Safe Home Remedies for Baby's Cough
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, NIH guidelines
Last reviewed:
If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect safe home remedies for baby's cough, here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are not safe for children under 6 years old and should never be given to babies. Safe home remedies for a baby's cough include saline nasal drops with gentle suctioning, a cool-mist humidifier, keeping the baby well-hydrated, and elevating the head of the crib slightly. Honey can be given to children over 12 months but is dangerous for babies under 1 year due to botulism risk.
Key takeaways
- Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are not safe for children under 6 years old and should never be given to babies. Safe home remedies for a baby's cough include saline nasal drops with gentle suctioning, a cool-mist humidifier, keeping the baby well-hydrated, and elevating the head of the crib slightly. Honey can be given to children over 12 months but is dangerous for babies under 1 year due to botulism risk.
- Usually normal when: Your baby has a mild cough with a cold that improves over 7-10 days.
- Call your doctor if: Your baby is having difficulty breathing - retractions (skin pulling in between ribs), nasal flaring, or breathing faster than 60 breaths per minute.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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When to Seek Immediate Care
- Your baby is having difficulty breathing - retractions (skin pulling in between ribs), nasal flaring, or breathing faster than 60 breaths per minute.
- Your baby's lips or fingernails turn blue or gray during coughing episodes.
- Your baby is under 3 months with any cough and fever (100.4 degrees F or higher).
- Your baby has a barking, seal-like cough (possible croup) with stridor (a high-pitched sound when breathing in).
By Age
What to expect by age
0-6 months
Young babies who are coughing need careful attention because their airways are small and they breathe primarily through their noses. Safe approaches include using saline nasal drops (1-2 drops per nostril) followed by gentle suction with a bulb syringe or NoseFrida to clear congestion. A cool-mist humidifier in the room helps keep airways moist. Offer frequent breast or bottle feeds to maintain hydration. Do not give any cough medicine, honey, vapor rubs, or essential oils. If a baby under 3 months develops a cough, contact your pediatrician promptly.
6-12 months
Continue with saline drops, suctioning, and humidifier use. You can also offer small sips of warm water (after 6 months) to soothe the throat. Sitting in a steamy bathroom (not directly in hot steam) for 10-15 minutes can help loosen congestion. Do NOT give honey to babies under 12 months due to the risk of infant botulism. Do NOT use mentholated vapor rubs on babies - they can irritate young skin and airways. Propping up during supervised awake time may help with drainage, but always place baby on a flat surface for sleep.
12-36 months
After 12 months, you can give 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of honey to help soothe a cough - studies show honey is as effective as some cough suppressants. Continue with humidifier, saline drops, and adequate fluids (water, breast milk, or milk). Warm clear liquids like broth or warm water with honey and lemon may help. Over-the-counter cough medicines are still not recommended for children under 6. If the cough is persistent or accompanied by wheezing, your pediatrician may recommend a specific treatment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby has a mild cough with a cold that improves over 7-10 days.
- The cough is mostly caused by nasal drainage (postnasal drip) and improves with saline and suctioning.
- Your baby continues to eat, drink, and play normally despite the cough.
- The cough has lasted more than 10 days without improvement.
- Your baby is coughing at night to the point where it regularly disrupts sleep.
- The cough is accompanied by wheezing or a persistent whistling sound when breathing.
- Your baby is having difficulty breathing - retractions (skin pulling in between ribs), nasal flaring, or breathing faster than 60 breaths per minute.
- Your baby's lips or fingernails turn blue or gray during coughing episodes.
- Your baby is under 3 months with any cough and fever (100.4 degrees F or higher).
- Your baby has a barking, seal-like cough (possible croup) with stridor (a high-pitched sound when breathing in).
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Safe Home Remedies for Baby's Cough.
Things to mention
- The cough has lasted more than 10 days without improvement.
- Your baby is coughing at night to the point where it regularly disrupts sleep.
- The cough is accompanied by wheezing or a persistent whistling sound when breathing.
Observations to share
- The cough has lasted more than 10 days without improvement.
- Your baby is coughing at night to the point where it regularly disrupts sleep.
- The cough is accompanied by wheezing or a persistent whistling sound when breathing.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby is having difficulty breathing - retractions (skin pulling in between ribs), nasal flaring, or breathing faster than 60 breaths per minute.
- Your baby's lips or fingernails turn blue or gray during coughing episodes.
- Your baby is under 3 months with any cough and fever (100.4 degrees F or higher).
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
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My Baby's First Cold - What to Do
A baby's first cold is stressful for parents but is a normal part of building the immune system. Babies typically get 8-10 colds in their first two years. Symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, mild cough, low-grade fever, and fussiness. No cold medicine is safe for babies under 6 years. Supportive care includes saline drops with gentle suctioning, a cool-mist humidifier, extra fluids, and rest. Most colds resolve within 7-10 days.
Are Essential Oil Diffusers Safe Around Babies?
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Baby Wheezing
Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound heard during breathing out, caused by narrowed airways. In babies, the most common cause is a viral infection like bronchiolitis (often RSV). Many babies wheeze once or twice during their first viral illnesses and never wheeze again. However, wheezing with breathing difficulty always warrants medical evaluation.
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RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common virus that affects nearly all children by age 2. Most babies have mild cold-like symptoms, but some, especially young infants and those with underlying conditions, can develop breathing difficulties. Watch for fast breathing, flaring nostrils, or visible chest pulling - these are signs to seek medical care.
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Frequently asked questions
Is safe home remedies for baby's cough normal?
When should I call the doctor about safe home remedies for baby's cough?
When is safe home remedies for baby's cough normal?
What causes safe home remedies for baby's cough?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about safe home remedies for baby's cough?
Is safe home remedies for baby's cough normal at 0-6 months?
Is safe home remedies for baby's cough normal at 6-12 months?
Should I go to the ER for safe home remedies for baby's cough?
Does safe home remedies for baby's cough go away on its own?
References
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of safe home remedies for baby's cough are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby is having difficulty breathing - retractions (skin pulling in between ribs), nasal flaring, or breathing faster than 60 breaths per minute.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Medical Concerns
My Baby's First Cold - What to Do
A baby's first cold is stressful for parents but is a normal part of building the immune system. Babies typically get 8-10 colds in their first two years. Symptoms include nasal congestion, runny nose, mild cough, low-grade fever, and fussiness. No cold medicine is safe for babies under 6 years. Supportive care includes saline drops with gentle suctioning, a cool-mist humidifier, extra fluids, and rest. Most colds resolve within 7-10 days.
Are Essential Oil Diffusers Safe Around Babies?
Essential oil diffusers are generally not recommended in rooms with babies and young children. Many essential oils contain compounds that can irritate a baby's developing respiratory system, trigger allergic reactions, or be toxic if inhaled in concentrated amounts. Eucalyptus and peppermint oils are particularly risky for young children as they contain compounds that can cause breathing problems. If you choose to diffuse, use only baby-safe oils in very diluted amounts, in a well-ventilated room, for brief periods.
Baby Wheezing
Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound heard during breathing out, caused by narrowed airways. In babies, the most common cause is a viral infection like bronchiolitis (often RSV). Many babies wheeze once or twice during their first viral illnesses and never wheeze again. However, wheezing with breathing difficulty always warrants medical evaluation.
RSV in Babies: What to Know
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common virus that affects nearly all children by age 2. Most babies have mild cold-like symptoms, but some, especially young infants and those with underlying conditions, can develop breathing difficulties. Watch for fast breathing, flaring nostrils, or visible chest pulling - these are signs to seek medical care.
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