✓Do: Bring Them to the Doctor
Bring your little one to the hospital if they appear to have difficulty of breathing, develop a bluish tinge in their lips and nails (cyanosis), become difficult to rouse, and seem to have inhaled a foreign object.
Also, consult a doctor if the baby cough lasts longer than 2 weeks with or without a cold or it already interferes with your child’s daily life. A fever is also a sign that your child needs a check-up.
✖ Don’t: Allow Smoking in the House
Cigarette smoke can irritate the lungs further, causing worse coughing fits. Besides, second-hand smoke brings about many health risks.
✖ Don’t: Give Honey to Babies Younger than 12 Months
Honey may relieve cough, but giving it to babies younger than a year old is risky because of infant botulism, a rare but life-threatening food poisoning.
✖ Don’t: Give Them Medicines Unless Approved by a Doctor
As much as you want your baby to get better, do not give them any medicine unless their pediatrician approves of it.
Giving medicines to babies without prescription is risky because many over-the-counter medicines that are safe for adults are harmful to infants.
Case in point: aspirin may cause liver and brain damage, ibuprofen is not recommended to babies younger than 6 months, and decongestants may cause rapid heartbeat. Additionally, some medicines shouldn’t be used for more than a couple of days.
Key Takeaways
Many cases of baby cough resolve with home remedies. However, some need immediate medical attention. The best course of action is to bring your baby to the doctor if their cough doesn’t get better or it appears to be worsening even after performing home remedies.
Learn more about Baby Care here.
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