Cough

Help to inform parents that there are many safe, simple ways to help support their children’s upper respiratory health. Share these expert-recommended tips for helping kids feel their best, and remind parents to talk to a healthcare professional if they have any questions or concerns.

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ZARBEE'S®

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Parent counseling tips

Simple ways to soothe coughs

Give plenty of fluids: Make sure children stay hydrated to keep the throat and nasal passages moisturized and clear
- Fluids loosen up thick mucus in the lungs, so it’s easier to cough up: Breastfeed or formula-feed babies often; give children plenty of clear fluids, such as water or warm unsweetened juice
Use a cool-mist humidifier: Dry air makes coughs worse, so try using a cool-mist humidifier in your child’s room
Breathe warm mist: With the shower running in a closed bathroom, have your child breathe warm mist, which can relax the airway

Get enough sleep: Sleep helps support a healthy immune system
Honey for children 1 year and older: Try ½ to 1 teaspoon of honey or give them cough products that contain dark honey, such as Zarbee’s® age-specific cough syrups, which can soothe coughs associated with hoarseness, dry throat, and irritants*
Help keep nasal passages clear: Try using a suction bulb
Try a saline nasal spray: Zarbee’s® Soothing Saline Nasal Mist with Aloe helps moisturize, cleanse, and flush nasal passages, which can help relieve allergy-related cough

Free resources

Zarbee’s® Pediatric Cough Support*

Tips for Managing Cold & Flu, brought to you by TYLENOL® and MOTRIN®

Wholesome, effective ingredients to consider

Dark honey

Effectively soothes coughs due to hoarseness, dry throat, and irritants* (do not give to babies under 1 year old)

Agave

An alternative to honey for babies under 1 year old; helps soothe coughs associated with hoarseness, dry throat, and irritants* (with your pediatrician’s supervision)

Ivy leaf

Helps clear mucus when coughing*

Saline

Gently cleanses and clears nasal passageways

Good to know

Expert recommendations for OTC cough or cold medicines

For a cough or cold, some experts recommend limiting the use of over-the-counter medicines to fever reducers and pain relievers in children younger than 6, even 12 years old.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends non-medicinal measures, such as a cool-mist humidifier and saline spray, for helping children feel more comfortable. The FDA also suggests using acetaminophen (such as Children’s TYLENOL®) or ibuprofen (such as Children’s MOTRIN®) to reduce fever, aches, and pain.

Featured resources

Discover more cough resources in the Resource Suite

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.