You can’t get through the toddler years without having to deal with a number of colds, fevers and irritating coughs. While you can be prescribed medicines from your doctor, you can’t simply walk into a pharmacy and pick up a cough medicine like you would with a child over six - they aren't available for kids under this age. 

 

However, that doesn't mean they have to suffer - there are plenty of things you can do to ease their discomfort.

 

1. Steam up the room

Help to open their airways by steaming up the bathroom or the kitchen and allowing the vapour to clear any congestion.

 

2. Keep them hydrated

Make sure you keep your little one well hydrated, particularly if they are feverish. Ice pops, water and juice are great ways to get fluids into their bodies, and check for wet nappies or monitor toilet trips to ensure they aren’t dehydrated.

 

3. Keep them upright

Try to keep them upright as much as possible, so when they are lying down for a nap pop a pillow underneath to give them slight elevation.

 

4. Give them lemon and honey

Children over the age of one can be given half a teaspoon of honey and lemon to help ease their cough. Never give children under the age of 12 months honey as the spores found in the ingredient can cause infantile botulism – a rare but potentially fatal disease.

 

5. When should you bring them to the doctor?

You should bring your toddler to the doctor if their cough is accompanied by a fever that won’t go away with treatment, if it has not settled within a week, if they are in distress or if it is affecting their breathing.

 

Always book a GP appointment if you have any concerns.

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