Pedemy All toolsTap your child’s age and symptoms. You will see what is safe, what is not, and what really helps.
This tool shows parents which cough and cold medicines are safe for their child’s age, and what actually helps a stuffy nose, cough, fever or sore throat. Tap your child’s age and symptoms to see a simple safe / not safe table.
Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under 4, and for ages 4 to 6 only if the doctor says so. Honey can soothe a cough in children 1 year and older but must never be given to babies under 1. Saline drops, suction, fluids and a cool-mist humidifier help at every age.
Advice follows the American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org) and the FDA. For fever or pain medicine doses by weight, the tool links to Pedemy’s Tylenol and Motrin dose tool.
Don’t give over-the-counter cough and cold medicine to children under 4. For children 4 to 6, use it only if your child’s doctor says so. Children 6 and older can use a product made for their age, following the label.
Only give honey to children 1 year and older. The AAP suggests ½ to 1 teaspoon (2–5 mL) as needed, for example before bed. Never give honey to a baby under 1.
Put a few saline drops in each side of the nose, then gently suction with a bulb syringe, especially before feeds and sleep. A cool-mist humidifier can help too. Don’t use cough or cold medicine in babies.
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