Coughs, colds and sniffles are an inevitable part of your baby's winter, especially as children pick up germs much more readily than adults. But more mums are now looking to complementary treatments and natural remedies to help beat the bugs.
‘Orthodox medicine can't actually do anything to cure or prevent coughs and colds, but there's lots of evidence that complementary medicine can help to boost the immune system and lessen the symptoms,' says Dr Sarah Brewer, a GP and author.
To help you pick your way through the mass of natural products out there and find what's best for your child, we've put together this symptom-specific guide.
A blocked nose
TRY THIS A nasal aspirator for newborns and an aromatic rub for older babies.
HOW THEY HELP Babies breathe through their nose, so when it gets blocked, it can cause problems with feeding and sleeping. To help clear their nostrils, try the Baby Nose-Clear Nasal Aspirator. You place it against the end of your baby's nose and gently suck mucus out through the tube into a sealed chamber, which helps to clear her airways. For children aged 6 months and upwards, try massaging Aromakids Bunged-up Bertie's Aromatic Gel onto her chest and under her nose - it contains cold-blitzing, decongesting eucalyptus and menthol oils that help to clear your little one's stuffy nose.
According to the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University, aromatic oils such as menthol and eucalyptus have been used for hundreds of years to treat cold symptoms, such as a bunged-up nose.
WHERE TO GET THEM The Baby Nose-Clear Nasal Aspirator, £6.99, from Tesco, Mothercare, Boots and www.4little1.com. Aroma-kids Bunged-up Bertie's Aromatic Gel, £3.69 for 50ml, from www.hippychick.com or call 01278 434440 for stockists.
A tickly cough
TRY THIS A homeopathic cough syrup.
HOW IT HELPS Nelsons
Sootha Cough Syrup contains the homeopathic remedy bryonia, which is good for dryness in the throat and coughs. Homeopathic remedies work by treating like with like, so the treatment given is similar in substance to the illness, only in minute doses. The syrup also contains soothing honey and lemon for an added vitamin-C boost. You can also make a soothing drink by adding honey and lemon to hot water and leaving it to cool. Honey isn't suitable for babies under 1.
WHERE TO GET IT
Nelsons Sootha Cough Syrup, £4.20 for 150ml, is available from Holland & Barrett, Sainsbury's, Superdrug, Boots and most pharmacies.
A sore throat
TRY THIS Soothing lozenges.
HOW THEY HELP Comvita Propolis Lozenges combine propolis - a substance made by bees, said to be a natural antibiotic - with honey made from flowers of the New Zealand manuka bush that is renowned for its healing qualities. One recent study showed propolis extracts may help protect against colds and even shorten how long they last.
WHERE TO GET THEM Comvita Propolis Lozenges, £3.25 for 75g, from health food stores nationwide, are suitable from 2 years. For info, call 0845 658 5858.
A chesty cough
TRY THIS Chicken soup.
HOW IT HELPS Giving children a bowl of chicken soup when they're ill is more than just comfort food - it helps to thin mucus while nourishing them at the same time. A team from the University of Nebraska Medical Center also found that chicken soup has anti-inflammatory properties. Blended chicken soup can be given to babies once they're weaned, from about 6 months onwards.
WHERE TO GET IT Never give a ready-made adult version to a young baby or child, as it's likely to be high in salt. Try making your own chicken soup by dicing some chicken and lightly frying with a chopped onion and carrot. Peel and chop a potato, add to the chicken with 1pt of water. Boil for 15 minutes then blend and serve warm but not hot.
A runny nose, sneezes and watering eyes
TRY THIS A homeopathic remedy.
HOW IT HELPS The homeopathic remedy Allium cepa is said to be good for colds that are accompanied by sneezing, watering eyes and a runny nose. ‘Allium cepa is an excellent remedy for colds that tend to come on in cold, wet weather. Lots of sneezing is usually the first telltale sign,' says homeopath Rebecca Wells, author of Neal's Yard Remedies Homeopathy (£9.99, Aurum). Although homeopaths say it's suitable for newborns, you'll probably find it easier to give to older babies. Simply crush one tablet and add to your child's milk, or dab it around her gum area. Repeat the dosage every four to eight hours.
WHERE TO GET IT Neal's Yard
Remedies Allium cepa, £4.75 for 125 tablets of 30c potency, is available from Neal's Yard Remedies stores around the UK. Call 0845 262 3145 for stockists or
visit www.nealsyardremedies.com.
A wheezy chest
TRY THIS Aromatic oil.
HOW IT HELPS Scotch pine essential oil is great for opening up the airways and easing chest infections and breathing. For babies from 3 months to 2 years, dilute one drop of pine oil in a teaspoon of sweet almond oil before adding to a warm bath. For children aged 2 and over, use up to three drops in a teaspoon of carrier oil.
If your child has sensitive skin, fill the sink with very hot water and add the essential oil. ‘This will create a soothing vapour without risking a reaction to her sensitive skin,' says Cath Kay, herbalist for Neal's Yard Remedies in Glasgow. You could also try a plug-in vaporiser, such as Karvol, £5.99, from supermarkets.
If your child has breathing difficulties or anything more than mild wheeziness, seek medical help immediately.
WHERE TO GET IT Most heath food stores sell Scotch pine essential oil.
As with all medicines, always check the suitability of an over-the-counter natural remedy with a qualified practitioner or pharmacist and follow dosage instructions.
For more info on keeping your baby healthy, visit www.netdoctor.co.uk.
When to call a doctor
While it's great to try natural products for some symptoms, it's also important to know when to see your GP or use conventional medicines.
See your GP if your child has anything more than mild wheezing or has difficulty breathing.
A child's normal body temperature is 37°C (98.6°F). A raised temperature is often nothing to worry about, as this shows the body is trying to fight off an infection. However, if she has a temperature of 39°C (102°F) or above and it stays like this for more than a day, check with your GP. If there are also symptoms including vomiting, a severe headache, pale blotchy skin and a rash that doesn't go away when you gently press a glass to it, seek medical help immediately, as these symptoms can indicate meningitis, which needs urgent treatment.
It's a good idea to keep a few regular medicines to hand for bringing down a temperature quickly. Good options include Calpol Infant Suspension, a paracetamol-based painkiller suitable for babies from 2 months, and Calprofen, an ibuprofen-based painkiller suitable for babies from the age of 3 months, or Nurofen for children suitable from 3 months.
