Ways to Treat a Kid’s Cold Without Medication
Use Saline Drops/Spray
One of the safest and most effective ways to treat a kid’s cold is to use nasal saline spray. Saline drops or spray can be used for children and adults of all ages — even newborns. Saline contains no medication; it is simply a saltwater solution, and it helps to loosen and thin secretions in the nose, making it easier to breathe.
If you are using saline drops in an infant or young child, place a couple of drops in one nostril, suction the nostril using a bulb syringe, then repeat on the other side. Do this judiciously, though — overly aggressive suctioning in infants can lead to inflammation and even slight bleeding. If you are using the drops or spray in an older child or adult, follow the instructions on the bottle.
Run a Humidifier
In the colder months, when most people tend to get colds, the air is dry because humidity is lower outside and heaters are running inside. Using a humidifier in your child’s room when he is sleeping will help put moisture in the air, moistening the nasal passages and helping to loosen secretions.
Cool mist humidifiers are recommended for use in children’s rooms because they do not cause burns like warm mist humidifiers can. However, you have to be sure to clean the humidifier well every day to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Allow for Adequate Rest
Rest is one of the most important ways we help our bodies recover when we are sick. This is also important for kids, and they are much better at listening to their bodies than we adults are. Children usually won’t play if they don’t feel like it. While it’s important to make sure your child has adequate rest time when he is sick, you don’t have to force him to stay in bed. Keeping him home from school or activities if he has a fever or is contagious is usually enough.
Push the Fluids
Staying hydrated is always important, but even more so when you (or your child) are sick. Make sure your child drinks plenty, but avoid offering sodas. The best choices are water, juice or electrolyte-rich drinks, such as Gatorade or Pedialyte. If your child doesn’t feel like eating when she is sick, don’t worry about it. Unless she is an infant, it won’t hurt her to not eat for a day or two as long as she is still drinking and stays hydrated.
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