Sore Throat & Stuffy Nose Remedies for Babies

It can be frustrating to see your baby suffer with a sore throat and stuffy nose and not know what to do to help. Developing immune systems can't fight off every bug or allergen, but delicate bodies can't handle many common medicines to reduce the symptoms. While you can't cure cold or allergy symptoms, there are some things you can do to make the baby more comfortable.

Remedies

• If you suspect your child has a sore throat because of a doctor's diagnosis or the baby isn't feeding properly, Tylenol or other pain relieving medications can help. Consult a doctor, and use the recommended dosage for your baby's age and weight.

  Moisture will help clear the nasal passages for babies who suffer from a stuffy nose. Give the baby a lot of fluids, and be especially mindful if the baby is eating solid foods as well as milk. Take the baby into the bathroom while a hot shower is running. The steam from the shower will open up the nasal passages and allow the baby to breathe easier. Similarly, use a humidifier in the baby's bedroom. Cool mist humidifiers are less likely to cause mold and other moisture problems, but use any humidifier with caution, as you don't want the baby's bedding or other fabrics to get damp. Drip saline (salt water) drops into the baby's nostrils for a quick way to clear the nose. This works well if the baby has a hard time eating.

Avoid

• Do not give aspirin to a child under 18. Aspirin is associated with Reye's syndrome, which is a potentially fatal disease.

  Cough and cold medicines were relabeled in 2008 to discourage their use in children under age the age of 4. There is no evidence that these medicines are effective in young children, and they may be harmful because of the potential for overdose. Also avoid medicated nasal and throat sprays. They are not known to be effective and can irritate nasal and throat passages further.