Evidence-Based Cough Remedies for Kids: What Really Works (and What Doesn’t)

If you’ve ever Googled “cough remedies for kids,” you’ve probably seen a flood of suggestions — from home remedies to over-the-counter products to some that sound a little questionable.

But how many of these are actually safe or backed by evidence? Let’s take a closer look.

Before diving in, be sure to read my previous post on cough causes in children, which covers why kids cough, when to worry, and when to call your pediatrician.

Setting realistic expectations

As a parent, I completely understand how frustrating coughs can be. They interrupt sleep, cause discomfort, and make everyone tired and cranky.

One of the most important things we can do as pediatricians is set realistic expectations: after a viral infection, it is normal for a cough to linger for up to 10–14 days. Knowing this helps you avoid the “Google spiral” and stay focused on safe, effective remedies rather than trying unproven or risky ones.

Honey

The Pediatrician Mom Tip: Honey is safe only for children over 1 year old due to the risk of infant botulism.

Believe it or not, honey is one of the few natural remedies with actual research behind it. Multiple studies show that honey can reduce cough frequency and improve sleep compared to no treatment, placebo, or medications like diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which we do not recommend (PMID: 18056559, 20618098, 22869830, 25201759).

It’s even been found to work as well as the cough suppressant dextromethorphan (PMID: 29633783) — without the side effects.

Why it helps

Honey has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, and its thick consistency may help coat the throat and reduce irritation.

How to give honey to kids for cough

• Under 1 year: No honey

• Ages 1–2 years: ½–1 teaspoon as needed a few times per day (directly or mixed with a little water)

• Over 2 years: 1–2 teaspoons as needed a few times per day

You can also mix honey with:

• Lukewarm, caffeine-free herbal tea

• Turmeric (“haldi doodh” or golden milk is a traditional option that is an old Ayurvedic remedy)

• Warm water, juice, or Pedialyte

The Pediatrician Mom Tip: If giving honey at bedtime, don’t forget to brush your child’s teeth afterward.

If your child’s cough hasn’t improved after 3–5 days of honey use, check in with your pediatrician.

Humidified air and steam

There’s mixed research on whether humidified air improves cough, but many families find it soothing — and it’s low-risk when done correctly.

What to avoid

• Steam inhalation over a bowl of hot water (this method increases burn risk in kids; PMID: 32943275).

What to try instead

• Steamy shower method: Run a hot shower until the room steams up, then sit with your child in the bathroom (not in the shower) for 10–15 minutes.

• Humidifier: Both cool and warm mist humidifiers work, but cool mist models are safer for young children. Be sure to clean the device regularly to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.

Saline (nasal drops, sprays, irrigation)

Saline is one of my favorite go-to remedies. It helps break up mucus and clear the nasal passages, especially when a cough is triggered by postnasal drip. There was a recent study that showed that using hypertonic saline (2.6%) actually reduced the length of a common cold in kids.

How to Use It

• For babies and toddlers, saline drops are often easier than sprays. However, you can also try using nebulized saline in either a handheld nebulizer machine, or via the Boogiewipes micromist inhaler.

• Use before sleep or feeding, when congestion interferes most.

• Follow with gentle suction (bulb syringe or NoseFrida).

I often combine saline after a steamy shower for extra relief.

For older children, nasal irrigation (eg: netipot) can help, especially for chronic congestion or allergies. Make sure you follow the instructions if you use something like this.

Warm liquids

Warm liquids help thin mucus and soothe the throat. Interestingly, studies show that chicken soup may be more effective than other warm liquids for this purpose (PMID: 32387517).

Other good options include sips of warm water, diluted juice, honey water, or low-sodium broth.

Beyond the science, there’s comfort in the ritual of warm liquids / TLC, so even the placebo effect here may help!

Anti-inflammatories for comfort

Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) can help reduce throat pain and inflammation that often accompany a cough.

These don’t make the cough disappear but can make your child feel much more comfortable while recovering. Remember, comfort is your goal!

What not to try

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Cough and Cold Medications

The evidence is clear, including in a Cochrane review meta-analysis: most OTC cough suppressants, decongestants, and antihistamines don’t work better than placebo for children.

They can also cause side effects that make it harder to tell whether your child is getting worse or just reacting to the medication.

The American Academy of Pediatrics specifically advises against these medications for children under 4 years old. One exception that I sometimes try for children over 6-8 years old is Guaifenesin (or Mucinex) as an expectorant. If you decide to try this, make sure you clear it with your pediatrician first and choose the version with only a single ingredient. There are so many bottles and boxes that look the same, and some have other ingredients.

Homeopathic or “natural” remedies

There’s no strong data supporting the use of homeopathic remedies, essential oils, or herbal products for coughs in children. Additionally, these products aren’t regulated or safety tested, we don’t know what doses would even be safe in children.

Some can even be harmful, for example:

• Eucalyptus oil may worsen wheezing.

• Menthol (in products like Vicks VapoRub) can increase mucus production.

Potatoes or onions in socks

There’s no evidence this works, but it is unlikely to be harmful. If you try it, expect smelly socks.

Prescription medications

Sometimes, the cause of a cough needs prescription medication. Depending on what your pediatrician finds, they may prescribe:

• Inhalers (for asthma or reactive airway disease)

• Antibiotics (for bacterial infections)

• Antihistamines (for allergies)

• Reflux medications (for GERD-related coughs)

Your child might also need a chest X-ray or other imaging to help with diagnosis.

The Pediatrician Mom Tip: Medications containing codeine are no longer recommended for children. Adult medications like Tessalon Perles can be VERY dangerous if accidentally ingested. Keep these securely out of reach.

Coughs can be frustrating, but most of the time, they’re part of the healing process.

I promise, your pediatrician isn’t holding out with some magical home remedy that they want to keep to themselves.

Stick to remedies that are safe, gentle, and supported by evidence: honey, saline, humidified air, and warm fluids.

And remember, sometimes the best medicine is patience (and handwashing).