Skip to main content
Coupons + Savings
Healthcare Professionals
Español
Home
Mother caring for sick child

How To Relieve Your Child’s Cold & Flu Symptoms

Our little ones need special attention and care when they are sick. Here are simple home remedies to consider to make your child as comfortable as possible while treating their common cold and flu symptoms. Please ask your healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s symptoms.

Keep close

Sometimes the best cold medicine is a good cuddle.[1] Children can sometimes feel worried or scared when they have a cold or the flu and will want nothing more than to sleep in your arms. Remember, they won’t be this little for long!

If you’re unsure if your child has the cold or flu, follow our cold vs flu guide to distinguish key differences and identify common signs and symptoms.

Prioritize rest & use a humidifier

Sleep is very important to recovery, especially for children.[2] Help soothe your child’s cough and congestion symptoms with a cool mist humidifier[3] while they sleep.

Keep your child hydrated

Making sure your child drinks plenty of fluids can help with recovery. Choose sugar free options for hydration.[2,4]

Clear stuffy noses

The question of how to clear a stuffy nose can be tricky with sick little ones. Have your child blow their nose often, using soft tissues to prevent chapping. You can also sit in the bathroom with your child while a hot shower runs, allowing the steam to loosen mucus. For younger children, consult with your pediatrician.

Draw a warm bath

Prepare a warm, relaxing bath for your child to help relieve minor aches and fevers [4]. Two to three baths a day can be a fun and relaxing distraction. If your child begins to shiver, immediately remove them from the bath.

Consider an over-the-counter (OTC) cold + flu symptom medicine

For children 6 years old and above, Children’s TYLENOL® Cold + Flu helps temporarily reduce fevers, cough, sore throat, sneezing, and a runny/stuffy nose so your child can feel better sooner.[5] Be sure to always read and follow the product label for important product information.

Consult your child’s pediatrician

If you have any questions on how to treat your child’s cold, cough, and flu symptoms, we always recommend you contact your child’s doctor for more information on how to treat your child’s cold and flu.

Related Products

Children's Tylenol® Cold + Cough + Runny Nose in grape flavor

FSA/HSA Eligible

Children’s TYLENOL® Cold + Cough + Runny Nose Oral Suspension

Children's Tylenol® Cold + Flu oral suspension with acetaminophen in grape flavor

FSA/HSA Eligible

Children’s TYLENOL® Cold + Flu Oral Suspension

Children's Tylenol® Cold + Cough + Sore Throat

FSA/HSA Eligible

Children’s TYLENOL® Cold + Cough + Sore Throat Oral Suspension

Children's Tylenol® Cold + Cough + Runny Nose in grape flavor

FSA/HSA Eligible

Children’s TYLENOL® Cold + Cough + Runny Nose Oral Suspension

Children's Tylenol® Cold + Flu oral suspension with acetaminophen in grape flavor

FSA/HSA Eligible

Children’s TYLENOL® Cold + Flu Oral Suspension

Children's Tylenol® Cold + Cough + Sore Throat

FSA/HSA Eligible

Children’s TYLENOL® Cold + Cough + Sore Throat Oral Suspension

References
  1. Can You Kiss and Hug Your Way to Better Health? Research Says Yes. Penn Medicine. Accessed on November 20, 2024
  2. Influenza (Flu) in Children, Johns Hopkins Medicine. Accessed on November 20, 2024, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/influenza/influenza-flu-in-children
Showing 2 of 5
Links to other parties’ articles and websites are provided for convenience only. Kenvue is not responsible for their content.
Women treating baby ear infection
Pain ReliefEarache in Children and Babies: Causes, Symptoms and Pain Relief Remedies
Read More
Parent giving checking their sick child for a temperature
Cold + FluDoes My Child Have a Cold, Flu, COVID or Allergies?
Read More
Tylenol logo
Products
  • All Products
  • Coupons + Savings
  • Where to Buy
  • FAQs
Company
  • About TYLENOL®
  • Contact Us
  • For Professionals
Learn
  • Adult Articles
  • Children + Infants Articles
  • Dosing + Use
Legal
  • Legal Notice
  • Privacy Notice​
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Limit the Use of my Sensitive Personal Information
  • Consumer Health Data
  • Ad Choices​

© Kenvue Brands LLC 2026. All rights reserved. This site is published by Kenvue Brands LLC., which is solely responsible for its contents. This website is intended for visitors from the United States. The third-party trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.