Simple Ways to Help Your Child Feel More Comfortable at Bedtime Even with a Cough
Heading to Bed: So Tired. Then: Cough. Cough.
You finally get everyone tucked into bed.
The house is quiet.
You sit down.
Maybe you even foolishly think you’re going to get eight hours of sleep.
And then you hear it.
Cough.
Cough.
COUGH.
“Mooooom!”
There goes that dream. 😂
If you’ve ever wondered how to help your child’s cough at night naturally, you are definitely not alone. Coughing can seem so much worse when kids lie down, and nobody is getting much sleep when you’re listening to your child cough from the next room.
That terrible tickle in the throat can hinder rest in a tormenting manner. The good news is that there are several simple things you can do to make your child more comfortable. And because natural living is a big part of our home, I’ll also share one of my favorite Young Living products to keep in my Mom Toolkit.
Please note, this article has live affiliate links to feed my Fantastic Four. Thank you. Click away! Go nuts.
Why Does My Child Cough More at Night?
First, why does this always seem to happen at bedtime?
When children lie down, mucus and nasal drainage can sometimes irritate the throat and trigger coughing. Dry air and nasal congestion can make nighttime more uncomfortable too.
And here’s something important:
A cough isn’t always the enemy.
Coughing is one of the body’s ways of clearing mucus and protecting the airways.
So my goal isn’t necessarily:
MAKE. EVERY. COUGH. STOP.
It’s helping my child stay comfortable, hydrated, rested and able to breathe comfortably while I keep an eye on what’s causing the cough.
1. Start With Fluids
This is probably the least exciting natural remedy in the world.
Water.
😂
But hydration matters.
Offer your child plenty of fluids throughout the day and small drinks before bedtime.
Warm liquids can also feel soothing on an irritated throat for children who are old enough to drink them safely.
Sometimes the simplest things really are some of the best.
2. Try Honey—But Only for Children Over Age 1
For children older than 12 months, honey can be a simple option for soothing an irritated throat and nighttime cough.
You can offer a little plain honey or add it to a warm drink. I like to add a drop of lemon or lemon vitality essential oil.
Never give honey to a baby younger than 1 year old because of the risk of infant botulism.
And no, unfortunately this does not mean your child needs half the honey bear.
(Nice try, kids).
3. Add Moisture to the Air
Dry bedroom air can make an already-irritated nose and throat feel even worse.
A cool-mist humidifier can add moisture to the room and may make breathing more comfortable.
Notice I said cool mist.
I wouldn’t use a warm-mist humidifier around children because of burn risks, and the FDA specifically recommends cool-mist humidifiers for children’s cold symptoms.
One Mom Rule:
Clean the humidifier regularly.
Because creating a science experiment inside the humidifier is probably not the wellness plan we’re going for.
4. Help Clear a Stuffy Nose Before Bed
Sometimes the coughing isn’t starting in the chest at all.
A stuffy, drippy nose can make bedtime miserable.
Saline nasal drops or spray can help keep nasal passages moist. For babies and younger children, age-appropriate nasal suction may also help remove mucus.
Clearing the nose before bedtime can make the whole nighttime routine a little easier.
5. Make the Bedroom Calm
When one of my kids isn’t feeling well, I want bedtime to feel peaceful.
Think:
- Dim lights
- Comfortable pajamas
- Fresh bedding
- Cool-mist humidifier
- Water nearby
- Favorite blanket
- Quiet music or a story
- Lots of Mom cuddles
Nothing complicated.
We’re basically telling their little nervous system: The circus is closed. It’s time to rest. Possibly elevate the child’s mattress just enough to keep the head at an angle above the body.
6. This Is Where My Young Living Mom Toolkit Comes In
I love having a few things already in the house before somebody gets sick.
Because 11:43 PM is a terrible time to discover you need something.
One product I like having available for kids is:
KidScents SniffleEase
SniffleEase is a Young Living essential-oil blend formulated specifically for children ages 2 and older.
