3. COUGH AND COLD MEDICINES
Many adults, when sick, are used to reaching for cough and cold medicines like Nyquil. But parents should think again before giving them to their children. Children and infants under the age of two should never be given OTC (over-the-counter) cough and cold medicines, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “because serious and potentially life-threatening side effects can occur.” And for children over the age of two? “We are aware of reports of serious side effects from cough and cold medicines in children 2 years of age and older,” cautions the FDA. Keep in mind, these medicines don’t cure the common cold, nor do they shorten the duration of illnesses. And they should never be used to make your child sleepy. Look to home remedies to help your child feel more comfortable during an illness, like saline drops, a humidifier, fluids, and rest. (The Mayo Clinic Website offers a list of non-medicinal ways to help ease your child’s cold.)
