Cough And Cold Medicine For 16 Month Old
As a parent, it can be difficult to watch your little one suffer from a cough and cold. You want to do everything in your power to make them feel better, but when it comes to giving them medicine, you may be hesitant. The truth is, cough and cold medicine for a 16-month-old is not as straightforward as you may think. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about cough and cold medicine for a 16-month-old.
When Is It Safe To Give Your 16-Month-Old Cough And Cold Medicine?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that cough and cold medicine should not be given to children under the age of 4. This is because these medicines can have serious side effects, including slowed breathing, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to talk to your child's pediatrician before giving them any kind of medicine.
However, if your child is suffering from a mild cold, there are some home remedies that you can try to ease their symptoms. These include:
- Giving them plenty of fluids
- Using a cool-mist humidifier in their room
- Suctioning their nose with a bulb syringe
- Using saline drops to loosen mucus in their nose
- Elevating their head while they sleep
These remedies may help to ease your child's symptoms without the need for medicine.
What Kind Of Cough And Cold Medicine Can You Give Your 16-Month-Old?
If your child's pediatrician determines that they need medicine to treat their cough and cold symptoms, they may recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help reduce fever and relieve pain. These medicines are safe for children as young as 6 months old.
It is important to follow the dosing guidelines provided by your child's pediatrician or the instructions on the medicine label. Giving your child too much medicine can be dangerous and lead to serious side effects.
It is also important to note that cough and cold medicine should not be given to children under the age of 4 without the guidance of a healthcare professional. These medicines can be dangerous and cause serious side effects, including slowed breathing and even death.
What Are The Risks Of Giving Your 16-Month-Old Cough And Cold Medicine?
As mentioned earlier, cough and cold medicine can have serious side effects in young children, including slowed breathing, which can be life-threatening. In addition, these medicines can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea.
It is important to always talk to your child's pediatrician before giving them any kind of medicine, including cough and cold medicine. Your child's pediatrician can help you determine if medicine is necessary and can provide you with guidance on the appropriate dosing and potential side effects.
Conclusion
Cough and cold medicine for a 16-month-old is not as straightforward as you may think. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that cough and cold medicine should not be given to children under the age of 4 due to the potential for serious side effects. However, if your child's pediatrician determines that medicine is necessary to treat their symptoms, they may recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It is important to always follow the dosing guidelines and talk to your child's pediatrician before giving them any kind of medicine.
