When you wake up to baby coughing at night it’s never a good sign. I mean even if it isn’t a big deal us moms automatically go to the worst place and start freaking out.

When young children experience a cough, especially at night, it can be a concerning experience for parents.

Different Types of Baby Coughs

A baby coughing at night often accompanies other symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, or difficulty breathing.

It’s important to understand that there are different types of coughs, each indicating various underlying conditions.

A dry cough may suggest a viral infection, while a wet cough could be a sign of a bacterial infection.

We have dealt with several baby coughing at night or colds and they are the absolute worst!

What to Do About Baby’s Coughs (instead of freaking out)

Our son, Foster, got his first cold when he was four months old and it absolutely terrified me. He is now 26 months old and has had several since then.

I’m obviously not a doctor but I am a mom trying to help another mom from the knowledge of gained over the years!

This is usually how it goes every time he gets sick I promptly freak out, Google, freak out some more and then call the doctor…in that order. The good news is as you get used to the symptoms you start to freak out (a little) less because you know what to do.

Through my many freak out sessions I’ve learned how to properly care for and comfort my little one when my baby coughing at night, has a cold, is congested or all of the above.

Some affiliate links used at absolutely not cost to you. 

Remedies for Baby Coughing at Night and Cold Symptoms

It helps me a lot to know that there are at least some things I can do to help ease his pain. Because when your child is sick you feel absolutely helpless.

Although over-the-counter cough medicines are available, they are not recommended for young children without consulting a healthcare professional.

Instead, creating a soothing environment for the child is crucial. Avoiding exposure to cold air and utilizing a cool-mist humidifier can help alleviate the child’s symptoms, especially if they have a persistent cough.

1. Baby Coughing and Cold Remedy-Flush it out!!

Saline solution will be your best friend! These magical myst makers help flush out the nasty junk that is stuck up your little ones nose.

Saline drops can be used to clear congestion and relieve a stuffy nose.

Ensuring the child drinks plenty of fluids, such as warm water or diluted fruit juices, keeps them hydrated and helps thin out excess mucus. It’s important to remember that a baby’s immune system is still developing.

This is important because the congestion that is up their nose will eventually make it to the back of their throat which will result in a baby coughing at night.

Getting everything out of their nose can be hard since they can’t blow it yet. Saline solution helps to loosen and flush out what they can’t do on their own.

And that leads me to…

2. Baby Coughing and Cold Remedy – Suck that Snot!

Nose Frida aka the snot sucker!! You need it now.

This is one of those products that I thought was absolutely disgusting before having a baby. Who would want to suck snot?! Uh, me…that’s who. This invention is absolutely brilliant and hands down one of my favorites!

Once you have put saline in their nose to loosen up the junk. You gently place the tube agains their nose and suck.

I have never in my life been so excited to see snot! When it’s leaving your child’s nose you know that they are one suck closer to feeling better.

A bulb-syringe can also assist in clearing a stuffy nose, while the doctor can determine the best course of treatment for the child’s cough and difficulty breathing.

Remember, the health and well-being of your child should always be a top priority

p.s. Just so you know the snot doesn’t go into your mouth. I also thought that before having my son.

p.p.s. They also have an Electric Nose Frida if you prefer not to actually suck on it.

3. Baby Coughing and Cold Remedy – Steam Room

For milder cases, there are a few effective home remedies that can provide relief.

One of them involves creating a steamy atmosphere by running a hot shower and allowing the child to breathe in the warm, moist air.I have learned that you can create an “at home steam room.”

All you do is turn the shower to the hottest setting, close the door and wait five to ten minutes.

This helps to loosen mucus in the upper airway and soothe a cough originating from the back of the throat. 

When you come back the room will be all nice and steamy. This is perfect for opening up airways and for getting all the junk that’s in their system loosened up. Do you love my technical lingo?!

It’s been a huge life saver when it comes to Foster and helping him kick the congestion to the curb. Plus, it’s pretty peaceful.

If you want to be fancy here is an actual steamer for any room.

