Cough and Cold Medicine for Kids by Age: What's Safe for Babies, Toddlers and Older Children
What the FDA and AAP say about over-the-counter cough and cold medicines under 2, 4 and 6, the home remedies that actually help, how to avoid double-dosing, and the symptoms that need a doctor.
What parents should know
- Under 2: no OTC cough or cold medicine. Under 4: follow the "do not use" label.
- Never give honey to a baby under 1 year; it can cause infant botulism (AAP).
- Check Drug Facts labels so you don't give two products with the same ingredient, such as acetaminophen (FDA).
- Use the dosing syringe or cup that comes with the medicine, never a kitchen spoon (FDA).
- The FDA urges parents not to give homeopathic cough and cold products to children under 4 (FDA).
What's safe at each age
| Age | OTC cough/cold medicine | What helps instead |
|---|---|---|
| Under 3 months | No | Saline drops and gentle suction, feeding; call the doctor for any fever of 100.4°F or higher |
| 3 to 12 months | No | Saline and suction before feeds, cool-mist humidifier, fluids; no honey |
| 1 to 2 years | No (FDA) | Honey 2–5 mL as needed, saline, fluids, humidifier |
| 2 to 4 years | No (label: do not use under 4) | Honey, saline, fluids; mentholated chest rub from age 2 (AAP) |
| 4 to 6 years | Only if your doctor recommends it (AAP) | Same home care; nose blowing |
| 6 and older | Can be used following the label | Home care still works as well for most colds |
Why OTC cough and cold medicines aren't recommended for young children
Most colds get better on their own, and cough and cold medicines don't change the natural course of a cold or make it go away faster (FDA). Some can cause serious side effects, such as slowed breathing, which can be life-threatening in infants and young children (FDA).
Combination products add a second risk: many contain several drugs, which makes accidental overdose easy, especially if a child also gets a separate fever reducer with the same ingredient (FDA). Don't give children medicines packaged for adults, and avoid imported medicines that may not have been evaluated for safety (FDA).
Coughing itself is useful: it helps clear mucus from the airway and protect the lungs (FDA).
Home remedies that actually help
Stuffy or runny nose
- Put 2 to 3 drops of saline in each nostril, then suction with a bulb syringe or have an older child blow their nose (AAP).
- For babies 3 to 12 months, suction before breast or bottle feeds, since a blocked nose makes feeding hard (AAP). See our baby congestion remedies.
- Run a cool-mist humidifier. The FDA advises against warm-mist humidifiers, which can make nasal passages swell (FDA).
Cough
- Fluids, especially warm drinks for children old enough, soothe the throat (FDA).
- For children 1 and older, give 2 to 5 mL of honey as needed. Research shows honey works better than store-bought cough syrups at reducing nighttime coughing (AAP). Never give honey under 1 year (see can babies eat honey?).
- For children 2 and older, a mentholated rub can be applied to the chest and neck (AAP). Don't put it under the nose or use it on younger children.
Fever, aches and sore throat
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can relieve fever and aches; follow the Drug Facts label or ask your pharmacist about the dose (FDA). Ibuprofen is not for babies under 6 months unless your doctor says so.
- Dose by weight with our infant Tylenol dosage chart and Motrin dosage by weight guide.
How to give medicine safely
- Read the active ingredients on every Drug Facts label and don't combine two products with the same drug (FDA).
- Measure with the syringe or cup that came with the product (FDA).
- Write down the time and dose of each medicine, especially when several caregivers are involved.
- Store medicines up and away, out of sight. For a possible overdose or accidental ingestion, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
- Tips for getting a reluctant toddler to take it are in giving a toddler medicine.
When to call the doctor
The FDA lists these reasons to call your child's doctor (FDA):
- A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby 2 months or younger.
- A fever of 102°F or higher at any age.
- Blue lips.
- Labored breathing: nostrils flaring, wheezing, fast breathing, ribs showing with each breath, or shortness of breath.
- Severe headache.
- Not eating or drinking, with signs of dehydration such as fewer wet diapers.
- Unusual crankiness or sleepiness, persistent ear pain, or a child who is getting worse.
Frequently asked questions
Can I give my 1-year-old cough medicine?
No. The FDA does not recommend OTC cough and cold medicines for children under 2. Try honey (2 to 5 mL), saline drops and a cool-mist humidifier instead.
At what age can kids take cough medicine?
Labels say not to use under 4. The AAP advises using it from 4 to 6 only if your doctor recommends it; from 6 it can be used following the label.
Is honey safe for a toddler's cough?
Yes, for children 1 year and older. Never give honey to a baby under 1 because of the risk of infant botulism.
Can I give my toddler Tylenol for a cold?
Acetaminophen can help with fever and aches. Dose by weight using the product's syringe and don't combine it with other products that contain acetaminophen.
Is Vicks safe for babies?
The AAP says a mentholated rub on the chest and neck can be used for children 2 and older. Don't use it on younger children or under the nose.
Are homeopathic cold remedies safe for toddlers?
The FDA urges parents not to give homeopathic cough and cold products to children under 4; none are FDA-approved.
Keep reading
Sources
This guide was checked against the current guidance below. Medical and safety recommendations can change; use the linked source and your child's clinician for decisions specific to your family.