Health Tip: Treating Your Child's Cold

(HealthDay News) -- Your child has a nasty cold, but you've been told the toddler is too young for an over-the-counter cold medicine. So what do you do?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

• Blowing the nose is best. Avoid antihistamines unless it's suspected that allergies are the cause.
• Using a saline nasal wash also can help a stuffed up nose. For stubborn mucus, carefully remove with a wet cotton swab.
• Offering warm, clear fluids to a baby aged 3 months to one year for a cough (never honey at this age.) Offer honey for children 1 year and older.
• For coughing, have the child breathe in a steamy bathroom.
• Offer plenty of fluids to help thin secretions. You can also run a humidifier.