Babies can get coughs for a variety of reasons, including viral infections such as the common cold, allergies, irritants in the air, or exposure to secondhand smoke. Coughing is the body’s way of clearing mucus and irritants from the airways, so it is a natural response to many types of respiratory problems.
You may opt for home remedies for your baby’s cough for several reasons. Firstly, home remedies for baby cough are often more accessible and convenient than seeking medical care, especially if the cough is mild and not accompanied by other symptoms. Additionally, some home remedies for baby cough, such as a humidifier or saline drops, can help relieve symptoms and promote healing without the use of medications.
Disclaimer: Talk to your pediatrician before giving honey to babies below 1 year of age. If you have any concerns about giving your baby honey, be sure to consult with your doctor.
What are the benefits of honey for babies/infants?
While honey has many benefits for adults, it is not recommended for babies under one year of age. Honey may contain spores of a type of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum, which can cause infant botulism, a rare but serious illness that can affect the nervous system and cause muscle weakness, difficulty feeding, and breathing problems in infants.
However, once a baby reaches one year of age, honey can provide some health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of honey for older babies and children:
- Soothes coughs and sore throats: Honey has natural antibacterial properties and can help soothe a cough or sore throat.
- Boosts immunity: Honey has antioxidants that can help boost the immune system and protect the body against illness.
- Improves digestion: Honey contains prebiotics, which can help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and improve digestion.
- Provides energy: Honey is a natural source of carbohydrates and can provide a quick energy boost for active children.
- May help with allergies: Some studies have suggested that consuming local honey may help reduce symptoms of seasonal allergies, although more research is needed to confirm this.
How can honey be used to treat a baby’s cough?
There are many different ways to treat a baby’s cough, and honey is one of them. Honey is a natural product that can be found in most homes. There are a few ways to give honey to a coughing baby:
Here are some ways that honey can be used to treat a baby’s cough:
- Honey and warm water: Mix a teaspoon of honey with warm water and give it to the baby in a bottle or sippy cup. This can help soothe the baby’s throat and relieve coughing.
- Honey and lemon: Mix a teaspoon of honey with lemon juice and warm water, and give it to the baby in a bottle or sippy cup. The lemon juice can help cut through mucus and phlegm, while the honey soothes the throat.
- Honey and ginger: Mix a teaspoon of honey with grated ginger and warm water, and give it to the baby in a bottle or sippy cup. Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce coughing, while honey provides a soothing effect.
What are some other home remedies for baby cough?
There are a number of other home remedies that can help relieve a baby’s cough. Here’s a list of home remedies for baby cough:
- Steam: One is to give the baby a steamy bath, which can help loosen up any mucus and make it easier to cough up. Let your shower or tap run free with hot water till it builds steam in your bathroom. Once you feel that the steam is sufficient for the baby to breathe, shut the shower or tap, and stay in the bathroom with your baby for a few minutes.
- Honey: For babies over 1 year of age, honey mixed with warm water and lemon juice can help soothe a cough.
- Humidifier: Using a cool-mist humidifier in the baby’s room can help keep the air moist and ease coughing.
- Saline drops: Saline drops or spray can help loosen mucus in the baby’s nose and throat, making it easier to cough up.
- Elevating the head: Elevating the baby’s head slightly during sleep can help reduce coughing.
- Fluids: Encourage your baby to drink plenty of fluids, such as breast milk or formula, to help thin out mucus and keep the baby hydrated.
What are the risks associated with using honey for babies?
There are some risks associated with using honey for babies.
Honey has been linked to infant botulism, a rare but serious illness that can occur when infants consume the spores of a type of bacteria called Clostridium botulinum, which may be present in honey.
Babies’ immune systems are not fully developed, and their digestive systems are not yet mature enough to effectively fight off the bacteria that may be present in honey. This can lead to a risk of botulism, which can cause muscle weakness, poor feeding, constipation, and other serious complications.
Therefore, it is recommended that honey should not be given to babies under 1 year of age. Instead, you should provide your infant with appropriate and safe foods according to their age and nutritional needs.
How can parents ensure their baby is getting the most benefit from honey?
Now that you know all about the incredible benefits of honey for your little one, you may be wondering how you can make sure they are getting the most out of it. Here are a few tips:
- Choose high-quality honey: Look for honey that is pure, raw, and unprocessed, as these types of honey contain more beneficial nutrients and antioxidants than processed honey.
- Use honey in moderation: Honey is high in natural sugars, so it should be used in moderation as part of a healthy and balanced diet. Too much honey can lead to tooth decay and other health problems.
- Mix honey with warm water or lemon juice: Mixing honey with warm water or lemon juice can help soothe a cough or sore throat and make the honey easier to consume.
- Avoid heating honey: Heating honey can destroy some of its beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, so it is best to avoid heating honey whenever possible.
- Monitor for allergic reactions: While honey is generally safe for most babies, it can cause allergic reactions in some children. Watch for signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, and seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms occur.
To sum it up…
It is important to note that home remedies for baby cough can be effective for mild bouts of cough. Though you should always consult with a healthcare professional if your baby’s cough is severe or persistent, or if the baby has other symptoms such as fever, wheezing, or difficulty breathing. In some cases, a cough can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition that requires medical attention.
Do you have a home remedy for baby cough to share with us? Leave a comment below.
Like it? Share it?
