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Home Remedies for Cold and Cough in Babies
Colds and cough are the most common reasons for kids missing classes at school. They are contagious throughout the year. When it comes to the common cold, there is no one-stop cure for it - no antibiotics, no syrups, and no pills. However, there are several remedies that can offer your child some relief when he’s sneezing and wheezing all day long, thanks to an irritating cold or cough. It is better to provide such remedies to your infant from your kitchen than a medical shop. Also, there are so many different remedies for this ailment that you’re sure to find at least a few of the below items sitting right now in your kitchen!
Natural Remedies for Cold and Cough in Babies
When it comes to a cough, there are two kinds:
Wet
Dry
A wet cough is the existence of phlegm in the throat and nasal area. A dry cough on the other hand is marked by the absence of phlegm. The remedies for both sometimes differ. It is necessary to diagnose the cold and cough before providing a remedy for it.
A person does not catch a cold or cough through food items, nor does cold weather create infections in babies, although it does provide a good breeding environment for germs. Children can be infected when they come into contact with germs that spread through the air when someone coughs or sneezes, or when they come into direct contact with an infected person. So, the first and foremost thing to do is to maintain hygiene and sanitise your child’s hands regularly.
In spite of taking precautions, if your child does catch a cold and cough, the following are some effective remedies you can try to offer him relief.
Note: As children grow, their immune system, digestive system and respiratory system also develop. Therefore, remedies meant for a newborn will not suffice for a one-year-old. However, some remedies aren’t restricted to any specific age bracket and can be tried for a person of any age, be it for a young baby or a fully-grown adult.
Let’s start off with a few remedies that are suitable for newborn babies.
1. Breast Milk
There is no remedy or cure that is greater than the only natural food for a newborn human – the breast milk. It works as a remedy for any infections in babies who are six months of age or even older. Regular feeds also help calm a cranky baby who does not understand anything and gains comfort only from his mother’s touch.
2. Homemade Nasal Drops
This is very good for babies who have a blocked nose. Your paediatrician can prescribe locally available over-the-counter nasal drops. But you could also make saline drops at home, in case of an emergency. Using a sterilised spoon, mix ½ tsp salt and 8 tsp of warm filtered water in a sterilised bowl.
NOTE: Keep the baby’s head tilted as you drop the prescribed amount into his nostrils. This is done so that the saline does not ooze out. Also, use homemade saline drops in case of an emergency only since it is prone to bacteria.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric or haldi has been lauded for its healing properties for centuries now, so it isn’t surprising that it’s a part of lots of home remedies in India. Mix a little turmeric with warm water to make a smooth paste, and apply this mixture on your baby’s chest, forehead, and the soles of his feet. Wash it away after some time. The heat from the turmeric will help in diluting the mucus and allow it to ooze out easier.
4. Warm Mustard Oil Massage
Warm a cup of mustard oil with two cloves of garlic and a few kalonji seeds (Nigella sativa). Massage this infused oil onto your baby’s feet, chest, back, and palms. Wipe away the excess oil with a muslin cloth.
The following are a few remedies for babies around the age of nine months.
5. Jaggery, Cumin, Black Pepper, and Warm Water Concoction
This concoction can calm colds and a cough and sore throat.
You will need the following ingredients:
Jaggery– 1 or 2 tsp.
Black pepper – 1 to 2
Cumin seeds – a pinch
Water– 1 cup
Mix all the ingredients and bring the water to a boil. Cool and filter the water to be fed. Do not give the baby more than two teaspoons of this concoction as the jaggery and pepper contain heat, which is only good for young babies in small proportions.
6. Infused Coconut Oil Massage
You will need the following ingredients:
1/2 cup of coconut oil
1 pearl onion,
2 to 3 tulsi leaves
1 betel stem
Heat the coconut oil and add the other ingredients to it. When the ingredients are warm enough, switch off the stove. Let it cool, and once the oil has reached a lukewarm temperature, apply it on the baby’s chest, back, the soles of his feet, and his palms.
Note: Though the common practice is to add a pinch of camphor to this oil, it is not advised to use camphor for children under two years of age. Research says that camphor is too strong and pungent, and will lead to the creation of more mucus. This is the body’s way of shielding itself from pungent smells.
The following are remedies to follow for babies who are aged 1 and above.
7. Honey Combinations
An important note - avoid honey for babies younger than a year. Honey cannot be given to children below the age of one as it is harmful to them. They do not have the digestive capacity to dissolve certain particles of raw honey. However, once they are above 12 months old, they develop enough digestion capacity to have honey. Honey is an excellent remedy to fight off germs that spread colds and cough. It can be combined with pepper, dry ginger, and lemon juice for excellent results.
Honey and pepper:Add a pinch of powdered pepper to a spoon of honey and feed the baby at regular intervals. This is good for both cold and cough.