Related: 10 Things I Didn’t Know I’d Do With My Baby as New Mom

4. Baby Coughing and Cold Remedy – Cool Mist Humidifier

Running a cool mist humidifier in your child’s room creates moisture in the air that can help unclog congestion.

We’re all about unclogging in our house! The quicker that happens the faster your child will feel better and we all want that!

5. Baby Coughing and Cold Remedy – Chest Rub

I absolutely love this chest rub!

It smells so good and gives some relief to my son (I like to put it on too). I massage it onto his chest and back while we are in the steam room.

I feel like this is a double whammy of goodness since the steam really brings out the Eucalyptus and Lavender in the rub. I know my little bit likes it because he just sits there and lets me massage him.

That’s a huge deal for a someone that rarely sits still.

6. Baby Coughing and Cold Remedy – Elevate Their Bed

If you elevate the beds just a little bit it helps the congestion drain down instead of staying stagnant in their head and chest.

All you need to do is roll up a towel or sheet. Then put it under their mattress at the top of their bed (where their head will go).

This has helped us avoid some ear infections and get the congestion flowing.

7. Baby Coughing and Cold Remedy – Tylenol and Motrin

Tylenol and Motrin are a game changer when it comes to keeping your child’s fever at bay.

I did not know that you can rotate them but after talking to my pediatrician I learned that you can give your child Tylenol and three hours later give them Motrin or you can wait four hours and give them Tylenol again.

This is a big deal when my son’s fever was spiking back up quickly and he seemed like he was in pain. I wanted to give him more medicine as soon as I could to help his pain and fever.

So, I always have both of these on hand because you never know when a virus (aka fever) will hit!

*I understand some people do not like medicine and that is totally great. This is just what works for us.

8. Baby Coughing and Cold Remedy – Essential Oil Diffuser

The diffusing world was a whole new one for me. I had always heard of them but didn’t know much about them.

But, after Foster got his firs cold I quickly learned that these little puppies could offer some pretty serious relief.

I use it mainly at night time to help open up his airways. And that leads me to…

9. Baby Coughing and Cold Remedy – Essential Oils

My two favorites are OnGuard and Breathe. Those are the two I always keep in stock.

PLUS! Frida Baby has put out Vapor Drops that help baby wind down and relax.

Breathe is a huge help when congestion is involved. I add it to the diffuser and his room is quickly filled with Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Lemon and other sinus clearing smells that really help him, well, breathe.

Then I use OnGuard all cold and flu season to attempt to prevent any cold from every happening. That is at least the goal. p.s. I know someone who sells Essential Oil if you are interested just let me know, she’s super sweet.

10. Baby Coughing and Cold Remedy – Wash Cloths

Good absorbent wash cloths are a must have when those high fevers hit.

You need to have a plan ready because if you don’t you will freak out and then that’ll make your baby freak out. So, I like to have soft, absorbent washcloths at the ready.

I put cold water on them, ring it out really good and then place it on my son’s forehead (usually while I nurse him).

This has served as a great way to bring down his temp immediately while we are waiting for the medicine to do its trick.

Here are a few more items meant to relieve baby’s coughs and cold!

A coughing baby and colds are literally the worst! We’ve been through a few at this point but the good news is we have picked up these tips along the way that help give us confidence and of course to kick that cold in the face!!

A few disclaimers about baby coughs

But, if the baby exhibits a barking cough, trouble breathing, or high fever, seeking medical attention promptly is essential.

While coughing is often associated with the common cold, especially those under two years of age, may also experience chesty coughs due to sinus infections or seasonal allergies.

Sometimes, a cough can escalate to the point of causing shortness of breath or a wheezing sound, necessitating immediate medical attention.

However, seeking medical attention for infants under three months of age is crucial. For older children, a trip to the emergency room may be necessary if their coughing becomes severe or if they exhibit signs of respiratory distress.

For most cases, a toddler’s cough can be managed at home with these remedies, ensuring both child and parent get some much-needed sleep during those winter months when coughs tend to be more prevalent.

I hope this find you and your little ones well but if not, I hope it helps you head in that direction very soon!

Here are a few more items meant to relieve baby’s coughs and cold!

I would love for you to follow me on Pinterest for more baby hacks and advice!