common cold, go away
Filed Under Stuff, Tips & Tricks | November 6, 2009
With all the flu frenzy of late it’s easy to overlook the common cold but runny noses and coughing kids are a staple of the season. No matter how vigilant you are about hand washing it’s inevitable that your tots will get a cold or ten this winter, so here are some tips and products to help relieve kiddie cold symptoms.
For colds, as with many things, it’s best to start with the ABCs. A is for Airflow. Sleeping in an elevated position and using a humidifier and saline nose drops reduces discomfort by helping increase airflow in nasal passages. B is for Better Sleep. Extra rest is good for your immune system and helps kids recover from colds more quickly. C is for comfort. Warm liquids help loosen nasal passages, chest congestion and relieve dry throats.
Because Health Canada has banned over-the-counter cough and cold medications for kids under six, due to the risk of overdosing and lack of efficacy, we’re always on the lookout for drug-free, cold-fighting options.
Newest to our arsenal are Breathe Right’s new Kids Nasal Strips. Like their adult nasal strips, (a must-try if your partner snores!) their kids strips open nasal passages wider to relieve congestion. But unlike their more discreet adult counterparts they come in bright, star-adorned colours. Though recommended for kids from five to 12 we took a chance and used them on a stuffed up almost four-year-old with good effect. You do need to follow their directions and wash little noses first before applying them or they tend to fall off and get stuck in hair and bedding.
In addition to diapers, Victoria-based Broody Chick also makes a very effective Sniffs and Snuffles Congestion Relief Aid. They use essential oils blended with vegetable oils and waxes – no petroleum – to help ease chest and nasal congestion. We found it nips irritating night time coughs in the bud when rubbed on kids’ chests, backs and soles of their feet. It’s best for kids over four-months-old and we must admit we’ve dipped into it few times for ourselves too.
We’re not so sure we currently need A but who couldn’t use a bit of Better Sleep and Comfort? And if our kids are healthier and more comfy we will be too.
Here’s a primer of previous cold-busting tips and products we’ve discovered:
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