Honey and dry ginger:A generous pinch of dry ginger powder with a tablespoon of honey is a great remedy for a cough.
Lemon and honey:Squeeze some lemon juice into a glass of water and add some honey to it. This is a tasty remedy and kids wouldn’t really say no to this homemade medicine! It also relieves both a cough and cold.
Feed your baby a teaspoon of these solutions every morning, noon, and evening. They can even be fed to the child more than thrice a day. You will notice that your baby’s cough and cold clears out soon.
8. Turmeric Milk
Everyone has heard of the term ‘haldi doodh’. Turmeric milk is a must for a dry cough. Give the baby a glass of milk with a pinch of turmeric at night. You can even add jaggery for sweetness. More so, milk and turmeric make for a healthy and nutritious combination.
9. Khichidi and Soups
Khichidi and warm soup make for excellent supplement food for children. It is calming, comforting, and relieves all kinds of cold and cough.
10. Juice of Citrus Fruits
Give the baby regular sips of juice containing Vitamin C, such as lemon, orange or amla. Vitamin C fights germs that spread colds. However, avoid this if your child suffers from a sore throat.
11. ‘Chukku Coffee’ or Dry Ginger Coffee
No, there is no coffee involved with this remedy; not for babies, anyway! This is a traditional drink that has its origins in Kerala and has several anti-cold and anti-cough elements. Here is the recipe for a ‘chukku’ kaapi or dry ginger kaapi.
Dry ginger (chukku) – 1-inch piece
Tulsi leaves – 6 to 7 (torn)
Peppercorn – Few
Jaggery – 1 tablespoon (or more, if you prefer a sweet drink)
Water – 1 cup
Coarsely crush together dry ginger and peppercorns. Boil water with jaggery and add dry ginger and peppercorns followed by the torn tulsi leaves. Let it boil and switch it off. Filter the mixture and feed the baby the lukewarm chukku kaapi.
12. Gargling
Make your baby gargle plain warm water or salt water twice or thrice a day to provide him relief from a sore throat and cough. Regularly doing this will provide quick results.
The following are remedies for kids across different age groups.
13. Steam
This is a natural way to help babies become calm and relieve a blocked nose. Run the hot shower/tap in the bathroom and let steam fill up the room. After turning off the tap, take your baby inside the room. The steam will be mild for you but it is perfect for a newborn. Steam inhalation can also be used for older babies or children. Avoid using boiled water in tumblers. This could prove to be dangerous if the tumbler get knocked over. Also, consider investing in a steam inhalator.
14. Head Elevation
Elevating the baby’s head helps stabilise the flow of his breath, bypassing interruptions.
15. Infused Water
If your baby is above six months of age or has been introduced to drinking water, then make sure the baby drinks sips of ajwain, cumin or tulsi water at regular intervals. Boil filtered water with a spoon of ajwain/cumin seeds or tulsi leaves. Filter this water and bring it down to a lukewarm temperature before bottling it.
16. Appropriate Clothes
As mentioned earlier, a cold environment becomes a breeding ground for cold and cough. If the baby has only a slight cold and cough, it is advisable to keep him snug and warm. If he is running a temperature, then do the opposite. It is advisable not to add to the high temperature the baby already is suffering from, and loose thin clothes can help reduce his temperature to an extent.
17. Lots of Water
Keep your baby hydrated with a lot of warm water, breast milk, or any other fluids. The chances are that your baby will not be comfortable eating solid food when he has a cold or cough. Fluids will help provide his body with the necessary nutrients and will also help boost his immune system.
18. Destress
Do not add stress to your baby. Yes, as parents we end up doing that. If the baby does not want to do something, it’s best to try something else. Also, if your baby does not want to have solid food, do not force-feed him. Instead, substitute the food with some soup, khichidi, or fruits. The intent should be to ensure that the baby takes in enough calories every day. The reason for this is that the more stressed the baby becomes, the more time he will take to recover.
Other Remedies You Can Try
Apart from home remedies, certain devices and balms can also help your child recover from a cold and cough.
1. Nasal Aspirator
If your child is suffering from a heavily blocked nose, a regular affair every time a cold strikes, it would be best if you invest in a nasal aspirator. As the baby is too young to consciously sneeze, nasal aspirators will quickly suck out the mucus without irritating or causing harm to the baby.
2. Menthol Balms
It is important to not use menthol/eucalyptus balms for babies under the age of two. The ingredients of an ordinary balm will be too intense for babies, thus forcing the body to produce more mucus to shield itself from such intensity. However, for any baby above two years, one can use the regular balm.
Some Dos and Don’ts:
Remember to give your baby an age-appropriate remedy for his cold and cough.
Do not neglect the cold or cough; this may lead to something more serious such as pneumonia.
