What is a safe home remedy for a child's cough?

Warm fluids, shower steam, rest and a clean smoke-free home. For children over one year, a little honey at bedtime is a traditional and commonly recommended option.

Can I give tulsi or ginger to my child?

Tulsi steam or a very mild tulsi water is common in Indian homes for children over one year. Strong ginger or kadha can upset small tummies, so keep amounts small and ask your paediatrician.

How long does a cough last in kids?

A cough after a cold can last two to three weeks. See a doctor if it lasts longer, keeps getting worse or comes with breathing difficulty.

Kids' health10 min

Home remedies for cough in kids: warm fluids, steam from a shower and honey for over-ones

A child's cough keeps the whole family awake. These home remedies for cough in kids comfort the throat and loosen mucus safely: plenty of warm fluids, steam from a hot shower, a slightly raised head at night and, for children over one year only, a little honey before bed.

Important: this remedy is only a supportive home measure. Keep taking any medicine your doctor has prescribed, monitor your readings, and consult your doctor before adding anything new.

Most coughs in children are viral

Most coughs in children come with colds and settle within two to three weeks, even if they sound dramatic. Cough medicines are generally not recommended for young children; comfort care is the main treatment. A cough can also signal asthma, pneumonia or whooping cough, so watch for warning signs.

Traditional Indian home care relies on warmth, rest, light food and tulsi or ajwain steam for children, with honey reserved for kids over one year.

Ingredients

Warm water, thin soups, dal water or warm milk
½–1 teaspoon honey (only for children over 1 year)
A few tulsi leaves (for steam in the bathroom, optional)
Saline nose drops for a blocked nose

How to prepare

Warm fluids to a comfortable sipping temperature.
Run a hot shower with the door closed to fill the bathroom with steam.

How to use

Offer warm fluids often through the day.
Sit with your child in the steamy bathroom (not in the hot water) for 10 minutes before bed.
For children over 1 year, give ½ teaspoon honey (1 teaspoon over 6 years) at bedtime; raise the head of the mattress slightly for older children.

Helpful habits

Keep the child away from smoke, incense and mosquito coils.
Let them rest and eat light, warm food.
Use saline drops before feeds and sleep for babies with a blocked nose.

Precautions

Never give honey to a baby under 1 year (risk of infant botulism).
Do not give over-the-counter cough or cold medicines to children under 6 unless a doctor advises, and never give adult medicines. Do not put direct steam from a pot near a child; it can cause burns.
See a doctor urgently for fast or difficult breathing, chest pulling in, bluish lips, wheezing, high fever, a baby under 3 months with cough, whooping sounds, cough lasting more than 3 weeks, or a child who is unusually drowsy or not drinking.

Frequently asked questions

What is a safe home remedy for a child's cough?: Warm fluids, shower steam, rest and a clean smoke-free home. For children over one year, a little honey at bedtime is a traditional and commonly recommended option.
Can I give tulsi or ginger to my child?: Tulsi steam or a very mild tulsi water is common in Indian homes for children over one year. Strong ginger or kadha can upset small tummies, so keep amounts small and ask your paediatrician.
How long does a cough last in kids?: A cough after a cold can last two to three weeks. See a doctor if it lasts longer, keeps getting worse or comes with breathing difficulty.