It contains essential oils including:
- Eucalyptus Blue
- Palo Santo
- Lavender
- Ravintsara
- Dorado Azul
- Young Living’s R.C. blend
I especially like that this isn’t an adult essential-oil blend that I’m trying to turn into a children’s product myself.
It’s made with kids in mind.
Young Living’s directions allow SniffleEase to be used aromatically or applied according to label directions to the chest or throat.
I love incorporating a comforting aroma into that whole:
Bath.
Pajamas.
Humidifier.
Cuddles.
Bed.
routine.
Important Mom Note
I don’t use SniffleEase to “treat a cough,” and I wouldn’t tell another mom that an essential oil cures a respiratory illness.
That’s not what we’re doing here.
I use essential oils as one supportive part of the environment and routine while I’m also doing the basics—hydration, rest, nasal care and paying attention to my child.
And with children, I always follow the current product label and age directions.
Natural doesn’t mean:
“Eh, just wing it.”
😂
7. Don’t Automatically Reach for Cough Medicine
This is especially important with young children.
The FDA does not recommend over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children younger than 2 because potentially serious side effects can occur. Manufacturers also label these products not to be used in children under 4.
Always read labels carefully and ask your pediatrician or pharmacist if you’re unsure what’s appropriate for your child’s age.
When Should I Call the Doctor About My Child’s Cough?
Natural home comfort measures are wonderful for everyday situations.
But sometimes a cough needs medical attention.
Contact your child’s healthcare professional if the cough is persistent, worsening, or concerning to you.
Seek prompt medical care if your child has things such as:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Blue or gray lips/skin
- Significant dehydration
- Unusual sleepiness or difficulty waking
- A high or concerning fever
- Blood when coughing
- Severe symptoms
- Or anything that makes your Mom Radar scream:
“This isn’t normal.”
And if your child is an infant, has asthma or another medical condition, or you’re simply uncertain about what you’re seeing, call their healthcare provider.
I am a big believer in natural living.
I’m also a big believer in doctors.
Those two things are allowed to coexist.
My Simple Nighttime Comfort Routine
So if my child has an ordinary nighttime cough and doesn’t have symptoms that concern me, I’m keeping things pretty simple:
Hydrate.
Clear the nose.
Cool-mist humidifier.
Honey if they’re over 1.
Calm bedtime routine.
Age-appropriate SniffleEase used according to the label.
Rest.
And Mom keeps listening.
Because apparently motherhood also comes with an unpaid overnight nursing shift.
Want My Natural Wellness Guide?
If you’re trying to build a more natural home but feel completely overwhelmed by where to start, I made something for you.
Download My FREE Wellness Guide
Inside, I’ll show you some of the simple wellness products and routines I like keeping around before somebody in the family needs them.
No need to replace your entire medicine cabinet by Tuesday.
No need to buy 47 essential oils.
And definitely no need to become the woman who corners strangers at Target to explain lavender. 😂
Just start small.
Learn what makes sense for your family.
Build your wellness cabinet a little at a time.
→ DOWNLOAD THE FREE WELLNESS GUIDE
And when you’re ready to learn more about the Young Living products I personally use, I’ll help you figure out where to start without buying a bunch of things you don’t need.
Because natural living should make family life feel simpler.
Not give Mom one more job.
This article is for educational purposes only and isn’t medical advice. Young Living products and essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Always follow current product labels, age recommendations and safety directions. Consult your child’s healthcare professional with questions about your child’s symptoms or appropriate treatment.
PS I made a Wishlist of all my favorite cough addressing products here. See what ones may be best for your family.
For more on getting a good night’s sleep even with children, see this post: Unwind A Gentle Routine for Families.
And for a good laugh you might want to check out: Conquering Bedtime Procrastination for Parents.
Thanks for stopping by, please come again. Share these posts with someone who wants to stay away from conventional approaches to health care. We are small, but mighty. Come back soon!
Talk Soon,
