L.G. asks from Centreville, VA on December 31, 2008
Looking for Good at Home Remedies or Advice for a Sick 21 Month Old
Hi ladies, I thought I would ask you great moms to see if anyone has any good remedies that worked for you. I have a daughter who just turned 21 months over the Christmas holiday. She and I both have had this terrible cough and congestion now going on 11 days. Up until last night, she has been taking 2 hour naps and sleeping her usual 11+ hours a night without any trouble. Yesterday however was an entirely different story. She coughed all though her nap and was restless and then the same again all throughout the night. Her cough seems to be getting worse with a continuous runny nose (clear mucous), yet she still has her same temperment through the day and is very happy. There are no signs of a fever or any other type of secondary infection that I can see. She definitely hasn't been eating as much as usual, but I'm not having any issues keeping her hydrated and at least eating something. I made sure I Vicks'ed her up good last night (neck, chest and feet) and I also ran a cold mist humidifier as well, but it didn't seem to help much. I am also 24 weeks pregnant with my second child and have been using Vicks and running a humidifier too, but still with no major results. I was also wondering if she is still too young to have any honey yet? I know I have been drinking hot tea with honey in it and it has really given me some some relief with my cough at times. If anyone has any good ideas of things that I can do to make my daughter more comfortable until this "bug" runs its course, I would be more than greatful!
1 mom found this helpful
Featured Answers
A.T. answers from Norfolk on January 01, 2009
We just had that same bug, if she is still coughing after two weeks, then please take her to the dr. My sons had the same thing, and it seemed to get better and then get worse and then get better....you see the pattern. Anyway, after 3 1/2 weeks of this I took in my oldest b/c he had developed a fever. He has pneumonia and my other son has bronchitis. This is what the dr. told me and my friend whose kids have the exact thing as well, "If the cough persists longer than two weeks, always take them in, b/c they have bronchitis." So, please don't be stubborn like I was. If this persists, take her in.
C.P. answers from Washington DC on January 01, 2009
She is old enough to have honey. You can give a 13 month old honey. it is before a year that they recommend not giving honey.
My three children have also been ill with the exact same symptoms. I have been giving them guaifenesin.
Read Here:
More Answers
E.K. answers from Washington DC on January 01, 2009
I'm sorry to hear that both of you have the drips. She is old enough to have some honey now, try a teaspoon in some warm water for her. Also there is a tea out- Gypsy cold- that has been halping me. Have you tried saline drops oin both of your noses? Also it is very important for all of you to take a good multi vitamin, and eat foods that support your immune systems- any brightly colored fruits or vegetables. Also, steamy bathrooms can thin out mucus, you could aslo try Mucinex for your daughter, ask your OB if you can use Mucinex.
I hope you all feel netter soon.
S.B. answers from Washington DC on January 01, 2009
We have had the same thing going on at our house as well, my son ended up having bronchitis and having no fever just a runny nose and severe coughing to the point of were rest was not happening, honey can be given after a year old, my ped. suggested it to us for the soothing of his throat. good luck to you and i hope that it works out, as being pregnant doesnt help i am due any day know and my son is also 21 months, it makes it hard sometimes.
K.L. answers from Washington DC on December 31, 2008
Get the vicks stuff that goes in the humidifer. It puts the vapor into the air and adds to the help from the chest rub.
Since she's almost 2, her pediatrician may give you the go ahead for cough or sinus medicine as they are approved for 2 and over.
A.B. answers from Norfolk on January 06, 2009
C.P. answers from Washington DC on January 01, 2009
She is old enough to have honey. You can give a 13 month old honey. it is before a year that they recommend not giving honey.
My three children have also been ill with the exact same symptoms. I have been giving them guaifenesin.
Read Here:
K.H. answers from Dover on January 01, 2009
Sounds extremely similar to what my 3 year old has had this past week...and I took her in, it was croup. Maybe do a bit of online searching about croup to see if it may be the same thing? If it is, they can't really do to much (what I was told), it runs its course, but just make sure to pay attention to their airways, and that they are still breathing fine. If they seem to have trouble breathing, take them in right away. But for my daughter, sitting in the closed bathroom with the shower running hot, to steam up the room helps a lot. Breathing in the steam helps stop the coughing fits. I will try to do that before bed every night, and then if she starts coughing a lot during the night, I will turn on the shower and scoop her up in my arms and take her in there again, and it stops it. Good luck!
K.
And the docs say now no cough meds for children until 6 years old...
S.W. answers from Norfolk on January 01, 2009
Hi L.,
Sounds like what you all have could be allergy or change of season related since there is no fever. But that being said, we have great success with homeopathic remedies. We got the kit and use it all the time!! You can find them at most health food stores, we got ours from www.organicfooddepot.com. Not sure where you are located but they may work for you as well. We use the Hylands brand. Also, since your dd is over 1 you can give her honey, my ped even told me its a great cough remedy, just give a teaspoon or so as needed.
Good luck, S.
E.S. answers from Richmond on January 02, 2009
L.,
Get vicks chest rub and put it on her feet and yours and then put socks on, you can do this only at night or throughout the day if needed. I dont know exactly why this works but I have had my peds and nurses tell me to do this and I have friends who have search it on google. I have done this with all 5 of my children and friends children and is works wonders. Good luck.
Email