Cough Remedies For Babies Under 1

Coughing is common amongst babies, especially if they are under the age of one. In fact, coughing and sneezing are the only two ways through which your baby can clear its airway off dust, lint, and the like.

Now, we all know that a coughing baby is always difficult to pacify. Your little one  may experience discomfort if they have been coughing repeatedly. However, don’t stress if you find your baby coughing occasionally as it is curable.

To soothe your child’s irritation, here are a few highly recommended cough remedies  for babies under 1.

1. Ajwain (Carom Seeds)

Ajwain or carom seeds have always come to the rescue of Indian mothers whenever they had a coughing baby on their hands. This remedy is not only natural but is also effective.
On a piece of cloth, place some carom seeds, make a bundle (parcel,) and place it on a warm pan to roast the seeds. Next, check the temperature of this homemade carom pack using your elbow to ensure that it is not too hot for your infant’s skin.

Rubbing the pack on your baby’s chest will provide heat to any residual mucus stuck inside their lungs and help them barf it out, similar to what Vaporub does. You would find that by just gently patting the pack on your baby’s chest, you can effectively get rid of their coughing.

2. Eucalyptus Oil

The oil obtained from the Eucalyptus trees is one of the most effective cough remedies for babies under 1. The oil helps bring up and expel mucus, which may be the cause for your baby’s consistent coughs.

Add one or two drops of eucalyptus oil in cotton and place it in the same room as your baby. Maintain a certain distance and do not apply the oil anywhere near your child’s mouth or nose, as it may give rise to respiratory issues. Eucalyptus is a pure oil, therefore, it should not be used directly on your baby’s body.

3. Honey

Honey has a mucolytic effect, which means that it dissolves thick mucus and helps resolve respiratory problems. Although honey is one of the most common cough remedies amongst parents, it is advisable for you to consult with your paediatrician before feeding it your little one to avoid any allergic reactions. Feed your baby honey once using your finger to keep the dose at minimal. You will immediately see that honey helps soothe your baby’s sore throat and eases their coughs. It is also advisable that you administer honey before bedtime to maximize its effect.

4. Turmeric Paste

Turmeric is one of the most popular cough remedies for babies under 1. Massaging turmeric paste on your infant’s chest can efficiently cure your little one’s cough.
To make this turmeric paste, simply mix a half tablespoon of turmeric powder with one tablespoon of water. Heat it up slightly and apply it gently on your baby’s chest. The heat from this paste will absorb the mucus, relieving your baby from the persistent coughing.

5. Breast Milk

Breast milk is the best option when considering cough remedies for babies under 1. The mother’s milk is the only medication a baby under the age of 6 months needs to ward off cough problems. Your breast milk contains antibodies, which helps build your baby’s immunity against germs and viruses. You would not really have to give your baby any other medication as your breast milk is the best solution for your baby’s cough.

Consulting a Paediatrician

Sometimes, you may try all the home remedies and still fail to provide comfort to your little one. Do not be disheartened. If the coughing persists for more than a couple of days, consult a paediatrician immediately and get the right treatment as soon as possible.

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