Home Remedies for Cough Problem in Babies

Home Remedies for Cough Problem in Babies

“It hurts when I see child suffer From Cold and Cough. So what's a concerned parent to do? We asked experts to tell us how to help fend off germs in the first place and how to help her feel better fast if she does get sick.

Wash hands frequently
Practically 80 percent of infectious diseases, including the common cold, are spread through touch, so it's crucial for your child to wash his hands a lot. To make sure he scrubs for enough time, have him sing a verse of "Old MacDonald" while he lathers up both sides of his hands and between his fingers. Alcohol-based hand wipes or sanitizers are good options for when you're on the go.

Keep your home clean
Once one person in the family catches a cold, be extra careful about cleaning so no one else gets sick too. It's a challenge: Viruses can live for up to two hours on things like cups, countertops, and towels, so disinfect frequently touched areas and objects with bleach or antibacterial wipes. "Germs linger on TV remotes, video-game controllers, refrigerator-door handles, and doorknobs," says Daniel Frattarelli, MD, a member of the AAP's Committee on Drugs. Show your child how to sneeze and cough into the crook of her elbow, not her hands, so she's less likely to spread germs around the house. Use paper cups in the bathroom, separate toothbrushes to keep them from touching, and never share glasses, plates, or utensils.

Serve soup
It's more than an old folk remedy: Research shows that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties.

Home Remedies for Cold and Cough in Babies Up To 6 Months:

Remember your baby’s first cold ? I remember when Anshika was barely 3 weeks old when she became down with her first cold and cough. I am sure many moms would have gone through this difficult phase of sleepless night and crankiness in babies during cold and cough.

Breast milk
Yes babies under 6 months do not need any other medication other than breast milk during cold and cough to fight off the virus and bacteria. The antibodies in BM helps the baby’s body to build immunity against all types of germs and aids in proper hydration required.

Nasal saline drops
I am sure your ped would have prescribed pediatric saline drops for infants .

You can make saline drops at home too. Take a steel bowl , spoon and sterilize it well. Take 1/2 tsp of salt and dissolve in 8 tsp of warm filtered water. Once cooled , you can use it for your baby . But I suggest to go for the saline drops available in the market than the home-made ones as there is a risk of bacterial growth .

Garlic and Ajwain Potli (pouch)
Garlic and Ajwain (carrom seeds) are known for its anti bacterial and anti viral properties.


Dry roast 2 big cloves of garlic and 1 tbsp of ajwain on a tawa and once cooled make it into a potli / tight pouch with a clean muslin cloth. Place this potli in the baby cot / cradle where baby sleeps. The garlicky ajwain smoke from the potli would help baby to open the blocked nose and relieve from congestion.

Massage on Body:
Massages work best for children who are below two years of age. Mix mustard oil with garlic and massage your baby's chest, back and neck area. Also cover the baby's palm and feet with the oil for a quick relief.

Keep your kid hydrated: 
When your kid is going through a bout of sneezing and coughing, it is very important to keep him/her hydrated. Drinking water at regular intervals will help fight the common cold and reduce the inflammation in the throat along with washing out the infection. Other fluids in form of warm soup or a fresh juice are also beneficial for replenishing the body's lost energy.

Home Remedies for Cold and Cough in Babies Above To 6 Months:

Warm Water at Regular Intervals :
Give warm water at regular intervals to keep the baby well hydrated. You can try boiled ajwain or cumin water. You can also read about how much water is required for babies.

Vegetable Soup / Tomato Soup:
Provide warm vegetable soup / tomato soup . You can try chicken soup if your baby is 8m+. These soups increase the immunity of the body.

Turmeric milk: 
Due to its antiseptic properties, turmeric is known to treat viral infections such as cough and cold. Add turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk and make your kid have it every night. It provides instant relief for an aching throat and runny nose. Since it is a rich source of calcium, milk also provides energy to your kid.

Carom Seeds: 
Boiling water along with carom seeds (ajwain) and tulsi leaves can help to keep the cough in check. It also helps in relieving chest congestion.

Honey: 
Known for its soothing effect, dip your finger in honey and let your baby lick it two three times in a day. If your child is older than five years, mix a spoonful with cinnamon powder and ask him/her to have it.

Ginger coffee (Kadha):
Ginger coffee works like magic . Boil about 1 cup of water with 2 slices of ginger , 2 tulsi leaves,  2 pepper pods, 

2 cardamom, 2 cloves and 1 tbsp jaggery . Strain and give this concoction for quick relief from cold and cough