Cold Remedies for Children Under Two

Finding cold remedies for children under 2 years old is often difficult, as most over-the-counter remedies only include directions and dosage information for children 2 years and older. However, several natural cold remedies are safe and effective for children under the age of 2 and can easily be prepared at home on an as-needed basis.

The suggested natural remedies and dosages are intended for informational purposes only and should not replace pediatric consultation. As with any cold remedy, there is the possibility of an allergic reaction. Common cold symptoms can be uncomfortable, but usually disappear on their own within a few days. Children who are experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and high fever or who have an allergic reaction, should be seen by their pediatrician immediately.

Chamomile

• Chamomile teas and herbal baths are soothing and relaxing.

  Chamomile has calming and soothing properties. Give a warm chamomile and lavender herbal bath, or 2 to 3 teaspoons of chamomile tea, to help calm and relax restless and fussy children, according to "Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child." Place a sachet of dried chamomile, lavender and rosemary herbs under the child's bedding to help calm and relax the child at night. Do not place the sachet in an area accessible to the child.

Ginger

• Make ginger tea with thin slices of fresh ginger for maximum benefit.

  Ginger increases perspiration and helps to remove toxins from the body, which helps reduce the intensity and duration of the common cold. Give the child 2 to 3 teaspoons warm ginger tea every 4 hours during the most intense stages of the cold.

Sage

• Use a small amount of sage to make a mild tea for children.

  Sage tea breaks up throat and chest congestion and helps to heal a sore throat. Make a mild tea with 1/4 teaspoon sage and 8 ounces of water for children younger than 2 years old. Give the child 2 to 3 teaspoons of the tea, three times a day--for up to three days only, reports "Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child."

Echinacea

• Echinacea tea and tincture is not intended for long-term use.

  Echinacea has antibacterial and antiviral properties, and increases the bodies natural immune system. Use 2 to 3 teaspoons of Echinacea tea or 3 drops of tincture diluted in water, formula or breast milk, as suggested in "Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child." Give Echinacea up to three times per day for no more than five days.

Eucalyptus

• Place essential oil infusers around the home to make breathing easier.

  Add 2 to 3 drops of eucalyptus oil to a warm bath, room vaporizer or essential oil infuser. The eucalyptus oil will help to break up and relieve nasal and chest congestion, making it easier to breathe, as stated in "The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy."

Homeopathy

• Some homeopathic companies forumate cold remedies for children under 2 years old.

  Homeopathic cold remedies most often include the recommended dosage information for children of all ages. A few homeopathic companies, such as Hyland's, specifically formulate remedies for children. According to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Allium cepa and Euphrasia are used for severe runny noses with watery nasal secretions, watery eyes and sneezing; Arsenicum album is used for restless and weak children with chills; Pulsatilla is helpful for a stuffy nose with thick yellow discharge; and Calcarea carbonica helps with sore throats and coughing.