Over the Counter Cold Medicine (Not Recommended)

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against the use of OTC cough and cold medications in children younger than the age of 6 years. (February 2011)

We recommend the use of salt water nose drops, cool humidified air in your child's room and elevating the head of the bed to help with cold symptoms.  

In general, most cold symptoms last 7-10 days.  A cough occurs as cold symptoms begin to improve.  A cough with fever or any respiratory difficulty should be seen immediately.  If your child develops a fever that lasts longer than 48 hours or a cough lasting longer than 14 days they should be seen in the office.