Why You Should Avoid Wick VapoRub In Children Under Two

Wick VapoRub is an ointment traditionally used to treat symptoms of nasal congestion and the flu. However, babies can develop an allergic reaction or a worse cough, so be careful.

You probably have a glass of Wick VapoRub on your bedside table. Or maybe your parents or grandparents rub it on your chest to relieve the flu. However, using Wick VapoRub in children under 2 years of age can cause more problems than solve.

The purpose of this ointment is well known, but not limited to colds only. It can also be used for other purposes, such as  repelling mosquitoes.

It seems logical that some parents think that the ointment will also help their babies breathe better. After all, this remedy is widely used from generation to generation. However, health experts advise against it.

Unlike children over the age of 5 and adults, babies’ airways are much narrower. For this reason, if the child inhales Vicks VapoRub or similar products, they become infected.

When this happens, they produce a greater amount of secretions. This makes their ability to breathe worse.

There are also specialists who point out that some children may have difficulty breathing due to the use of Wick VapoRub, even if they are not sick. For this reason, they recommend that parents follow the instructions on the package insert.

The leaflet says that the ointment should not be applied under or in the nostrils. Similarly, it is advisable to discuss the use of Wick VapoRub with a pediatrician or family doctor.

If your child is showing symptoms of cough or flu, we recommend the following natural remedies.

Use a saline solution to clean your child’s nose

The first and most important thing when your child has a cold is to make sure the nasal cavities are relieved.

To do this, you can use a saline solution or sterilized sea water. Then suck up the nasal mucus with a special nasal aspirator for children.

This will help you breathe better, even if it’s a little uncomfortable at first. This method is preferable to Wick VapoRub in children .

Hydration and saline solutions instead of Vicks VapoRub in children

To calm a cough, the best your child can do is get rid of secretions. To do this, it needs to be hydrated.

This way your child will produce less mucus secretions. In addition, the inflammation will decrease. That means your child needs to drink enough fluids.

• Saline solutions are recommended because of their ability to provide electrolytes and necessary minerals to children.

• This will stimulate your organs, muscles, and nerves to function properly.

Ventilate the house

The environment plays an important role in the health of younger children. If you have a cold, it helps to ventilate the house – be careful with Wick VapoRub in children who are still too young and sensitive.

A humid environment with dust and even pet hair can trigger allergies. These could appear on your skin as well as in your throat and nose.

It is very important that your home is clean and hygienic.

Sometimes people choose humidifiers that cleanse and moisturize the area when they have a dry cough. If you are dealing with any other type of cough, they are not recommended.

If you use a humidifier, we advise you to clean it daily. Also, don’t use it too often to prevent mold from building up on the walls.

Quiet

Remember, it is important for children to rest when they are sick. Your bodies need to be relaxed in order to heal quickly.

The amount of sleep babies need is usually longer.

• For example, a newborn baby has to sleep an average of 16 hours, spread over the day.
• Likewise, a child of 2 years old needs about 12 hours of sleep at night and a few more hours for a daily nap.

Talk to a pediatrician

Sometimes the cough or the flu will pass. Daily home care along with a healthy diet is enough to help your child overcome the disease quickly.

However, you will need to see a pediatrician if your child’s health deteriorates. Only a healthcare professional has the right criteria to diagnose a disease and prescribe certain medications.

What symptoms prompt a visit to the pediatrician?

• When the cough is accompanied by tiredness and difficulty breathing.
• If you hear strange, sharp noises,  like whistling, when they breathe air.
• If the cough continues for more than 2 or 3 weeks.
• When they have a fever.
• If you see changes in the color of their lips and face (if they look blue).