Does Baby Vick's Vapor Rub Work on the Feet?

Updated on August 26, 2008
G.D. asks from Glen Ellyn, IL
5 answers

Hi Moms,

I always get such great advice from all of you - thank you! My baby (who turned one yesterday) has a double ear infection and an upper respiratory virus. It was so bad that we post-poned her party for another week. I have heard of putting the Baby Vick's Vapor Rub not only on their chests, but also on the soles of their feet then covering them with socks. I am almost sure that I read it in a parent magazine. Has anyone tried this remedy with success? Does anyone know why it works if it does? I am thinking of trying it tonight. We also have had the cool mist humidifier in her room for the past few days running constantly. Have a great day! Thanks for the advice!

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C.G.

answers from Chicago on

Vicks is not absorbed into the skin, it works when it is inhaled into the lungs. If putting it on the feet works, putting it on the chest should be that much more effective! Although I have heard this one before as well, there is no logical reason that it would work at all. Also the Vicks Vaporub website says not to cover the Vaporub with bandages or anything tight so I am guessing if anything putting socks on would make it work even less.

I usually put a lot of trust in mom-approved remedies but this one seems pretty silly to me. Also, FYI Vick's Babyrub does not contain any medications, just fragrances, so it is unlikely to do much at all. For my kids with congestion we usually use a hot shower running with the bathroom door closed. Here is a link to the Vick's website: http://www.vicks.com/babyrub.php

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A.H.

answers from Chicago on

We've all used it - 4 kids + adults and my mom, who gets a chronic cough with every cold, and it really helps! We also started using the Zicam nasal swabs to shorten the symptoms and length of the cold. Recommended by our Montessori director and it's GREAT, especially with all of the decongestants being recalled for children and infants.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.M.

answers from Chicago on

I've used the regular vapor rub formaula on my daughters feet and then slipped her into footed jammies...seemed to help her brethe but doen not loosen the thickness of the congestion...the vaporizer and saline work best for that. It did keep her more calm through the night though.

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M.S.

answers from Chicago on

I love Vick's, I was definitely a Vick's child and now my son is. One thing I will add is that if the child has asthma or is wheezing, a cool mist humidier MAY make the problem worse so please ask your pediatrician. Good luck with this and her party!

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T.G.

answers from Chicago on

I actually found that it did help. Since my son has such sensitive skin, it worked best to put the baby vicks on his feet and then socks. I also kept the humidifier running 24 hours a day. Bad for the electric bill, but better for the baby. Try elevating the mattress by putting a pillow or a wedge beneath the mattress. And just keep at their nose with saline and the nose sucker thing. You can also try running the shower on hot and getting the bathroom nice and steamy and then sucking the nose out. I hope it all clears up fast!

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