“What can you give a toddler for a cold?”

Hello,

Usually with a cold, all that is needed is nasal saline spray or drops every few hours with suctioning, which could be a 2-person job, given the age of the toddler. If there is a persistent cough, any irregular breathing, or shortness of breath, the patient needs to be evaluated by the physician.

Take Care,

Dr. Mansour

There is no oral medication that works or that is approved for colds in toddlers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using Vicks Vapo Rub on the chest of children over one and can also use vicks in the vaporizer. You can also use saline nose drops in the nose to keep it cleared.

Since a cold is caused by a virus, antibiotics are not needed and will do no good whatsoever. And since we have no medication to directly treat the cold, treating symptoms such as runny nose, congestion, etc., are all we can do. Unfortunately, oral medications are almost completely ineffective in treating the common cold. Oral decongestants, oral antihistamines and the like have been studied extensively and shown to have no benefit, and quite a few side effects. So your best bets are to keep your child well hydrated, encourage plenty of rest and sleep, use a saline nasal spray to clear mucous, and just wait it out. Some studies suggest that a small amount of Vicks Vapo Rub on the chest can help the congestion, and it is certainly safe.

Dr. K