Coughing is a common problem among kids and it is especially troublesome if it disturbs their sleep. Coughing is actually the outcome of low resistance in kids. If you have toddlers at home, you must always be on the lookout for home remedies to cure a cough without having to run to the doctor. Here Preschool teachers have shared some tried and tested effective home remedies for cough in kids. But before, let's have a look at the common causes of cough in kids.

What are the Common Causes of Cough in Kids?

There can be many reasons for which your child may get a cough.

• Cold and Flu – Cold and flu can cause coughing in children.
• Acid Reflux – Coughing is one of the symptoms of acid reflux. But please look for other symptoms to confirm if it is acid reflux.
• Asthma – The symptoms of asthma may vary from child to child, so sometimes it becomes tough to diagnose asthma in children. But a wheezing cough, which may get worse at night, can be a symptom of asthma.
• Allergies – If your child has a dust allergy or sinus problem, he may get a lingering cough.
• Whooping Cough – It is mainly characterized by recurrent cough, followed by an inhale that has a ‘whooping’ sound.

If your child is coughing due to infection or asthma, or he is having a whooping cough, you should consult a doctor without wasting time.

Some Effective Home Remedies for cough in Kids :

If your toddler is coughing at night and is not able to sleep properly, these home remedies would be of great help.

Eucalyptus Oil : If your child is less than 2 years old, take a few drops of eucalyptus oil on her pillow and the bedrolls. It will open his blocked nose and provide instant relief. In fact, you can pour a few drops on his clothes as well. But pediatricians of Arcadia, CA, always advise parents not to rub the oil on their throat.

Warm Soup : At night, give your child a bowl of warm vegetable or chicken soup. Having warm soup is a very good home remedy for cough as it provides relief from cough and sore throat.

Turmeric and Honey Mixture : Turmeric and honey are two ingredients that must be always available in your kitchen. Turmeric has antiseptic properties and honey gives relief to the throat. So you can give a mixture of these two to your kids. But please remember you can give honey only if your child is one year or above.

Message : Heat the mustard oil and add some roughly crushed garlic into it. Let it cool and massage the oil all over your child’s body, especially on the throat, chest, back, palms and feet. Mustard oil keeps the body warm and garlic with its antibacterial properties is very effective to ward off infections.

These home remedies are quite effective for cough but if your child is coughing continuously for more than 3 days, please take him to a doctor and have a thorough check-up.