Do not panic or get restless when the child does not stop crying.
Do try and keep different remedies ready and within your reach, especially at night.
Do consult a paediatrician if you notice something unusual, such as green mucus.
Do not neglect high fever and consult the paediatrician immediately.
Remember to use ingredients that the baby is not allergic to.
Also, do not give any fluid colder than room temperature.
Tips to Prevent a Common Cold
As mentioned above, it’s not really possible to cure a common cold but there are certain precautions you can take to prevent it from infecting your child.
Wash his hands thoroughly with soap so that he avoids picking up germs from different surfaces.
Feed him foods that are rich in phytochemicals, such as dark green, yellow, and red fruits and vegetables.
Teach him to sneeze or cough into a tissue or the inside of his elbow and not his hands. The germs will stick around on his hands unless he washes them, making him more susceptible to catching a cold or cough.
Let him get enough exercise regularly to help boost his immunity.
Consistency is the key. Be watchful of how the methods you use are working and if something gives relief to the baby, continue with it. If something is triggering more mucus production and irritability in your baby, avoid it. If the cold and cough persists for more than a week, do see a paediatrician to confirm whether it’s a common cold and not a symptom of something else.
On a general note, remember that children are more prone to cold and cough due to the lack of a fully developed immune system and respiratory system. They are growing. They will catch a common cold at least 6 to 12 times per year. Prepare yourself for its unwelcome arrival in your child’s body with herbs, steamers (age-appropriate), and the first aid box of Indian home remedies for cold and cough in infants!
Also Read:
Fake Coughing in Babies: Reasons & When to Stop?
Foods to Offer during Cold & Cough in Babies, Toddlers and Kids
Whooping Cough in Babies: Causes & Treatment
Infant Chest Congestion: Reasons & Treatment Read more
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Using Indian (Squat) Toilet during Pregnancy
While the news of a new member in the family makes everyone happy, it also calls for caution and careful behaviour. An expecting woman’s eating habits are monitored, childproof accessories are installed, and exercise is mandated. However, one simple function to which people do not give much thought is excretion of bodily waste. Nowadays, most of us have western style bathrooms in our house for comfort. And even if there is an Indian-style toilet in your home, a pregnant lady is not allowed to use it. But is it really harmful to use an Indian toilet during pregnancy? Here is everything you need to know about squatting while expecting.
Is It Safe to Use an Indian Toilet While Pregnant?
Contrary to popular belief, using an Indian or squat toilet while one is pregnant is not just safe but also good for the mother and child. There are no known ill-effects of using the Indian toilet when pregnant.
Benefits of Using an Indian-style Toilet During Pregnancy
A pregnant woman can benefit from using an Indian toilet during pregnancy. Following are the benefits one may derive from squatting.
Squatting reduces the chance of pelvic prolapse.
When a pregnant woman squats, it helps her build necessary pressure on the colon to eliminate waste completely.
It avoids any unsanitary contact between the to-be-mothers body and the toilet surface.
It strengthens the woman’s thighs and pelvic area and prepares her for the delivery of the baby.
It is also considered an ideal position in the time of labour as it opens up the birth canal and helps the child descend naturally.
Precautions to Be Taken While Using an Indian Toilet
While using Indian toilets is benign for a pregnant woman, one should be careful of the settings and make sure everything caters to the need of the mother. Here are a few things to keep in mind while using an Indian-style toilet:
Make sure the toilet area is dry and clean to avoid any slipping and falling accidents from occurring.
In order to help a pregnant woman balance while squatting, install handles on each side of the bathroom so that she has better grip and will not fall backwards (In a survey, it was revealed that one out of three women could not squat since they are habituated to a western-style seating).
Make sure water or toilet paper to clean up later is available readily and within arms-length to avoid unnecessary stretching by the mother-to-be.
Consult with an obstetrician about the kind of toilet you should be using, according to the needs of your body. Also, consult your doctor in case you are not used to using an Indian toilet. This will avoid further unwanted complications in the pregnancy.
Make sure the bathroom is well-lit and ventilated. This will prevent the likelihood of claustrophobia and suffocation for the woman and suit her comfort.
Avoid trying to strain yourself while passing motion, this can cause too much pressure on your colon and pelvic area, leading to prolapse.
Keep your back straight while trying to squat (this may be slightly tough in the beginning but will be easier with time). This will help maintain balance and avoid any falls or aches.
Wear a pair of bathroom footwear with tough grip to avoid slipping on the bathroom floor.
Make sure you do not try and squat on a Western-style toilet. Trying to squat on height can increase your chance of a fall.
A person should always be within earshot of the pregnant woman to cater to her needs upon a call. This is necessary in case the woman feels uncomfortable, light-headed, or experiences pain of any kind.
