So yesterday brought the recommendation from Drug Companies and pediatricians to not give over-the-counter cough and cold medicine to children under 4 years old. This is a change from last year when the recommendation was not to give over-the-counter cold remedies to children under two years. Major drug makers agreed Tuesday to label over-the-counter cough and cold remedies unsafe for children younger than 4. Leading cough and cold brands include Dimetapp, Pediacare, Robitussin, Triaminic, Little Colds and versions of Tylenol.
Many pediatricians have long been supporting a complete ban on cough and cold medicine for children under six, and have pointed out that there really is no scientific prof that these over-the-counter cold medicines even help. Many studies have shown that these medicines are ineffective in children, and they can potentially cause side effects that could lead to more serious symptoms. A main concern with the cold remedies is incorrect dosing by parents and accidental ingestion by young children who have managed to get into the medicine themselves.
So what to do for our little ones when they have a cold? Pediatricians recommend lots of liquid, rest and TLC. Also humidifiers, vaporizers and saline nose drops are possible was to provide relief for children's cold symptons.