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Treating the Common Cold in Kids
Despite its name, the “common” cold is one of the most bothersome childhood illnesses. Colds are upper respiratory infections caused by viruses. More than 200 viruses can cause colds, the most common being rhinovirus. These viruses cause common cold symptoms by infecting the nose (causing a stuffy nose), throat (causing sore throats and coughs) and sometimes the lungs (causing cough and wheezing) and eyes (causing pink eye). Your child may have a fever (temperature higher than 100.4°F), particularly during the first 3 days of getting sick. (If your child has a high fever or a fever that comes on quickly, it might be the flu.)
Colds can be passed from person to person for up to 2 weeks, even spreading a day or two before symptoms are present. Typically, though, colds are most contagious when symptoms are at their worst.
Young children can average six to eight colds a year, and each could last up to 14 days. That’s almost a third of the year with some sort of sniffles, congestion or cough! It’s also not uncommon for a child to develop a second cold as the symptoms of the first one are resolving — making it seem as though they’re sick for weeks or months on end!
While there’s no cure for the common cold, symptoms usually resolve with at-home cold treatments and self-care. Colds usually don’t require prescription cold medicines, and antibiotics aren’t effective on viruses. See our FAQs for questions parents commonly ask about colds in children and what cold remedies work.
Key tips for common cold treatment
When your child catches a cold, finding cold remedies for kids that work can be challenging. Simple cold remedies for kids tend to work best. While there’s no cure for the cold, these common cold treatments can help ease symptoms and speed up recovery. These tips will help you manage cold symptoms and keep your child as comfortable as possible during recovery.
Tip 1: Avoid over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, especially for young children. While it may not be enjoyable to listen to, coughing helps your child expel germy mucus from their airway. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that the risks of over-the-counter cold medications often outweigh the benefits. Their guidelines advise:
- Under age 4: Do not use over-the-counter cough and cold medicine for babies and young children.
- Ages 4–6: Use cough medicine only if recommended by your child’s health care provider.
- Age 7 or older: OK to use when needed but read the package instructions for proper use and dosage. Be careful with any medications that contain acetaminophen — it’s easy to accidentally give too much. Acetaminophen toxicity can cause vomiting, liver damage and even death.
Tip 2: To help with mucus, try a nose suction product or saline nasal spray. These products can help relieve congestion and sinus pressure. For very young children (<1 year old), you can suction the nose or mouth, especially before meals and sleeping. Traditional bulb suctions tend to have wider tips, making it hard for them to reach the back of little noses. Unless cleaned well, they can also harbor mold and dirt. Options with stronger suction are “snot suckers” powered by your mouth (like a NoseFrida) or electric versions. Saline drops can also help thin nasal mucus.
Tip 3: Turn on a humidifier at night. Humidifiers help relieve common cold symptoms by keeping secretions loose and easier to cough up. The moist air can also soothe sore and raw throats. If you don’t have a humidifier, try sitting in a steamy shower or bathroom with your child or baby.
Tip 4: Elevate the head of the bed. Having your child’s head higher than their body helps mucus drain down the throat instead of pooling in the back of the mouth. For children or babies with a cold, doing so can help them breathe better and clear up congestion. Consider an extra pillow for older children or sleeping in a tilted rocker for babies older than 6 months. Remember, babies should always sleep on their back.
Tip 5: Try honey for children with colds over age 1. Honey, straight off the spoon or mixed with a hot drink, is helpful for soothing throats and treating cough. Raw honey (the kind that looks cloudy) is the least processed and has the most antioxidants. Given the small amount, however, it’s OK to go with whichever type you prefer. Believe it or not, research has shown honey is more effective than cough medicines in reducing symptom frequency and severity.
- Infants younger than 12 months should not have honey because of the risk of botulism.
- Children ages 1 to 5 years can have ½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) of honey every four hours as needed.
- Children ages 6 to 11 years can have 1 teaspoon (5 mL) every four hours as needed.
Tip 6: Use vapor rub ointment for coughs and congestion in children ages 2 or older. Vapor rub ointment applied to the upper chest and neck area before bed can help with severity and frequency of cough by producing a cooling sensation in the nose that helps children rest better and clear mucus. Vapor rub can help a variety of common cold symptoms, however, be mindful of how you use it on your child (it shouldn’t be used under the nose) and what’s recommended for their age.
Tip 7: Soothe sore throats with cool liquids or chilled or frozen foods. Have children sip on cool liquids, eat chilled purees (like applesauce) or suck on a popsicle or ice chips.
- Children 4 years and older who are not at risk for choking can suck on a hard candy, which works as well as medicated cough drops without the side effects.
- Children older than 6 can also gargle with warm salt water. This remedy can be made at home with ¼ to ½ teaspoon of salt per 8 ounces (about 240 mL) of warm water.
These tips for the common cold will help soothe and comfort your child while their immune system works to fight off the cold. In addition, ensure your child stays hydrated, gets rest and stays in a healthy environment while they strengthen their immune system. Of course, lots love helps, too!
The Common Cold - When to See a Doctor
If you notice your child’s cold symptoms worsen after a week, consider contacting your pediatrician and making a doctor’s appointment. If your child has common cold symptoms and you notice any of the following, take your child to a pediatrician, urgent care or emergency center:
- Breathing harder or faster than usual
- Fever (temperature higher than 100.4°F) for 5 or more days
- Peeing less than three times in 24 hours
- Unusual behavior or other parental concern
Make an Appointment for Children Colds
Find a Texas Children’s Pediatrics location near you. Existing patients with MyChart accounts can also schedule an appointment online.
Frequently asked questions about colds
Many types of viruses exist, the body needs to learn to fight each one separately. This explains why, despite all our advances in modern medicine, there is no cure for the common cold. Antibiotics don’t work against colds because antibiotics don’t kill viruses. Steroids also don’t work against viruses
In children, the common cold is a frequent illness. Kids tend to catch colds more often than adults, especially during the colder months (when people are more likely to be indoors) or in school or group settings, which enable viruses to pass more easily from one person to another. Cold, dry air may also weaken the immune system’s resistance. While usually mild, colds in children can lead to complications, so monitoring symptoms closely and offering plenty of fluids and rest is essential for their recovery.
Fortunately, as the immune system matures, the number of colds decreases by the time most children enter kindergarten.
No. Only viruses cause colds.
Symptoms usually start 2 to 3 days after exposure and can last up to 14 days. If symptoms aren’t improving after a few days to a week, see your child’s health care provider.
It’s difficult to avoid contact with close family members when they’re sick. If one of you is sick, the best steps you can take are practicing good hand washing hygiene, disinfecting frequently used surfaces in your home, eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of sleep.
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