Toddler w/ his 1st cold

[mellie-bellie]

My 25mo just came down w/ a cold a few days ago. He's never had one before, has only been sick 2 times in his life the flu (last winter). He is all congested and I can hear the phlegm as he breathes. The thing is, he doesn't know to cough to bring up the phlegm so he can breath better. He is having a hard time sleeping, his coughes wake him up because all the phlegm in his throat makes it hard for him to breathe. Aside from that, he's nursing CONSTANTLY..probably triple the amount that my 2 1/2mo does (I'm one worn out mama that's for sure). He's not eating much, and barely is drinking, although I know he's getting plenty of fluids because of all the nursing..he's soaking diapers at the rate that my baby is.

So what's a mama to do to help this lil froggy sounding guy? I would give him something herbal/homeopathic, but he will simply refuse to take anything, and it'd be a battle (something I'd like to avoid). I did put some tiger balm on his shirt (I thought the eucalyptus might help the breathing, sorta like a vapor rub). I have some eucalyptus essential oil that I'll start difusing. What else can I do? On Saturday, he had a fever of 100.4, but no cold/cough. His fever has gone down (I didn't take him temp), he's not burning up like he was. I'm not the type to run and give my kid Tylenol. I feel that sickness is good in a sense, it helps build a strong immune system.

[Erin Pavlina]

When my daughter has a cold I get out the steam vaporizer and put the Eucalyptus, Menthol stuff in it. I think that helps her a lot.

I also elevate her bed so she is sleeping on an incline because at night her nose just fills right up if I don't. I've also taught her to sleep on one side so one nostril will stay clear at least.

Lots of fluids. Maybe a popsicle to soothe his throat, you know, something cold. Or maybe some hot soup. I would just keep trying stuff until I foudn something that worked.

oh, also try steaming up the bathroom and sitting in there with him.

[sophie]

With my kids I have used a homeopathic chest rub which consists of eucalyptus and plantago, it works pretty well. Even at the pharmacy here there are quite a few quite natural products for children with colds. Lavender is another good essential oil to use. Hope your little boy feels better soon!

[5xblessed]

I run the shower until the bathroom is very steamy, then sit with the sick child there. I also run the vaporizer but find the shower steam works quickly. I know it's hard but the nursing is probably the best thing in the world for him. Maybe a nice warm bath with some lavender or eucalyptus would be good too. Hang in there mom, he'll be better soon.
Lisa

[capersmama]

I know this is about a 6 month late reply...but maybe it will help someone else..I use a homeopathic elixir calle Elderberry Elixir for children. Helps with the symptoms as well as has immune system builders.