nasal passages from drying out, which makes the mucus more difficult to remove. You can also put warm water or salt water drops (1/4 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8 ounces of water) in your child’s nose and then suck the liquid and softened mucus out with a nasal bulb syringe, which you can find in a drugstore.
How can I protect my child against colds?
You can teach your children healthy habits to help prevent sickness, including proper hand washing. Your child(ren) should learn to wash their hands after using the restroom and, as they get older, to wash after blowing or touching their nose.
Hand sanitizer is an alternative option if soap and water aren’t available.
Also teach kids to cover their mouths while coughing, using their inner elbow, to help prevent the spread of disease.
Make sure children eat healthy meals, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep. Balanced meals with vitamins and minerals can help boost their immune systems.
You can also help children stay healthy by keeping them up to date on vaccinations, including those for COVID-19 and flu, Mejia advises.
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How do I treat my child’s cold when they get one?
Since there’s no way to speed up the healing process, the best you can do is manage the symptoms. Offer your child plenty of water and soup: Their body is working harder to fight off the infection, and fevers increase fluid requirements. Warm liquids, like chicken soup and vegetable broth, soothe the throat and temporarily unclog congested nasal passages.