Can I give my child over-the-counter cold medicine?

This is considered ill-advised in children under 4 years old, as likelihood for significant adverse side-effects is greater than any likely true benefit. For this reason, the FDA has issued recommendation against typical cold medications being used in young children.

Over-the-counter cough and cold medications aren’t generally recommended for babies and toddlers. They have not been proven to help treat colds and there may be some unpleasant or potentially harmful side effects associated with them. Home remedies, herbal remedies, and supplements may also contain potentially dangerous ingredients, so always check with your pediatrician before giving anything to a young child.

If the cold is bothering your child, your best option is to try to clean out that stuffy nose so he can breathe and drink more easily. Place a drop or two of nasal saline in each nostril to loosen the mucus and help it drain. If the snot is interfering with sleep or feeding, try gentle suctioning. He won’t like it, but if you can get the gunk out he’ll feel better. A cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer at night may also help. As always, when your child is sick, make sure he drinks plenty of fluids.