know about it. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Niharika says
February 17, 2017 at 1:13 PMA good, informative and helpful article for new mothers. Worth sharing as this is a common problem which new moms need to deal with.
nehagoyal says
February 17, 2017 at 2:06 PMThank you Niharika.
Anjana says
March 1, 2017 at 5:20 PMWith the weather changing, these will surely come handy!
Rivera Watson Anifa says
March 18, 2017 at 8:52 PMI have 8 years baby boy. When my boy faces this problem I usually follow this technique: Take some slices of ginger and chew them with a little salt. If you think that your baby can’t chew raw ginger, then mix some sliced ginger extract with hot tea.
Shweta N Balsure says
April 9, 2017 at 10:53 AMThank u sooooo much…. For such really very important information 🙂
Shweta N Balsure says
April 9, 2017 at 12:49 PMPlease suggest some remedies for dysentry….. My kid is 3.5 month old
nehagoyal says
April 11, 2017 at 9:42 AMDear Shweta,
For Dysentery, it’s better if you consult your child’s pediatric. I don’t think so that you should go for the home remedies this time.
Home remedies work best for common diseases like seasonal cold & cough, loose motions, vomiting, constipation…
I hope, you got my point. much love to your baby.
nehagoyal says
April 11, 2017 at 10:02 AMthank you Shweta. I am glad that you find this article helpful.
misshu says
June 10, 2017 at 10:07 AMThankyou… ajjwain..process is easy and very useful… i like these home remedies process….
nehagoyal says
June 14, 2017 at 10:39 AMThank you for liking our home remedies
Deepika says
June 10, 2017 at 1:18 PMMy 3.5 month baby having chest cough conjunction in very high note ..plaza suggest me what should I do in this season to save my child
nehagoyal says
June 14, 2017 at 10:18 AMDeepika,
As baby is too small, I would say don’t try too many home remedies if congestion is high. Just breastfeed him as much as you can. Give steam to your child twice or thrice in a day. It will help to clear the blockage. You can try ajwain potli seek.
Did you consult with the doctor? Please seek the medical help if its continue since last few days.
Nancy says
July 1, 2017 at 1:10 AMThank u it is vry helpful
simran says
July 2, 2017 at 5:40 PMthank u
nice info ..my LO is 5months ..should we give crocin if fever along witheze home remedies
nehagoyal says
July 3, 2017 at 2:20 PMHey, Simran I don’t recommend medicine in my blog. for medical help, please consult the pediatric.
But let me tell you onething about fever, its not a disease itself.. its a way of our body to indicate that something is not good with our body so it comes as fever so that body cells can fight against that bacteria/ infection. Fever medicine will work for temporary purpose only, we need to find out the root cause and cure it.
Dr Sonia Dangi says
January 5, 2018 at 2:10 PMVery true… Fever is a sign n not a disease… only if its uncontrolable we can look for any medical help… 👍👍👍👍
nehagoyal says
January 12, 2018 at 11:21 AMthank you
Vishal says
July 17, 2017 at 10:23 PMThanks a lot
nehagoyal says
July 20, 2017 at 8:33 AMI am glad that you found our content useful
Yogesh Chauhan says
July 31, 2017 at 4:02 PMVery useful information about cold
nehagoyal says
August 2, 2017 at 10:44 AMThank you Yogesh.
Afsal says
August 13, 2017 at 9:38 AMNice attempt.. but u should research more and more. Because now a days mothers are very worried about their children’s health and using lots of medicine unnecessarily. So you can help them in better way
nehagoyal says
August 16, 2017 at 10:27 AMHello Afsal, even I don’t recommend any medicine until unless it is an emergency situation. Did you find something unusual in this article? Please let me know.
Vonray says
August 13, 2017 at 9:06 PMThank you for the information…. My LO is 11weeks and 3days…. He was diagnosed with bronchiltis and we were given medication and asked to steam once in a while…. My challenge right now is that sometimes he coughs endlessly with teary eyes and it’s obvious he’s uncomfortable and in pains…. Please is they anything I can do to relieve the cough when it starts?
nehagoyal says
August 16, 2017 at 11:46 AMAs baby is too small to give any home remedy. But here are few tips to avoid a cough during sleep.
Give steam to your baby before sleep. Elevate his head while sleeping. Keep your room moist, it will not trigger cough.
Once your baby completes 3 months, then you can give ajwain potli heat.
nisha says
August 17, 2017 at 12:35 AMThanks It is really very useful for new mom I want you to create app also so we can get all detail
nehagoyal says
August 17, 2017 at 10:55 AMThank you Nisha for your words.
Sathish says
August 21, 2017 at 5:42 PMHi, My Son is 4 yrs old. he is often getting cold.. please suggest me with any home remedies to clear cold completely.
nehagoyal says
August 23, 2017 at 11:37 AMHello Sathish,
Kids below 5 years of age are prone to cold and cough often because immunity system is still immature and they got infections from surroundings like school, play area. you can’t do much about cold. But yes, let your child have good healthy food options which will help to develop the immunity. Give your child citrus fruits, it helps to cure cold.
kaise kare says
September 21, 2017 at 8:03 PMI really suffering from cough even i have finished a lots of cough syrup.but still not getting relief.
