Cough and Cold Remedies for Children Under Age 4

The Food and Drug Administration supports a voluntary decision by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) to affirmatively state that over-the-counter cough and cold products should not be used in children under 4 years of age.

• A cool mist humidifier may make breathing easier. Choose cool mist over warm mist humidifiers, as the cool air shrinks the nasal tissues, where the warm mist may cause swelling.
• Saline nose drops or sprays keep nasal passages moist.
• A bulb syringe with or without salt water nose drops, works well to suction nasal passages for infants less than a year old, and older children who are willing to submit to its use.
• Infant/child formula acetaminophen or ibuprofen may reduce fever, aches and pain.
• Make sure the child drinks plenty of liquids.
• Nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline, such as Afrin®, are not intended for children under 6 years old.