Tips to deal with Infant Cold and Cough

Blog Submitted By Manika Mishra

This post will sure be very helpful for all the new mommies and for those also who have faced and will potentially face the problems of infant cold and cough. If your child being sick, even if it is just the common cold and cough, can be tough for you as well as for your little one.

Whenever my little universe falls sick and if the disease or situation is new to me, I go crazy and start asking everyone about it and start googling and making notes etc. And after the course of the disease is over, I feel like I am ready to write a thesis on it. Yes I can give N number of advises on loose motion, vomiting, cold and cough.

The biggest problem we mommies face during any disease is what food we should give to our little one ?

In this article I will be telling what food should be given to babies during cold and cough.

1. Breastmilk

For newborns and infants under six months of age, breastfeeding is the best choice when he/she is sick. Breastmilk is a good source of antibodies and boosts immunity of a child. So Mumma's breastfeed your baby as long as you both comfortably can carry. It’s a medicine of all disease.

2. Tomato Soup

It is a known fact that the more you drink liquids such as soup and water, the faster the cold will pass. It is no different for a toddler. Loaded with Vitamin C, a bowl of steaming tomato soup is ideal for treating cold in toddlers.

Note: Tomatoes are also full of antioxidants that boost immunity.

3. Ginger and Garlic khichdi

Khichdi is a dish made of rice, pulses and spices. One nourishing and healthy food item that helps in curing a cold is ginger and garlic khichdi, which gives a slight twist to the humble khichdi.  It should be fresh.

Note: This comfort food is, however, only recommended for babies of 7 months and above.

4. Onions

The humble onion is more useful than we think because of its natural anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antiviral properties. Onions are loaded with anti-microbial compounds called Allicin, which help in fighting a cold.

Note: Add a little grated raw onion to soups and sandwiches if your toddler is unable to eat them directly.

5. Ginger tea

Ginger tea is one of the most effective and inexpensive treatments for a common cold. A natural antiviral, ginger helps to induce perspiration and lowers the body temperature. Ginger tea also acts as a decongestant that aids in relieving the symptoms of a cold.

Note: Ginger tea is ideal for toddlers who are aged 1 year and above.

7. Turmeric milk

Turmeric milk is one of the best tonics to give to toddlers suffering from cold and cough due to its antiviral and antibacterial properties. A common household remedy for cold, it provides instant relief from respiratory problems such as a dry cough.

Note: Further, turmeric milk has anti-inflammatory properties that battle chest congestion

Cold and cough in toddlers are not serious problems. However, if not taken proper care of, a cold can lead to serious infections such as strep throat and bronchitis. But, with the right combination of good food, care and appropriate medicine, babies with cold will recover quickly and there is nothing to worry.

Above all these your love hugs works wonder!

Manika completed her engineering in electronics & communication. She then worked as a computer faculty and is now a stay at home by choice. She resides with her husband in Delhi with a very cute baby boy. Presently blogging on daily journey of parenting & motivational quotes, while preparing for civil services