How can I clear my baby's blocked nose?

Saline drops followed by gentle suction with a bulb syringe, and keeping the head slightly raised, help most babies.

Can I give honey to my child for cold?

Only if your child is over 1 year old. Honey is unsafe for babies under one.

When should I take my child to a doctor for a cold?

For fast or noisy breathing, high fever, ear pain, poor feeding, drowsiness, or a cold lasting more than 10 days.

Home remedies for cold in kids: saline drops, warm fluids and ajwain potli

Young children catch six to eight colds a year, and a runny, blocked nose can make them cranky and sleepless. These home remedies for cold in kids — saline nose drops, warm fluids and soups, a warm ajwain potli kept near the pillow, and plenty of rest — are gentle, age-appropriate ways to keep them comfortable while the cold runs its course.

Home remedies for cold in kids: what's safe at each age

Common colds are caused by viruses, so antibiotics don't help. Most colds in children last 7–10 days. Babies breathe mainly through the nose, so a blocked nose affects feeding and sleep. Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are not recommended for young children.

Indian grandmothers traditionally use warmth — a roasted ajwain and garlic potli, warm mustard-oil massage on the chest and soles for older babies, and warm soups. Keep remedies simple and age-appropriate.

Ingredients

Saline nose drops (from a pharmacy)
Warm fluids: breast milk or formula for babies; warm water, dal water, soups for older children
2 tablespoons ajwain roasted and tied in a cotton cloth (potli)
Honey — only for children over 1 year

How to prepare

Dry-roast ajwain until fragrant, cool slightly and tie in a thin cotton cloth.

How to use

Put 1–2 saline drops in each nostril before feeds and sleep; gently clear with a bulb syringe or soft cloth.
Keep the warm ajwain potli near (not on) the child's pillow; check it's only warm, never hot.
Offer fluids often; for children over 1, give ½ teaspoon honey in warm water for cough.
Let them rest and keep them home from school if they have fever.

Helpful habits

Teach handwashing and coughing into the elbow.
Keep the room airy but not cold; avoid smoke and mosquito coils.
Keep vaccinations up to date.

Precautions

Never give honey to babies under 1 year, and avoid Vicks-type rubs, camphor or eucalyptus oil on or near babies and toddlers — they can affect breathing.
Don't put oil, garlic or anything else inside the nose or ears.
Don't give adult medicines, cough syrups or strong kadhas to children without a paediatrician's advice, especially if they take other medicines. Pregnant mothers caring for sick kids should wash hands often.
See a doctor urgently for babies under 3 months with fever, fast or difficult breathing, chest indrawing, bluish lips, poor feeding, fewer wet nappies, ear pain, high fever or a cold lasting more than 10 days.

Frequently asked questions

How can I clear my baby's blocked nose?: Saline drops followed by gentle suction with a bulb syringe, and keeping the head slightly raised, help most babies.
Can I give honey to my child for cold?: Only if your child is over 1 year old. Honey is unsafe for babies under one.
When should I take my child to a doctor for a cold?: For fast or noisy breathing, high fever, ear pain, poor feeding, drowsiness, or a cold lasting more than 10 days.