4 safe and effective home remedies for treating cough in newborns

When a newborn has a cough, many parents worry about whether medication is needed or if home care is enough. In reality, there are several safe and effective home remedies that can help soothe a newborn’s cough without the need for immediate medical treatment. The following article will guide you through simple ways to support your baby when they have a cough, along with important precautions to keep in mind.

4 safe and effective home remedies for treating cough in newborns

Coughing is the body’s natural way of clearing mucus, bacteria, or foreign particles from the respiratory tract. For newborns, home remedies must be done correctly and with absolute safety. Here are four methods parents can apply at home:

1. Breastfeed frequently

When a newborn has a cough, frequent feeding not only provides essential nutrition but also helps thin the mucus in the nose and airways. Offer smaller, more frequent feedings throughout the day to help your baby breathe more easily, which can reduce coughing and support better sleep.

Breastfeeding is especially recommended, as breast milk is the ideal source of nourishment. It not only provides energy but also delivers antibodies that strengthen your baby’s immune system and help fight off infections.

2. Use saline solution

Many newborns experience coughing along with a runny or blocked nose, making feeding and sleeping more difficult. You can place 1–2 drops of saline solution into each nostril to help clear and loosen the mucus, allowing your baby to breathe more easily.

After that, you may use a specialized nasal aspirator to gently remove the mucus from your baby’s nose. It’s best to do this before feeding to help your baby nurse more comfortably.

3. Keep your baby warm

Keeping your newborn warm the right way is one of the most effective home remedies for easing a cough. If the weather is cold, dress your baby in enough layers to stay warm, avoid drafts, and maintain a stable room temperature. On the other hand, in hot weather, avoid overdressing, as it can make your baby uncomfortable.

Pay special attention to keeping the neck, chest, and feet warm.

4. Humidify the air

Dry air can irritate your baby’s airways and make coughing worse. Moist, humid air helps keep mucus from drying out, making it easier for your baby to loosen and expel phlegm.

Parents can use a humidifier or simply run a warm shower to create steam in the bathroom. Let your baby sit nearby and breathe in the warm mist gently — this can soothe the throat and help reduce coughing

Precautions when treating a newborn’s cough at home

When using home remedies to treat a newborn’s cough, parents should keep a few important precautions in mind to ensure the baby’s safety:

These home remedies should only be used when your baby has a mild cough. If the cough becomes severe, lasts for many days, or is accompanied by concerning symptoms such as high fever, poor feeding, or difficulty breathing, parents should take the baby to a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment. In such cases, the remedies mentioned above should be used only as supportive care.
Do not use over-the-counter cough or cold medicines for children under 4 years old.
Never give honey to newborns or children under 1 year old, as it can cause poisoning.

Treating a newborn’s cough at home requires patience and careful observation from parents. Avoid using medication unless it has been prescribed by a doctor.

Home remedies for newborn coughs can be very effective when parents understand the proper methods and safety precautions. With a little patience, gentleness, and loving care, you can help your baby get through the cough comfortably and recover quickly.

Source: Hellobacsi