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Cures for a Toddler's Chest Congestion

When your toddler is suffering from chest congestion, it can be difficult to know what to do. Recent recommendations by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggest not giving any type of cough or cold medication to children under the age of six. See your pediatrician if your toddler's chest congestion does not improve in 10 days, or if it worsens after five days.

  1. Offer Liquids

    • Give extra fluids during the day. The advantages of this are twofold. First of all, it will help prevent dehydration. This is a common problem, especially if your toddler has a sore throat or is running a fever. Secondly, the extra liquids will help thin out the drainage and mucus that is causing the chest congestion. The best choice is water. Offer juice diluted with water if your toddler is not a big water drinker.

    Sit in the Steam

    • Go play in the bathroom. Take some toys or a favorite game with you. Close the door and turn the shower on to its hottest setting. Watch your toddler carefully during this time to prevent burns. Pat your child on the back firmly. The steam and the patting help break up and loosen the congestion. This might cause your toddler to cough, which can be a good thing. A productive cough helps relieve the chest congestion.

    Give Honey

    • Give a teaspoon of honey four times a day, especially before nap time and bedtime. Honey has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It also helps soothe a sore throat and chest. Be sure not to give honey to an infant under one year of age. It can cause botulism.

    Rub on BabyRub

    • Apply Vick's BabyRub to your toddler's chest and feet, especially before bedtime. After you apply it to your toddler's feet, make sure to cover them with socks or place him in footie pajamas. The BabyRub contains eucalyptus, rosemary and lavender, which will help soothe your toddler and calm his cough. Vick's BabyRub is safe for toddlers. Ask your pediatrician before using Vick's VapoRub.

    Turn on a Humidifier

    • Use a cool mist humidifier in your toddler's bedroom while he sleeps. A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which will help to loosen mucus and congestion. A vaporizer is another option. The vaporizer adds warm steam to the air. Be careful if you choose a vaporizer. Place it out of the reach of your toddler because it can cause burns. Do not add any oils to your vaporizer without speaking to your pediatrician first. Be sure to clean the humidifier or vaporizer according to the manufacturer's directions.

    Move the Mattress

    • Before your child goes down for a nap or for the night, move the mattress into a more upright position. Sleeping in a more upright position will help relieve some of your toddler's cough. This will allow her to sleep better. To move the mattress into a more upright position, simply place a pillow underneath the end of the mattress where your toddler normally lays her head.

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