14 Natural Cold Remedies for Kids

Saline Mist

Want your stuffy-nosed kid to breathe better? Trachtenberg says using a saline spray is “a great way to clear the mucus out since young kids can’t often blow their noses.” Dr. Amin agrees, calling a nasal saline spray a “gentle, easy-to-use, and effective” solution to congestion. A 100% natural, sterile saline mist that’s both drug- and preservative-free, like this saline spray from Little Remedies, not only helps to remove mucus but also safely moisturizes nasal passages. However, Weydert warns that you shouldn’t just spray and go. She says, “The key to clearing nasal passages is to suck out the mucous.” So if your kid isn’t old enough to blow their nose well after the spray, you’ll have to suck out the fluid with a bulb syringe. (Keep reading for our bulb syringe rec!) No one said parenthood was easy.

Suction Bulb

If a saline spray alone doesn’t fully clear your child’s nostrils, a suction bulb can help. No, sucking mucus out of your child’s nose isn’t the most pleasant experience, but “it’s a quick and simple way to offer relief,” Dr. Amin explains. Just make sure not to overdo it, as “too much suction can irritate the nasal passages,” she cautions. “Use it sparingly and only when needed.”

Cool-Mist Humidifier

“Adding some moisture to the air can make a big difference when your child has a cough or congestion,” Dr. Amin says. “It can help soothe dry airways, making sleep more comfortable.” Running a humidifier can also help loosen nasal and throat congestion and can help with dry, itchy skin, says Dr. Trachtenberg. Both experts who recommend a cool mist model like the Frida Baby 3-in-1 Humidifier, which not only brings more moisture into the room but also acts as a diffuser and nightlight to help calm your little one. 

Honey

An effective cold remedy for your kids is probably in your pantry right now. “Honey has been widely studied for its effectiveness in soothing coughs,” Dr. Amin explains. “Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties help soothe sore throats and calm irritation in the upper respiratory tract.”

Note that this cold remedy comes with a big asterisk: honey is only safe for children over one year old due to the risk of botulism. For kids over one, Dr. Trachtenberg recommends offering kids a spoonful of honey or squeezing some in lukewarm chamomile tea to help soothe a sore throat and quell coughs. (It’s a proven remedy!) You can also use honey to make turmeric milk (aka golden milk), a warm, comforting drink that’s one of Dr. Amin’s “absolute favorite remedies to take at first sign of an upper respiratory infection or during an illness.”

Boogie Wipes

Boogie Wipes are made with natural saline, aloe, chamomile and Vitamin E, and help dissolve and clean snot and boogers for kids with congestion problems. “These are a must-have for runny noses,” says Dr. Amin, who notes that they’re gentle on the skin, so they don’t irritate or dry out the skin the way some tissues you can. They are more expensive than tissues, but the consensus on the wipes are that they’re worth the cost. One reviewer wrote, “These seem completely unnecessary until your child is in the throes of a horrible cold.”

Boogie Micro-Mist Saline Inhaler

This on-the-go saline inhaler is especially helpful for those nagging coughs,” Dr. Amin says. “It delivers a fine mist of saline to help soothe and hydrate the irritated airways. While steamy showers can also help, this device is a portable and convenient option if needed.”

Zarbee’s Soothing Chest Rub

Many of us adults have fond memories of getting a soothing chest rub while home sick with a cold. With lavender, eucalyptus, and beeswax, this soothing chest rub from Zarbee’s smells way better than the one from our childhood. Just make sure for opt for a chest rub that doesn’t contain menthol, like this one. “Baby-safe chest rubs are often used for children under two or those with asthma, while regular chest rubs work well for children over two years,” Dr. Amin says. “Always follow guidelines on the packaging to ensure safe use.”

Baby Lip Balm

If your baby’s lips and nose get dry and irritated during their cold, a fragrance-free, non-toxic baby lip balm like this one from Evereden is a good option to soothe. It’s creamy and soft, with ingredients like sunflower, grapeseed, and jojoba oil to protect their chapped skin.

BreatheFrida Soothing Vapor Bath Bombs

For a soothing bath that also clears congestion, try the scents of lavender and eucalyptus. These bath bombs from Frida Baby deliver just that — and kids love to be the ones to drop them in the water. 

Maty’s All Natural Baby Chest Rub

This pediatrician-tested, all-natural baby chest rub from Maty’s is made with organic ingredients, including coconut oil and Vitamin E. Essential oils like chamomile, lavender, and patchouli help soothe little one’s sniffles. Rub on baby’s chest, feet, or neck when needed. 

Immuniteez Organic Immune Support Pops

Looking for an effective lozenge? Dr. Weydert says to look for at least 100 mg of Vitamin C or Elderberry. These lozenge-lollipops from Lolleez come in at 50 milligrams of Vitamin C, which just gives your kid an excuse to have two. And they’ll want the extra one, because these organic suckers boast a sweet taste along with their immunity-boosting ingredients: vitamins C, D, and E, plus zinc and iron. 

Elderberry Supplements

According to Dr. Weydert, many studies support elderberry’s effectiveness and safety for use in treating upper respiratory illnesses and flu, adding that some parents give elderberry daily to their children as a “preventative.” Kids will like the candy-like taste of these gummies from Nature’s Way. 

Oscillococcinum

Recommended by Dr. Weydert, Oscillococcinum is a homeopathic medicine that studies have suggested may shorten a bout with the flu. Sweet-tasting pellets are taken daily until symptoms resolve. 

Vitamin D Supplements

Vitamin D is “well known for its direct effects on supporting the immune system,” says Dr. Weydert. “Studies found that children with the higher Vitamin D levels have lower incidences of upper respiratory illnesses.” Instead of pills or gummies, try these Vitamin D drops; parents can easily dispense them into their kid’s cereal, yogurt, or glass of water. Weydert adds, “Families need to work with their physicians to decide the best dose for them — some may need up to 2000 IU daily to achieve optimal levels.” 

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