Coughing is a normal way for the body to clear the throat and chest of irritants. Children's Hospital Boston reports that coughs occur frequently in childhood, and although they can sound bad, they're usually not indicative of anything dangerous. Unless your newborn is showing signs of something serious, like a fever, serious congestion or wheezing, feel free to use some of the home remedies that are safe for newborns.
Steam
For a cough that sounds 'wet,' try steaming the bathroom with hot water. Take the baby into the bathroom for a few minutes. It's not necessary to continue running the water while you sit with the child. Steam works to break up mucus that may be causing your baby's cough.
Humidifier
When your newborn has a 'barking' cough, it's possible that the air is too dry. Pediatricians from St. John's Children's Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, say that unlike a steam vaporizer or ultrasonic humidifier, a cool mist humidifier can provide significant relief to an infant with a dry throat.
Warm Bath
A warm bath can offer a newborn relief. Adding eucalyptus, thyme or sage oil to bath water can create a vapor to clear airways and allow easier breathing. This remedy also can help a groggy infant feel more relaxed and sleepy.
Herbal and Organic Rubs
At night, eucalyptus oil diluted in water and gently rubbed on the baby's chest, will help the baby breathe easier. Eucalyptus is known for clearing nasal passages, loosening phlegm and increasing flow of blood to muscles. Vanillin, a synthetic form of vanilla, is recognized for its calming and soothing properties.
Breast Milk
It's thought that breast-fed newborns become ill less often than those who are formula fed because of the immune-system boosters in mom's milk. Breast milk is also a way to keep the baby hydrated---nature's best cough suppressant.
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