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COLDS/COUGHS

 

 

Elevation

Use rolled-up towels or stuffed animals under the mattress, so your

child's head and chest are elevated while sleeping. This will help

decrease problems with postnasal drip.

 

Steam

Either invest in a humidifier or simply close the bathroom door and

run a hot shower. The moisture will help loosen nasal passages and

clear congestion from head colds.

 

Honey

In a recent cough-and-cold study by Ian Paul, M.D., of Pennsylvania

State University's College of Medicine, this was rated as the best

cough remedy. " It's thick and syrupy, and it coats where the irritant

receptors are, " explains Paul. It also causes salivation, which

prevents dry coughs, and it is rich in antioxidants. Give kids 1 to 5

years old 1/2 teaspoon, kids 6 to 11 one teaspoon, and kids 12 and

older two teaspoons. Though honey can sometimes lead to botulism in

infants, it's fine for older kids.

 

Saltwater

Have older kids gargle with it. The salt draws water out of the

inflammations caused by bacteria and other germs and kills anything

that may be thriving in the warm, wet environment.

 

TUMMYACHES

 

 

Real Ginger Ale

Oddly enough, store-bought ginger ale doesn't contain ginger, but the

plant can help with nausea. Make your own by combining ginger, lemon

rind, honey, boiling water, and seltzer to taste. Or you could just

steep ginger slices in hot water to make tea.

 

Chamomile

Have them drink it in tea or take it diluted in a homeopathic

product, like Hyland's colic tablets. (Be sure to talk to your doctor

before giving it to a baby under 1, though.)

 

Breast Milk

Dehydrated babies with upset stomachs will often refuse bottles but

are willing to nurse for comfort.

 

TEETHING

 

 

Frozen Food

Food is flexible in a way that plastic teethers aren't, and it's

meant to go in mouths (which might help keep babies from thinking

it's okay to chew on their toys). Celery and asparagus can reach back

teeth, and bagels are good for front and side ones. Just be sure to

use items that are big enough to avoid the risk of choking.

 

Camilia

Both Boiron and Hyland's make homeopathic teething tablets with

camilia, a homeopathic medicine made from the Chamomilla vulgaris

plant, which helps soothe painful gums, restlessness, and

irritability.

 

CONSTIPATION

 

 

Laxative Fruit

Fresh pears, apricots, peaches, and dried fruit can work wonders. For

babies too young to chew, boil a prune in water, then puree it.

 

Flaxseed or Psyllium Seed

Sprinkle it on food or mix it into easy-to-eat items like yogurt for

kids older than two years. Just be sure to check with your doctor

about recommended amounts, as the results can be intense for kids.