Home Remedies to treat Chest Congestion In Babies and Kids

Chest congestion can be quite irritating and bothersome for anyone, but more so for babies and young kids.

Chest congestion is often due to viral or bacterial infection. Cold and cough can bother young children at anytime but winter season often brings with it viruses as well as bacteria that can cause these infections.

Babies immune system is still developing thus making them prone to catching cold often. It is said that babies and toddlers may catch upto 4-5 colds every year till the age of 5 years.

Causes of chest congestion in babies and kids:

• Common Cold
• Diseases of Respiratory Tract
• Low Immunity

Symptoms of Chest Congestion

• Baby/ child does not want to feed as normal
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Low grade fever around 100 degrees
• Fussy and irritable
• Coughing with phlegm
• Difficulty in breathing

Quick and Easy Natural Remedy For Chest Congestion in Babies and Kids

 Babies Below 6 months

1. Steam the Room

Steam can provide relief in case of chest congestion. For this the easiest way is to run a hot bath in the bathroom and sit there with baby in the steamy bathroom.

2. BreastFeeding

Breast milk is the best solution to all the ailments of your little one. If your baby is below 6 months, then avoid using any over the counter drugs and stick to home remedies that involve external application. If you still feel that he or she needs medicine, remember that you have the medicine to offer- breast milk.

Frequent breastfeeding helps to prevent the solidification of mucus inside baby’s nose and chest. It also addresses the hydration needs of your little one and provides him/her with the anti-bodies to fight the germs and get well soon.

3. Raise the head of your baby while sleeping:

Always make it a point to elevate the baby’s head while sleeping and breastfeeding. Maintaining this angle helps to drain out the mucus from nose and chest relieving baby from congestion. Raising head of the baby can be done by using pillows or slings.

You can also allow the baby to sleep sideways to ease breathing. Some babies like to sleep on their tummies, it is better to avoid this position when he or she has a cold.

4. Tap the back

You have to place your baby on your lap with the baby’s head facing down. Support the neck with one hand. With the other hand, gently tap the baby’s back. Cup your hand while you do the tapping. This method will help to loosen the phlegm.

5. Vicks vaporub:

Simply rub some Vicks vaporub for babies on soles of their feet and make them wear socks during night time. This helps to bring down the chest congestion. It also helps babies who are suffering from cough.

Babies above 1 year

1.Turmeric milk/ Haldi doodh

Turmeric milk or haldi wala doodh also known as golden milk is an age-old Indian recipe which has found favour across the world in recent years. Just boil milk with some turmeric, col it down and give it to you toddler or child.

2. Tulsi juice with honey

Crush a few tulsi leaves to get the juice. Add 1 tablespoon of honey to it and store this in a clean container.

Make your toddler have this juice at regular intervals as it helps to expel the phlegm from the chest. Tulsi has disease fighting qualities which makes it an effective remedy against chest congestion.

3. Ginger juice with honey

Grate ginger and add 1 tablespoon of honey to it. Store in a container and make your toddler have this at regular intervals throughout the day.

You can also blend ginger with water and then add honey to it.

4. Lemon

Take a cup of hot water and add a slice of lemon and some lemon zest. Wait for five minutes so that the lemon essence gets infused into the water. Strain and offer it to your kid. You can also add some honey to sweeten it. Offer it to your child while it is still warm.

You can also make some lemonade sweetened with honey. This remedy works as it kills the germs causing the irritation. It helps to soothe the throat and chest as well.

5. Warm Fluids

Fluids helps to keep your baby hydrated and get rid of germs and infection that causes wheezing. Fluids such as water, cow’s milk, soups,  breast milk, helps to thin mucus secretion thereby helping to make your child breathe without any difficulty. Give your child increased fluids, including filtered warm water.