Cough remedies for kids: Safe treatment options and when to seek urgent care.

Safe cough remedies for children.

The safest cough remedies start at home and don't require any medicine at all.

• Honey. This is one of the most effective cough soothers for kids. A spoonful of honey can coat the throat and reduce coughing. But never give honey to babies under 1 year old. For kids over 1, a teaspoon or two before bed can really help with nighttime coughs.
• A cool mist humidifier. This is another safe option. Adding moisture to the air helps loosen mucus and makes coughing easier. Run it in your child's room while they sleep. Warm steam from a shower can work too, just sit with your child in the bathroom for 10 minutes while the steam does its job.
• Fluids. Fluids matter more than you'd think. Warm liquids like broth, tea, or warm water with lemon and honey soothe the throat and help break up mucus. Make sure your child is drinking enough throughout the day.
• Elevating your child's head. Elevating the head while they sleep (using an extra pillow for kids over 2) can help reduce coughing by letting mucus drain better. Avoid laying them flat on their back.

Home treatments vs Over-the-counter options.

Not all over-the-counter cough medicines work the same and some aren't safe for young kids.

• Cough drops and lozenges. These can help for older kids (usually 4 and up), but they're a choking hazard for younger children. Stick with honey and fluids for kids under 4.
• OTC cough syrups. These might be tempting, but the FDA recommends avoiding them for kids under 4. For kids 4 and older, products containing dextromethorphan (DXM) or guaifenesin can help, but always follow the dosing on the label based on your child's age and weight. Never exceed the recommended dose.
• Decongestants. Decongestants like pseudoephedrine are generally not recommended for kids under 12 without a doctor's approval. They can raise heart rate and blood pressure.

Combine home remedies first. Use honey, humidifiers and fluids for a week. Most kids' coughs improve within 7 to 10 days with just these treatments. 

Only use OTC medicine if your child is uncomfortable and home remedies aren't helping.

Safe cough medicine for kids: what's allowed by age.

Age matters when it comes to cough medicine safety.

• Babies under 1 year. Skip all medicines. Use only a humidifier, fluids and elevating their head. Never give honey.
• Ages 1 to 3. Honey is your best option. A half teaspoon before bed can reduce coughing. Humidifiers and fluids are safe, too. Avoid all OTC cough medicines.
• Ages 4 to 11. You can use OTC cough medicines with DXM or guaifenesin, but follow the label carefully. Honey still works great. This is also when croup becomes more common in young children. If your child has a barking cough, learn about croup treatment to know what you're dealing with.
• Ages 12 and up. Most adult OTC cough medicines are okay, but still follow dosing instructions. Honey and home remedies are still your first line of defense.

Always talk to your pharmacist or doctor before giving any OTC medicine, especially if your child is on other medications.

When to visit CityMD.

Most coughs go away on their own within two weeks. But some need professional care.

If your child was recently exposed to RSV or shows signs of it, understanding how long RSV is contagious can help you know when it's safe for them to be around others. Get them checked out first.

Go to the emergency room if:

• Your child is struggling to breathe or can't catch their breath
• Your child has severe chest pain
• Your child feels lightheaded, dizzy, or is losing consciousness
• Your child coughs up blood
• Your child has a fever over 104°F

Visit CityMD if:

• Your child's cough lasts longer than two weeks
• Your child has a fever between 101°F and 103°F with a cough
• Your child is coughing but breathing normally
• Your child is producing thick, discolored mucus
• You're unsure whether home care is enough
• Your child was recently exposed to RSV, COVID-19, or other viruses and you want to rule them out

For non-emergencies, your local CityMD can usually figure out what your child has right away. No appointment needed, just walk in. Our providers see coughs all day and know exactly what to look for. We can get you answers and treatment without the long ER wait.
A cough might seem like a small thing, but it's your child's body telling you something needs attention. Most of the time, home care is all you need. But when you're unsure, CityMD is here to help.