Best Cough Medicines for Infants

Most infants will experience a cough at some time or another. The majority of coughs are caused by colds and viruses. Even so, it can be frustrating and scary when your infant has a cough. You may want to give your baby over-the-counter cough medicine to help him rest better, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against it. Over-the-counter cough medicines can be dangerous for babies. Also, coughing is a protective reflex for infants. It helps keep their lungs clear and prevents choking. For these reasons, home care is the best "cough medicine" for infants.

Head Elevation

• A baby with a cough often has accompanying nasal congestion and drainage. It helps to let your baby sleep in an inclined position. This will promote nasal drainage and relieve stuffiness. Do this by placing something under the end of the crib. You can also try letting him sleep in his carrier, swing or bouncy seat.

  Never place a pillow or any other object under your infant. Any object added to your baby's sleeping area increases the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It is important to make sure you don't elevate your baby's head so far that he leans forward. Always use good judgment.

Humidifiers

• Humidifiers help break up chest congestion. They also moisten dry nasal passages and relieve stuffiness. A steamy bathroom also works well. Simply run the hot shower, then take your baby in the bathroom for several minutes to inhale the steam. Steam is a great way to treat a cough caused by croup.

Saline and Suction

• Since many coughs are sinus related, it is important to keep a baby's nasal passages clean and moist. You can do this by administering saline nasal drops, followed by gentle bulb suction.

Fluids

• It is important that a baby with a cough be offered fluids frequently. Fluids will loosen the mucus in the lungs and nasal passages and keep it from becoming sticky. This makes it easier for an infant to cough up mucus. Thus, preventing pneumonia.

  You can also offer your infant warm fluids. Warm fluids help relax the airway and soothe coughs. Always exercise caution when warming fluids for an infant.

Cold Air

• A cough caused by croup will respond well to cold air. An infant with croup will bark like a seal when he coughs. This very tight sounding cough responds well to a few minutes out in the cold or standing in front of the freezer inhaling the cold air. Often, cold air is used after treatment with steam has failed.