The American Academy of Pediatrics urges parents not to give over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicines to infants and children younger than 2 years of age. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first endorsed the use of pediatric OTC cold and cough medications in 1976. But in 2008, following reports of serious side effects, the FDA warned that these medications should not be given to infants and children under 2 years of age. Currently, in the United States alone, there are 800 OTC, or non-prescription, cold and cough medications available for young children. But research shows that common pediatric cold and cough products don’t alleviate children’s symptoms. In some cases these remedies can actually be deadly when misused. (Read more about this on baby gooroo here.)

Recently, the FDA re-issued it’s warning, emphasizing the fact use of pediatric OTC cough and cold medications in infants and young children could result in serious and potentially life-threatening side effects. The agency however, says it is still reviewing the use of these products in children ages 2 to 11 years.

Some alternative, safe, at-home remedies for alleviating common cold symptoms include:

• For nasal congestion: Use a cool mist humidifier or vaporizer in your child’s room. Also, saline (saltwater) nose drops can thin nasal discharge. For babies, a gentle suction bulb can be used to remove mucus.
• For chest congestion: Lay your child across your knees face down and, with a cupped hand, gently tap your child’s back. Alternatively, use a cupped hand to gently tap your child’s back while he sits on your lap and leans forward. Also, a cool mist humidifier or vaporizer can help.
• For cough: A spoonful of honey can help soothe sore throats and coughs, but should never be given to babies younger than 1 year due to risk of botulism. Remember to brush your child’s teeth afterwards, especially if they get honey at bedtime. Additionally, children at least 4 years old can use cough drops or lozenges sparingly.
• For fever: Babies younger than 6 months of age can be given acetaminophen as recommended by their doctor. Those 6 months or older can receive either acetaminophen or ibuprofen. You’ll need to contact your child’s pediatrician about dosage since it’s calculated by age and weight for children under the age of 2. Never give your child aspirin, which has been associated with Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness affecting the liver and brain.

If you have any concerns about the safety of a medication, contact your child’s health care provider. Your pharmacist can also be a good source of information on the safety of specific medications—those available by prescription as well as those available over-the-counter. Click here for more tips on safely administering medication to your child.