thread: Toddler's first cough - Does cough syrup work?

  1. #1
    Registered User

    May 2010
    Australia
    205

    Toddler's first cough - Does cough syrup work?

    18-month-old DD has her first cough. It's pretty mild so far - she doesn't even seem to notice so far, and it's just a little cough which started yesterday.

    Just wondering, if it gets worse, can anyone recommend a cough syrup?
    I've never used one, so not sure if they actually work.

    Any other advice appreciated

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Oct 2009
    VIC
    881

    I was told to give DS 1ml of over the counter cough syrup! Always worked for us!
    Also sit in a steamed room for 10mins!

    Poor little princess get better soon xxx

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Jan 2006
    Sydney
    2,212

    Current literature says they do not work. It depends on the cough as to what is the best treatment but usually there is nothing much that can be done. A humidifier in the room can help with the changes in temperature / humidity that occurs at night.

    Thumbs down for cough mixture - Health & Wellbeing

  4. #4
    BellyBelly Member

    Jun 2005
    Sydney
    2,121

    I always thought cough syrup was a big no-no for little ones....

  5. #5
    Registered User

    May 2009
    west NSW
    462

    i haven't had a baby in a while, but from what i remember, they said not to give cough syrup to little ones.....don't know if things have changed though? in those situations, i would have gone to the Pharmacist to see what they recommend. they would know....hope DD gets better soon.

    oh and also a good idea is take DD in with you when you have a shower and shut the doors so there's lots of steam. that helps with breaking up the mucous and stuff if it has gone into their chest.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    Sydney
    4,081

    Nah, IMO they don't work. I can tell you from experience in myself - I bought one out of desperation when I had a persistent dry cough last year & it did bugger all for me.
    The article Michelle posted is great, however I have found our steam vaporiser to be a Godsend. I have only used it for my kids when they are in a cot so there is no risk of burns there as far as I can see.
    I found a heater to be really beneficial for Phoebe last night when she was coughing constantly. The air here has been getting really cold at around 3am.

  7. #7
    Registered User
    Follow Pandora On Twitter

    Jan 2005
    cowtown
    8,276

    My gp told me not to use cough syrup and that it was "downright dangerous" for children and the elderly.
    So nope, we don't use it

  8. #8
    Registered User
    Add DANNIIM on Facebook

    Sep 2007
    Northern - WA
    1,786

    A Pharmacist will tell you that no cough syrup is safe for children under the age of 2.

    A steam vaporiser worked a treat for DS1 when we lived in a colder climate. That and a infant friendly chest rub like eukibear i think it's called.

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Jul 2009
    Riding it out...
    4,959

    I wouldn't use it. I used it with DS1 once and never again. I used a suppressant and it did suppress the cough, which in turn made it last longer as the idea of coughing is to cough up the nasties! In turn it made the junk stay in his chest and he ended up with an infection. It also made him wheeze (before the infection kicked in) so that just made matters worse. That was a long time ago when cough medicine seemed to be the 'done thing'
    Check out Michelle71's link, and there's lots more around too if you're interested. Steam is good,as some of the other posters have mentioned lots of water and cuddles
    I hope your bubba feels better soon.

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Mar 2006
    Brisbane
    1,731

    Our bodies cough for a reason, so I wouldn't give any medication to stop it unless you're advised to by a doctor.

    Hope your little one feels better soon.

  11. #11
    Registered User

    May 2010
    Australia
    205

    Thanks.

    So then, can anyone recommend a good steam vaporiser?

  12. #12
    Registered User

    Oct 2006
    Sydney
    4,081

    We have the eukybear one (just bought it cause it was the one at the pharmacy!) and I like it. It is quiet enough and does what it's supposed to do. Cost around $40-50, I can't remember.
    Only thing I'd also recommend is don't bother with the little pocket ones - they are useless. DH was conned into buying one for himself and yep, useless.
    GL!

  13. #13
    Registered User

    Jul 2009
    Riding it out...
    4,959

    We just bought the only one the chemist had last year when DS had his first cold. I can't remember what brand it is But it does the job. I'll have a look later and let you know.

  14. #14
    Registered User

    Sep 2008
    Gold Coast
    1,153

    Ours is a vicks,works great.
    Definatly dont suppress a cough in a small child, they are likely to end up with pnuemonia.
    *hugs* sick kids is such a sucky part of being a parent

  15. #15
    Registered User

    Oct 2008
    Newport, VIC
    1,885

    I can also recommend the euky bear one. They have a no questions asked replacement guarantee. Very handy when I dropped it and it broke.