Cough

What’s causing my child’s cough?

A baby’s cough often comes with a bout of the cold or flu. If their throat gets inflamed or they have mucus running down it, coughing is the body’s way of keeping the airway clear.

Unfortunately, even though it’s normally nothing to worry about, it can also be really distressing and uncomfortable – especially if your baby is too little to understand what’s going on.

Most coughs clear up within about two weeks, but if it lasts for a long time, if it turns wheezy or your child has a temperature then you should get in touch with your GP. Similarly if your little one isn’t eating or drinking normally, or just seems out of sorts.

If, at any time, your child seems to be having difficulty breathing, contact your GP immediately.

How can I help my child feel better?

If your child is over 1 year, one of the simplest things you can do to relieve the discomfort of a cough is to give them a warm drink of lemon and honey. The honey coats their throat, which helps with the irritation that causes coughing.

Here are some more tips for you:

• Make sure your little one gets as much rest as possible and drinks plenty of fluids.
• For a chesty cough, it can help to lay your child across your lap on their tummy and gently pat their back.
• Coughing can start to hurt your child’s throat after a while, so a warm drink at bedtime can soothe them and help them get off to sleep.

Within the CALPOL^® Family of products, there is a range of specially-formulated cough syrups to help your child when they have a cough.

CALCOUGH^® Infant Syrup, containing glycerol, has been developed for tickly, dry coughs. It’s suitable for children 3 months and older.

For children over 1, CALCOUGH^® Children’s Soothing Syrup, with glycerin and liquid sugar, helps with a sore throat as well as a dry, tickly cough.