Cough syrups

Coughing is stressful when it keeps your child awake at night. But coughing can be helpful. It can be a sign that the body is getting rid of mucus that irritates the airway. Syrups that stop this normal response of the body can be harmful to children.

Many OTC cough and cold products contain drugs that claim to ease coughing. Usually they include dextromethorphan (also called DM) and/or diphenhydramine. Codeine is another drug that is used to calm coughing in children. Some OTC drugs contain codeine, but in most cases, you need a prescription.

Most studies of these drugs have been done in adults. The few that have been done in children show no benefit.

Decongestants

Oral decongestants (pills or syrups taken by the mouth) are drugs from the same family as adrenaline (a hormone that acts on blood vessels). They are given to reduce swelling and stuffiness in the nose due to colds. Decongestants can offer some relief, but they won’t cure the problem and can cause a fast heartbeat, restlessness, or insomnia (not able to sleep) in children.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are usually used to dry up a runny nose or reduce sneezing caused by allergies. They can also ease itching from things like hives, chickenpox or insect bites. Antihistamines won’t help someone with a cold. They can actually present side effects, such as drowsiness, if used for the treatment of a cold.

Nasal drops or sprays

Nose drops or nose sprays that contain normal saline (a weak salt water solution) can be used to soften the mucus in the nose and help your child breathe better. Do not use nasal drops or sprays that contain drugs. You should not use hypertonic (3% or extra strong) nasal drops without talking to your doctor.

Pain and fever relievers

The most common OTC pain relievers are acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Products with acetylsalicylic acid (such as Aspirin) should not be given to children and teenagers for fever from colds, chickenpox and influenza (flu) because it can cause Reyes syndrome, a sickness that can cause brain and liver damage.

For fever and mild to moderate pain in children, you should use acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Acetaminophen is found in products such as Tylenol, Tempra, Panadol and others. Ibuprofen is found in products such as Advil or Motrin. They come in drops for infants, liquid for toddlers, and chewable tablets for older children.

Ibuprofen should only be given if your child is drinking reasonably well. Do not give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months without first talking to your doctor. Do not use ibuprofen or acetaminophen with any other pain reliever or fever reducer, unless your doctor advises. Remember that some cold medicines include these products with other drugs.

Be sure to read labels carefully to see what the products contain so that you don’t give your child a double dose of the same drug. Different medications have different amounts of acetaminophen, for example. These drugs are generally safe and they do help ease pain and fever. But taking too much of any drug or using it for a long period of time can be harmful.

Medication is not always needed to reduce a child’s temperature. Talk to your doctor if your baby (under 6 months) has a fever.

“Natural” doesn’t always mean safe. Some substances can be harmful if you take too much of them, while others can cause side effects or allergic reactions. 

Even if a product is safe for adults, it may not be safe for children. Children are still growing and developing, and their bodies may respond differently to a product or medicine than adults’ bodies.

Natural health products can interact with other drugs, even nonprescription drugs. Talk to your child’s doctor before you give a natural health product.

• It’s best not to start using a pacifier until breastfeeding is going well. Talk to your doctor or lactation specialist if you feel your baby needs to use one at this early stage. One exception is for premature or sick babies in the hospital who can benefit from using one for comfort.
• Always see if your baby is hungry, tired or bored before giving him a pacifier. Try solving these things first.
• Sterilize the pacifier by putting it in boiling water for 5 minutes before the first use. Make sure it’s completely cooled down before giving it to your baby. Keep it clean by washing it with hot, soapy water after each use. Don’t “clean” the pacifier by sucking on it yourself because it can spread germs from you to your child.
• Always check for cracks or tears before giving a pacifier to your baby. Don’t give your baby a pacifier right after giving medicine (like a pain reliever, antibiotics or vitamins), because some of these medicines can cause the material in the pacifier to break down. If there are cracks or tears, throw it out.
• Replace the pacifier every two months.
• Never dip the pacifier in sugar or honey. This will hurt your baby’s teeth. Honey can lead to botulism, which is a type of food poisoning.
• Never tie a pacifier around your baby’s neck. This can cause strangulation and death. Instead, you can use clips with short ribbons attached to them. They are available where you buy pacifiers and are safe to use.
• Never make your own pacifier out of bottle nipples, caps or other materials. These can cause choking and death.
• Don’t let your older child crawl or walk around with a pacifier.
• Use the pacifier only when your child needs comfort. Using it all day long can affect your child’s ability to learn to talk and can cause problems with teeth.
• Never let your baby or child chew on a pacifier. It could break down and cause choking and death.

• Limit the time you allow your child to use a pacifier. Use it only for sleep time and comfort. Plan to give it up by 4 years of age to prevent dental problems. This is also the age that most children start school and need to develop other coping strategies.
• Never use punishment or humiliation to force your child to give up using a pacifier.
• Include your child by asking him to throw it away or leave it under the pillow for the “soother fairy.” This is especially helpful if your child is older.
• Start a reward chart to mark your child’s progress.
• Praise your child when she gives up the pacifier. Tell her you are proud that she is growing up and give her lots of hugs and cuddles.
• Allow your child to express his feelings. If he’s upset or angry, give him special cuddles to help him cope.
• If your child asks for the pacifier again (and she probably will), don’t give in. Remind her that the pacifier is gone and that she is grown up now.