To stop a constant cough in a child, especially if caused by a common cold or allergies, several safe and effective home remedies can be used:
Home Remedies to Soothe a Child's Cough
- Hydration: Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids like water, warm caffeine-free tea, broth, or warm water with lemon. Fluids help thin mucus and soothe the throat
- Honey (for children over 1 year): Honey can reduce the severity and frequency of coughs better than many over-the-counter medicines. Give ½ to 1 teaspoon as needed, possibly mixed with warm liquids or combined with natural ingredients like lemon or ginger
. Avoid honey for children under 1 year due to risk of botulism
- Humidifier: Use a cool-mist humidifier in the child's room to add moisture to the air, which helps reduce throat irritation and loosen mucus. Ensure the humidifier is clean to prevent mold and bacteria
- Steam inhalation: Let the child breathe in steam from a warm bath or shower to loosen mucus and calm coughs. For croup-like coughs, alternating steam with exposure to cold air may help
- Nasal saline drops and suction: Using saline nasal drops can help clear nasal congestion that causes postnasal drip and coughing. For younger children, a nasal aspirator or bulb syringe can remove mucus to ease coughing
- Elevate the head during sleep: Raising the child's head can improve breathing and reduce coughing at night
- Warm fluids and soothing foods: Warm apple juice, milk, or herbal teas can soothe the throat. Turmeric milk is also a traditional remedy for dry coughs in children over 1 year
- Onion and honey remedy: For older children, mixing onion juice with honey twice daily can soothe coughs
Additional Tips
- Avoid over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children under 6 years old, as they are not recommended and may be harmful
- Keep the child warm and well-rested to support recovery
- Only treat the cough if it causes discomfort or interrupts sleep; mild coughs that do not bother the child often do not require treatment
If the cough is persistent, severe, or accompanied by high fever, difficulty breathing, or other concerning symptoms, consult a pediatrician promptly. These remedies provide safe, natural ways to help stop a child's constant cough and improve their comfort at home.
