My Toddler Is Congested

Definitely elevate the head. Either by raising the crib mattress by placing a pillow or something under it and then put her head on the elevated side. If she sleeps in a bed I put two pillows under their head and prop them up a little. A humidifier is also helpful. I also use vicks. Start off with a little bit. It feels hot and can freak the kid out if you put too much. Start with a little and see what happens. If she coughs, and this will sound crazy, but it works, put the vicks on the bottom of their feet and put cotton socks on. You'll be amazed. Also lots fluids during the day.

Hi there~ My son has been battleing a bit of congestion the past couple days as well. Try to limit the amount of dairy products throughout the day. If you have to try not to give it after the evening. Congestion always thickens at night. If there is no cough/and or fever associated w/ the congestion at this time you can also try childrens Claritin (1 tsp for kids 2-6 yrs, I got that from the bottle) This really helps my son with the stuffiness and runny nose. You may also try a nice warm bath before bed too that will help to loose the sinuses as well. I also use the childrens breath right nose strips. The kids like them cause they are colorful and they glow in the dark too :) Make sure to clean the nose and dry well so it sticks. Old and press firmly for about 10-15 seconds. Hope this all helps. Feel better soon! Amanda :)

Hot, steamy shower, or at the very least, just hang out & play in the bathroom with the hot shower going...if you have eucalyptus essential oil, add a few drops in the tub. If you have a vaporizer or humidifier, running that helps, too. I also love the Hyland's C+ Cold Tablets. Plenty of fluids, warm liquids if possible (my son likes fruity herbal teas like Red Zinger). Some 2yo can learn to blow their noses...if not, get out the "snot sucker" & some saline nose spray to help clear out the mucus...if your LO doesn't like that, you might be able to make a game out of it using a stuffed animal or other lovey.

The other mom's are right about the congestion,not many options. As far as the cough, Buckwheat honey does wonders. Give your child 1/2 teaspoon about 30 minutes before bed. It does wonders. Obviously your child has to be old enough to eat honey (age 1) but it's better than any other medicine for kids of any age.
It's not easy to find, Fruitful Yield in Schaumburg has it. They are on Golf road just west of Roselle. If you're not in that area check your local health food store. FYI, Whole Foods and Trader Joe's do not have it.
Good luck!

You could get some saline spray and squirt up there and then use the bulb to suck out some stuff.

Many doctors are big on the vaporizer/humidifier. I didn't like that, just sprayed the nose.

You could call and talk to the nurse for ideas.

Not much you can do except let it run its course. My kids have all had this for about the last 2 weeks now. You can put a little vicks for kids on their chest and feet. You can squirt some of that saline stuff up their noses and then suck them out with that lovely blue sucker thing. You can put a humidifier in their room. You can give them some honey for the cough. And you can hug them when they wake themselves up coughing. Hope she feels better!

We have been battling this too! I suggest going to the doc! When I finally gave in she still wasn't running a fever, but her eyes had crusted up and she was draining out of her ear. She had a major case of strep! and a major ear infection. A shot of pennicilin cleared her right up and I have my sweet little girl back. Still dealing a bit with the runny nose, but she is feeling much better!

So, guess I am saying, when in doubt...check it out! Call the Doc! What is the worst he could say? Its viral and it will pass?

Good Luck and hope your baby feels better soon!