Some Effective Natural Remedies for Toddlers

Onion - For Sinus Infection

At around 21 months old, Micah was down with a number of infections including a tummy bug, sore throat, flu, and eye infection all at the same time, poor baby. By the time he was done with his load of meds and his body had settled, it turned out he also had a sinus infection. He wasn't breathing through his nose at all. It was a real source of irritation for him at night and he wasn't sleeping well.

So we were back at the doctors, and after 2 frustrating weeks of prescribed nasal drops and sprays with no relief, a friend suggested i put an onion at the foot of his bed overnight. That evening when Micah went down I cut an onion, and put one half in a sock at the foot of his bed, and chopped up the other half and put it in a container with very hot water that i placed beside his cot but under the net to create an onion steam. By morning, his sinuses were clear! And i didn't have to repeat it the next evening. Just one night and the problem was solved!

Onions have antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, among all the other amazing things it can do for your body. This bulb is an absolute gem.

Note that this was good for congested sinuses and not necessarily a blocked nose. I have experience with telling the difference because i suffer from chronic sinus issues myself. Although the onion steam would probably still help with a blocked nose while still using saline solution to help unblock the nasal passages.


Saline and Ginger - To combat phlegm faster

Typically, when our little ones have a cold, the phlegm at the back of their throat lasts long after they've recovered, and for the next week or more, their sleep is interrupted by coughing.

Cough syrup as most of us know and are informed, is not good to give because they need to cough up the phlegm. Luckily with Micah, I've found a solution that seems to help dissolve the pesky phlegm faster.

Three times a day I'd use saline drops in his nose, have him lay on his back for the length of a nursery rhyme, followed by a syringe of a warm ginger solution  5 minutes later which would help with breaking down the mucus in his throat. Three or four days later there is a vast improvement!

Ginger solution - Put in a pan a crushed pea-sized piece of fresh ginger, a pinch of ginger powder, and 3 tablespoons of drinking water. Bring to the boil. Strain into container or mug and set aside to use for the day. Make it fresh for every day you use it.


Bicarbonate of Soda - For quick relief and healing of diaper rash

My mum told me about this remedy and it worked like a charm. Dissolve a quarter teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in 3 tablespoons of warm water. You can make as much of the solution as you'd like and put it aside to use throughout the day. With every diaper change rinse the area with warm water, then using baby's clean bath cloth, dab (don't rub) the solution on the affected area. It may sting slightly initially when the skin is still sensitive, but it calms down quickly.

Then apply diaper cream or something like petroleum jelly that would protect the skin better with no irritation. Repeat this for as long as necessary. It should work pretty fast, but of course if after a day and night you see no improvement, see a doctor.



Well I hope these are helpful. Do share any natural remedies you use on your little ones.

Lots of Love, Mel