It is heartbreaking to see your kids suffering from any sickness or ailments. It is common to hear the statement from parents like “I’d rather be the one to be sick than see my daughter/son suffering and crying.”Â
When common illnesses come, it is better if you know how to treat your sick toddlers right in the comfort of your home especially if you don’t have the time to go out and buy over the counter medicines. You can resort to common home remedies that can help to increase a child’s immunity and give instant relief. Using items that come in handy, these are safe and effective for your sick toddlers.
Fever
Damp washcloth. While your child rests, simply place a cool, damp washcloth on his forehead.
Lukewarm tub bath or sponge bath. As the water evaporates, it will cool your child down and will help to lower his temperature. Do not attempt using cold water for it can make him shiver and cause a rise in temperature. One of the outdated home remedies for a child’s fever is giving an alcohol bath. This will only worsen the case as it can cause the temperature to rise and may cause alcohol poisoning.
Chilled foods. Ice pops and yogurt can help to cool the body from the inside and keep him hydrated.
Observe your child and always be alert of persisting symptoms and know when to call the pediatrician.
Cough
Honey and lemon juice. Studies show that lemon dries up congestion. Honey soothes the throat and has antibacterial properties to fight infection. This is how you can make honey and lemon drink for cough. Just mix a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of lemon juice. Warm it for 20 seconds in the microwave or over low heat. The mixture can be taken one teaspoon at a time and be a home remedy for a cough with phlegm and toddler’s dry cough.
As a caution, honey is not safe for cough in babies one-year-old and below due to the risk of botulism. Botulism can cause paralysis in the face, the limbs and the breathing muscles that may lead to respiratory failure.
Green tea. Green tea is full of catechins which strengthen the immune system against viral and bacterial diseases. Research shows that catechins are better than vitamin C and E at stopping cell damage.
Again, these are just home remedies for cough. If the child can’t stop coughing, it is always better to consult his pediatrician.
Nasal congestion
Rosehips. Rose hips have a high concentration of flavonoids that are known to loosen mucus. You can choose for decaffeinated tea that contains rose hips. You can add sugar or honey for a little sweetness.
Steam. Preventing kids’ sinuses and lungs from drying out is essential to relieving runny or stuffed nose. You can spend extended time in a steamed-up bathroom with your child. Gently thump your child’s upper back to loosen the mucus while inhaling in the warm air. Steam is also good for cough and cold in babies as it is proven to get rid of phlegm in toddlers’ chest.
Saline mist. This almost the same as steaming. But this time, you can add to tablespoons of salt in the bathtub. Run a hot shower and close the bathroom door. Sit next to the shower with your kid. Hot water and salt will make saltwater mist. Hang in for a little while and let your little one breath in the saline mist. This is one of the most use stuffy nose home remedies.
Sore throat
Ice pops. When kids can’t swallow because it hurts, why not give them a treat that can help in healing? Cold treats like ice pops can be a home remedy sore throat. It can keep kids hydrated and also provide soothing relief. Keeping the right fluid intake will help thin the mucus and therefore relieve congestion. You can buy 100% fruit Popsicles in the market you can prepare your own healthier alternatives using fresh fruits or vegetables.
Diarrhea
Fluids. Let the child drink enough water to keep him hydrated. It is also better to alternate broth or sports drink to replace lost electrolytes in the body.
Diet. Let your child eat a lot of fruits, vegetables, meat, and carbohydrates. Yogurt can also help.
Nausea and Vomiting
Ginger and lemon tea. In preparing this immunity booster, slice ginger and boil in a saucepan for fifteen minutes. Turn to low heat and add vitamin c rich juice like lemon and simmer for another fifteen minutes. A drop or two of honey can make the concoction sweeter. Serve to kids when warm.
Abdominal pain
Chamomile tea. This relaxes intestinal muscles that can calm aching abdomen. Steep tea for five minutes n hot water. Let it cool to room temperature and serve.
Insect bites
Baking soda. This is proven to be effective as store-bought ointments and creams to cure itching. Baking soda is alkaline that counteract swelling and irritation. Just make a thick paste with baking soda and water. Smear it on the insect bites or the irritated area and let it dry.
Nosebleed
Check that no object in the child’s nose that may cause the bleeding. If the toddler is crying, calm him first for crying can make the bleeding worse. After checking on these, you can use some of these household items to stop the bleeding.
Ice packs. Gently pinch the soft part of the nose. Teach and assist the child to breathe through his mouth in the meantime. Apply ice packs to the nose and the cheeks. Ice will constrict blood vessels, therefore, stopping the bleeding.
Cayenne pepper. This may raise some eyebrows but this is proven to control nosebleeds without stingy side effects. Cayenne helps the blood to clot. In doing this, keep your child’s head upright and pinch the soft part of his nose for several minutes. Get a moistened cotton buds and sprinkle some ground cayenne pepper on it. Dab the swab inside the nose that is bleeding. Surprisingly, it does not sting.
Swimmer’s ear
Blow dryer. Inflammation in the outer ear can be painful. It also traps liquid and bacteria inside the ear. Consult your pediatrician when infections occur. But on mild cases, you can use your blow dryer for the water to evaporate. To do these, you can set your hairdryer to warm (not hot), stand a foot from your child and aim it in her ear.
Indigestion and tummy ache
Gum. Chewing some gum produces saliva that counteracts stomach acids. So when your kids complain of tummy aches after a heavy meal, you can give them chewing gum for relief.
Prune juice. It is rich in antioxidants that fight radicals that damage cells.
Take note!
These are just simple but useful home remedies that you can use for your toddlers. Although these are good alternatives, when you don’t see improvements and symptoms persist, it is best to visit your doctor for a thorough consultation. Do not self-medicate and detect early warning signs so as not to put your kids in danger.
Read also:
- Flu Awareness to Your Kid’s Health
- Babies Natural Cold and Cough Remedies
- Baby Care 101: Ways on Dealing With Baby Ingrown Toenails