Now ur natural remedy,i am going to use..ma last hope:(
imran ahmed says
September 29, 2017 at 8:10 PMplz tell me How much tym should i use ajwain potli remedy in a day??
Stephenie says
October 3, 2017 at 11:15 AMAbsolutely Knowledgeable. You have mentioned every small thing. I am a doctor myself and I normally do look after the colic discomforts in babies. WE prescribe gripe water but today’s gripe is full of artificial stuff like alcohol in Woodward’s gripe water. I educate mothers about it.
If you want to look at my website and Side effects of Gripe water you can jump in and just a little suggestion my website is a good addition to the article.
Dr sumit saxena says
October 4, 2017 at 6:51 PMtahnks
nehagoyal says
October 23, 2017 at 11:53 AMMost Welcome
Kinjal Raval says
November 2, 2017 at 2:54 PMWhat to do for infant below 3 months? 8
nehagoyal says
November 7, 2017 at 11:58 AMFor babies below 3 months, I always suggest avoiding any home remedy or medicine at home. In case of medical issues, consult with pediatric.
chandan says
November 26, 2017 at 10:20 PMIt was really a nice article…thank you so much…
nehagoyal says
November 30, 2017 at 1:23 PMthank you.
Praveen says
December 5, 2017 at 8:30 AMVery good information, thank you very much.
Deepa says
December 13, 2017 at 1:23 PMHi This article is really helpful, I habe a gril baby who is 10 months and every often she gets prone to cold and cough and I immediately take her to my pediatrician and was bit worried about her immune system, moving forward I will try these home remedies
Once again thank you so much for sharing your experience
nehagoyal says
December 20, 2017 at 9:46 AMHello Deepa,
It is normal that babies have a cold and cough multiple times in the first year. No need to go to the doctor on the very first day of cold and cough. You can try few home remedies and kadha’s for your baby.
Krishna says
December 22, 2017 at 2:15 AMThank you very much information
vinita says
December 28, 2017 at 9:55 AMmy son is 4 year old. At the time of weather change he starts cough very badly. then Antibiotics and nebulizer only works. pls. suggest any home remedies for bronchitis cough or asthma
nehagoyal says
January 12, 2018 at 11:35 AMIf you know this situation happens everytime then you should take all the necessary precations to avoid asthma.
Give him foods which has hot effect on his body.
Rub the coconut oil mixed with garlic cloves or little amount of kampor on his chest every night during winters or before giving him bath then let him bath with lukewarm water, it will clear his chest.
vinita says
March 7, 2018 at 12:16 PMthank you for this information. also pls. advice if there is alternate of nebulizer. As soon as weather changes we need to continue nebulizer. for last one month situation is same (continue use of nebulizer)
vinita says
March 7, 2018 at 12:21 PMAlso pls. advice re food as u mentioned above
Vansh says
January 3, 2018 at 10:56 PMMy baby age 3 month
Crrying more than silence even in night low sleep….give me reason
nehagoyal says
January 12, 2018 at 11:22 AMCrying has many resons, he can be colic, has the gas problem, upset stomach, need comfort to soothe.
chandrasekaran says
January 8, 2018 at 8:12 PMmy baby 6 (months) have try cough…. i tried it today with rob of carom seeds good result
nehagoyal says
January 12, 2018 at 11:23 AMThank you. Hope, your baby is better now.
Sana says
January 25, 2018 at 7:06 PMMy baby is 5month20days n yesterday night she has git cough today i rub ajwin potli how many days it ll tk her to cure.
I m v much concern
Plz tell me i ll be v thankful to u
Joy says
January 10, 2018 at 3:14 PMHi my baby is seven weeks old and he just developed cough, please what remedy can use?
nehagoyal says
January 12, 2018 at 11:14 AMAs your baby is less than 3 months then I would suggest you avoid home remedies. Breastfeed him as much as required. Cough and cold takes time to go away. You can consult the doctor in case it’s severe.
Hanah says
February 8, 2018 at 2:41 PMMy baby is 5 months old. She has flem in throt what shall I do to get rid of it tell me easy way!
Bhuri says
February 10, 2018 at 3:26 AMHiii my baby girl is 4.5 months and she has dry cough in her chest so she is not able to drink even milk
Veronica Mitchell says
November 9, 2018 at 4:57 AMMy baby is suffering from cough and what I do is give him saline solution which will I put in a nebulizer. It’s very effective and I’m a fan of home remedy and I also use humidifier. Aside from that breastmilk is my partner and it is definitely helpful in making my baby feel well. Thanks for this informative post.
Perla salgado says
June 13, 2019 at 10:06 PMMy baby girl is a year and 9 months. My problem with her is that she won’t drink the medicine. I tried forcing her to drink it but she only threw up. Anyway I can give my baby her medicine?? Any help I would really appreciate it
Amarachukwu Nweke says
June 29, 2019 at 12:16 PMmy baby of 4 months is having this cough and cold. The previous night she wasn’t able to get enough sleep. It looks as if it blocked her nose and her throat. She vomits when coughing. Please what should I do