Small babies have a weak immune system and therefore, they are more prone to minor ailments. Some of the most common ones are cold, cough and viral fever. That is why it is essential to take special and extra infants.

Children easily tend to pick up infection from a person who is already suffering from cold and cough or through contaminated air. Some of the common symptoms of cold and coughs in babies are congestion, runny nose, fever, sneezing, loss of appetite and difficulty in sleeping.

Dealing with a sick child is really difficult for parents, especially in case of new born babies. American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that medication may generally lead to side effects in case of kids under six years of age. Therefore, home remedies are the best option. Home based treatments are not only effective but also boost the immune system of the baby. So, let us take a look at a few home remedies, which can be used to treat cold in small babies.

1. Sponge Bath

To reduce fever in small babies, give a sponge bath with cool water. You can also wipe their body with cool washcloth. This helps in regulating the body temperature. Also, it helps the baby sleep better, a must for speedy recovery. You can do this remedy two to three times in a day.

All you need to do is dip a washcloth in normal water and then, squeeze out the excess water. Wipe the body focusing on areas like armpits, feet, hands and groin. You can also place a damp hand towel on the baby’s forehead.

2. Lemon

Owing to the presence of vitamin C, lemon helps in boosting the immunity. Therefore, it helps in fighting against infections like cold and flu.

Lemon also possesses anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can provide relief from symptoms like sore throat, cough and runny nose.

Just squeeze the juice of four lemons and pour in a pan. Also, add these leftover peels and a few slices of ginger to this pan. Now add two cups of boiling water to it and cover with a lid for about 10 minutes. Later strain the mixture and mix equal amount of hot water to it. Now add some honey to sweeten it. Give this lemon and ginger concoction to your child at least three times in a day. If your baby is less than one year in age, replace honey with sugar.

Lemon is a great bleaching agent and therefore, is used for getting a radiant glow. To know how, click here.

3. Honey

Honey is a sure shot remedy for several health and skin related ailments. All the more, babies love its sweet taste. It is a very safe remedy for infants specifically. The presence of anti-bacterial, antioxidant and immune-boosting properties in honey ensure quick healing of sore throat and cough.

Just add two teaspoons of honey in one teaspoon of lemon juice. Give this concoction to your child every few hours for quick relief. You can also ask your child to take a spoonful of buckwheat honey for instant relief. Mixing honey in a glass of warm milk can also help in reducing dry cough and chest pain. However, make sure you do not give honey to infants.

Honey is used in several homemade packs for dry skin as it acts as a moisturizing agent. To know more about it, click here.

4. Oranges

Oranges too, like lemons, are a rich source of vitamin C. And, we all know that consumption of vitamin C is essential for boosting immunity, especially in kids. Moreover, oranges help in promoting the production of white blood cells in the body that fight against cold-causing bacteria. Children above the age of two should drink a glass of orange juice daily. Parents should prefer giving it to them in breakfast. While infants should have it in diluted warm. To make it diluted, mix equal quantities of orange juice and warm water together.  Ask them to consume at regular intervals. Moreover, grown up kids can consume the fruit directly.

To know more about the health benefits of oranges, click here.