Contact us

Contact us

checked

From Pears to Honey: The War on Infant Colds

  • Colds, phlegm and coughs are among the most common phenomena to plague infants and toddlers during the cold season
  • We’ve compiled a list of everything you need to know to help relieve your little ones, who you are often advised to keep at home in winter. Read the full article to get all the tips
  • It is important to remember that when colds, phlegm or coughs persist at length, or if they are accompanied by a fever or ear ache, a doctor should be consulted regarding further treatment.
Pears
Alternative medicine experts recommend drinking pear water to dry out mucus. How do you prepare pear water? Cook one or two pears in a pot of water, perforate the pear(s) with a knife before cooking and allow your infant to drink the cooking water with a spoon, afterwards. If your infant drinks formula, you can also use the pear water instead of regular boiled water to prepare their bottles. In addition, if your infant is already tasting solids, you can mash the cooked pear with a fork and feed it to them.
Oats
If your infant is over 6 months old and has already passed the tastings stage, oatmeal prepared with water can help dry their mucus. Cook a cup of oats in two cups of water for 10 minutes, mixing from time to time. Add a cup of sugar and continue to cook for a few minutes more. Your infant will love the taste and their mucus will dissipate and disappear.
Salt water
Salt is known to dry up phlegm and mucus, but it is important to buy medical-grade saline solution and not prepare it on your own, as too high of a salt concentration can irritate your little one. 
Breastmilk
Breastmilk is nature’s remedy for infant mucus. Drip some breastmilk into your infant’s nostrils and the mucus will dry up, relieving their breathing. 
Onion
For years, the humble onion has been a known folk remedy for people of all ages, as it contains antioxidants that can help with respiratory infections. Slice an onion in half and place it near your infant’s bed, beneath it, or even tie it to the bed inside of a cloth diaper. A few nights of sleeping beside an onion and their breathing will become much easier.
Honey
Various studies demonstrate how honey is an effective remedy against coughs. If your infant is over one year in age, you can give them a little honey to suck off of a spoon. You can also cut an onion into small pieces, drizzle honey over them and allow the “dish” to marinate overnight. In the morning, throw out the onion and give your child (1+ year) to drink the syrup that remains in the dish every few hours.
Flax seeds
Flax seeds contain dietary fibers, found to be effective in the war on phlegm and in relieving coughs. Soak a tablespoon of flax seeds in water for a few hours and allow your infant to drink 1-2 tea spoons of the soaking liquid.
Chicken soup
Nature’s penicillin and the most famous folk remedy of them all. Studies show that chicken soup contains anti-inflammatory properties that slow the motion of the neutrophils released during viral infection that cause phlegm and coughs. Cook your favorite chicken parts together with onions, carrots, sweet potato, zucchini, celery root, parsley, salt, pepper and water, and let your kids enjoy!
Essential oils
You can use plant essences to relieve breathing difficulties, such as Taftafim oils for refreshed breathing. No need for a humidifier! Place 4-5 drops on a cloth diaper and leave it near your infant’s crib.
Steam
Take your infant into a steam-filled room and sit there for as long as you can. The steam will help open the airway and enable your infant to breathe easier. 
Water
Try and cleanse your infant’s nose with warm water. Using tissues or wipes too often can irritate the most and cause redness, peeling and wounds on and around the nose. If their nose is still red despite your most valiant efforts, read about the next item on the list...
Nose gel
Try Taftafim Afgel - a gentle gel that helps relieve dryness and redness around the nose, made from 100% lanolin and rich in vitamin E and aloe vera. Apply the gel to your infant’s (age 1+) nose to help relieve any irritation.
Towel
Roll a towel or think blanket and place it under your infant’s crib, to elevate their head. The angle will enable your infant to breathe better.

When to head to the doctor

It is important to remember that when colds, phlegm and coughs take time to heal, or if they are accompanied by a fever or ear ache, you should take your child to the doctor. In many cases, the doctor will not prescribe any treatment, to allow the body to heal on its own and become naturally immune to the illness. However, the doctor may recommend an cough syrup or drops for a phlegmy cough (only for toddlers aged 2+). What’s most important is that they are healthy.

Category Title : Infant Colds
Infant Coughs and What they Indicate

Infant Coughs and What they Indicate

What type of cough does your infant have? Dry? Wet? Barking? Different medical states are characterized by different types of coughs. All you need to ...

Is Your Child Sick? Here’s How to Know When to Head to the Doctor

Is Your Child Sick? Here’s How to Know When to Head to the Doctor

On the on hand, we don’t want to drag our children to the doctor unnecessarily. On the other hand, we don’t want to neglect their health. So, how do ...

Winter’s on the Way: How Can You Protect Your Infant?

Winter’s on the Way: How Can You Protect Your Infant?

How should you warm your home and your infant’s bedroom? Do you need to bathe your child every day? What are the baby gear must-haves for your home? ...

הצג כתבות נוספות
Jump to page content