Coughing is a normal way for the body to clear the throat and chest of irritants. Children’s Hospital Boston reports that coughs occur frequently in childhood, and although they can sound bad, they’re usually not indicative of anything dangerous. Unless your newborn is showing signs of something serious, like a fever, serious congestion or wheezing, feel free to use some of the home remedies that are safe for newborns.
Sit in a Steamed Room to Relieve Cough
For a cough that sounds "wet," try steaming the bathroom with hot water. Take the baby into the bathroom for a few minutes. It’s not necessary to continue running the water while you sit with her. The goal is to keep her as comfortable as possible. If the running water keeps her calm, allow the water to run. Steam works by breaking up mucus that's causing the cough and causing him discomfort.
Put a Humidifier in Baby's Room if She Coughs
When your newborn has a "barking’ cough," it’s possible that the air in your house is too dry. Pediatricians from St. John's Children's Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, explain that unlike a steam vaporizer or ultrasonic humidifier, a cool mist humidifier can provide significant relief to an infant with a dry throat. Put a humidifier in the rooms your baby spends the most time.
A Warm Bath and Herbal, Organic Chest Rubs Offer Baby Relief From Cough
Adding eucalyptus, thyme or sage oil to bath water can create a vapor that helps clear airways and allow easier breathing. Thyme and sage also helps a groggy infant feel more relaxed and sleepy.
Try using herbal, organic chest rubs as well. At night dilute eucalyptus oil in warm water and gently rub it on your baby's chest. The vapor from the herbs can help the baby breathe easier. Eucalyptus is known for clearing nasal passages, loosening phlegm and increasing flow of blood to muscles. Vanillin, a synthetic form of vanilla, can also be diluted in warm water. Vanillin is known for its calming and soothing properties.
Breastfeeding May Help Prevent Health Problems in Newborns
It’s thought that breast-fed newborns become ill less often than those who are formula fed because of the immune-system boosters in mom's milk. Breast milk is also a way to keep the baby hydrated – nature’s best cough suppressant.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her child's health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources:
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Whooping Cough (accessed July 27, 2010).
St. John Providence Health System. Babies Warning Signs (accessed July 27, 2010).
American Review of Respiratory Diseases. "The Development of Cough" 1985 May; 131(5):S39-42 (accessed July 27, 2010).
Shannon Marks - Shannon Marks is a writer living in Austin, Texas. She spent most of the 90s and 2000's living in New York City where she was an editor at ...
