It is a truth universally acknowledged that children in daycare will be in want of serious cold remedies several times throughout the fall and winter.

Am I right?!

We are currently heading into what seems to be Will’s THIRD COLD of the season – and we still have months left of WINTER, people! Beyond the fact that I have caught both of the prior colds (and one turned into a full on sinus infection), the worst part is not being able to communicate that the pain, the stuffiness, the cold, will be over soon to my seventeen month old.  It’s also pretty tough when we try to keep the things we use on Will to a minimum – and I hate buying things for one purpose, like use during one week of a cold! There are tons of useful lists for helping to cope with a cold but here’s on that all-natural and doesn’t require you buying anything.

To soothe congestion or runny noses

  • Instead of a humidifier, rely on a steamy bathroom to help clear out kiddo’s airways. Sometimes, a shock of cold night air right before or after helps, too!
  • If you’re kid has sensitive skin and can’t take wipes designed for noses, a simple warm washcloth works wonders!
  • Make your own saline drops to keep things moving, rather than purchasing some. Here’s an easy recipe – all you need is an oventop, salt, and baking soda.
  • Rub some smelly oil on baby’s feet or (if you’re comfortable with it), his lower chest just before pajamas. You can make your own with olive oil or coconut oil and some essential oils, like eucalyptus.

To soothe a cough

  • If you kiddo is over one, use honey! It’s a natural throat soother, and it’s yummy.
  • Warm liquids like soups and warm water work wonders for little sore throats.

To ensure hydration

  • If you’ve relied on things like Pedialyte to support your child’s hydration levels during a cold, you can make your own rehydration solution! I first learned how to do this in the Peace Corps, as I sweat out my body weight nearly every day biking around Cambodia in a long skirt and collared shirt, and it’s been a useful recipe to keep handy. All you need is six teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt to combine with one liter of warm water.  You can pop these in the freezer using trays to help with a sore throat, too!

What do you use when your toddler or baby gets a cold? Anyone a guru on home remedies and want to contribute some ideas?