An Indian style or squatting toilet is better for a pregnant woman for various health reasons. It not only helps a woman defecate better, but also prepares her mind and body for labour. However, as beneficial as squatting might be for a pregnant woman, we must take precautionary measures in order to ensure a safe environment for a woman.
Also Read: Frequent Urination During Pregnancy Read more
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How I Overcame the Anxiety of Becoming a First-Time Mom
A lot of mothers suffer from postpartum depression in some way or the other. The overwhelming feeling of becoming a mother itself and the responsibility of handling your newborn gets you anxious and turns your world upside down.
Ever heard someone tell you that life isn't a bed of roses? Well, that's just the case with your little munchkin. Here, I've listed a few things that helped me deal with my crazy hormones!
1. Being Aware
Yes, it's the most vital aspect of dealing with postpartum depression - knowing and accepting it. Having already read about what I should expect after delivery, both physically and mentally, helped me understand myself better.
2. Accepting it as a Phase
Once I was aware of how my imbalanced hormones could play with my emotions after delivery, it was easy for me to forgive myself for this irrational fear and anxiety that was building in me.
3. Making Your Partner Aware of it
I sent my husband tons of articles about postpartum depression. He always stood at the receiving end of all my breakdowns and irritability. I don't really know how many of them he actually read, but he got the point and tried to comfort me when my emotions surged.
4. Having Your Mother/ A Person You Love and Trust (other than Your Significant Other) Help You with Your Newborn
I can't emphasise on this enough. It is what probably helped me the most. I was on tenterhooks after delivering my baby, such that anything/anyone that questioned my caretaking would make me sob. Let's face it, we Indian women get a truckload of backlash from our in-laws. My mother never questioned me, she only rendered help and that's what I needed.
5. Getting Some 'Me Time'
Having a baby wasn't a one-man thing, so share the responsibility of your tiny tot with your husband, whether it be changing diapers, burping the baby or rocking him/her to sleep. Let your husband take over from you. It helps the father and baby bond and allows you some 'me time', a win-win situation. Go get a haircut, paint your nails, chat with a friend or go for a walk. Make the most of it while they are tiny; when they start sleeping less, you'll be struggling to make time.
6. Eat What You Love
Everyone from your aunt to your neighbour will tell you what to eat and not eat while you are breastfeeding. I did the best I could to eat healthily, but I ate hamburgers and pizzas and indulged in pastries and ice cream when I craved for it. Obviously, smoking and drinking aren't good for both, the mother and baby, and don't fit into this category. But for a person like me who loves food, I took my postnatal vitamins and ordered in at least once a week.
7. Shopping
I am a mother inside a woman and that woman wants to dress well and feel good. So get yourself out of those maternity clothes and into some cute outfits. However, give yourself a good three months. You'll still have a bump until you find your maternity clothes looking unshapely.
8. That Baby is Yours!
Lastly, and most importantly, is acknowledging that this baby was nurtured by you for so many months and all it wants is your love. So be a little less harsh on yourself because he/ she doesn't judge you. Motherhood isn't about winning or losing, it's the love that grows with your baby with each passing day.
If given a chance I wouldn't want to change anything about my postpartum experience, as it moulded the mother in me. All you mommies out there, remember to love and trust yourself.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
8 hours ago
Q. hi mam for 2days I am seeing my baby bumb decreasing is it cause of worry?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
8 hours ago
A. I don’t know how the bumps of your child decreasing that’s not fair to me second you have not mentioned the current age of your child to do it and there is no clarity in the query it would be difficult for me to help us so if you don’t mind can you please repost with all the necessary details associated with your question
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
7 hours ago
Q. Hello I had my period missed for April month and today I got my period. Is it normal to have period after 1 month or is there anything I should be worried about? Iam worried please let me know if that's ok or should I consult my doctor
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. consult your doctor for any evaluation required. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. hllo am in 34 week of pregnancy,cramps in my hand and foots,my pulses is very fast,i feel tiredness internally,are these symptoms are normal
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. get investigations particularly hemoglobin level. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. i feel some fever internally also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. please check the temperature and get the investigations. fever can be because of different reasons most of the times viral bacterial sometimes due to less immunity there can be recurrence better to treat only with paracetamol if the fever more than 100degr
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. Now I am having pain till then my miscarriage has been done at home
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. I’m sorry I’m unable to understand your query as you haven’t given any detail about it so whatever the situation is you should get a check with your gynaecologist the doctor would be able to give you better help in whatever treatment of precaution you need to require further
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. Hello
What is better normal or csec?
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
1 hour ago
A. hello dear this is not about which is better this is all about your body and the condition of the baby no doubt the normal procedure is the painful but side effect are not there but after C6 you have to be little more careful and you have to take more precaution but again I am saying that this is not about the better one this is about the condition of your pregnancy
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