Sore throat in babies can be frustrating for both the parents and the baby. Babies often find it difficult to eat since they cannot swallow the food. The baby’s voice may also become hoarse, making it difficult to communicate clearly. Sore throat is caused by a cold virus, which has no cure. Therefore, managing it can be a great challenge.

Besides visiting the doctor, you can opt for home remedies for sore throat and voice loss in children. Some of these home remedies are supported by doctors and do not have major side effects.

Here are ten best home remedies for sore throats you can use.

1. Honey

Honey is both a sweetener and one of the best home remedies for sore throat in toddlers and adults. The sweetness coats and soothes the throat, getting rid of the persistent throat pain. It is a perfect treatment for nighttime cough and other throat ailments. You should use raw honey for effective treatment and mix it with lemon or ginger in warm water.

Lemon is rich in Vitamin C, which boosts immunity. Give your baby this mixture 3-4 a day for quick relief. However, babies below 12 months should not be given honey as it may lead to infant botulism.

2. Salty water

Salty water is one of the oldest and cheapest home remedies for sore throat for kids who can gurgle water. It is often the first recommended home remedy when you show signs of a sore throat. Salt has antibacterial property and can effectively draw excess fluid from inflamed throat tissues. Making a saline solution is very easy. All you need is a pinch of salt and warm water. Help your child gargle the solution 2-3 times a day. The solution will neutralize the acid that causes the pain and deal with any bacteria in the throat.

3. Banana

Giving a baby medicine can be a hustle, especially when they have developed a negative attitude towards medication. Thus, treating them with food is a welcome relief to parents. Bananas are one of the best home remedies for sore throat in babies because they are easy to swallow and digest. They are also rich in vitamins and nutrients such as Vitamins B6 and C, and potassium.

For babies learning to eat, you can smash the banana to make it soft for them to eat. Otherwise, you can give whole bananas to kids who can eat on their own.

4. A bowl of broth or soup

Toddlers love soup, especially if it is made from their favorite meal. It is also easier to give soup to a baby than the solid food. Warm soup or broth is one of the most common home remedies for sore throat for babies since it soothes the throat and keeps the baby hydrated.

Babies with sore throats also find it easier to swallow the soup than the solid food. You can add soft noodles and vegetables to make the soup more nutritious. Remember, the soup shouldn’t be too hot to scald your baby’s tongue or throat.

5. Garlic

Although garlic is an effective treatment for sore throat, children may not like it raw. To administer it to your baby, you need to crush and mix it with water and use a dropper to give it to the young one. Garlic has antiseptic and antibacterial properties useful in treating sore throat. The allicin compound in garlic fights germs that cause the infection and provide sore throat pain relief. Garlic is also one of the most effective home remedies for angina pain.

6. Sugar-free ice poles

You may have been warned against giving your baby cold stuff like ice cream because it will worsen the sore throat. However, sugar-free ice poles are one of the best baby products that will make your baby feel better since it will soothe and keep her hydrated, especially if she finds swallowing food difficult. Since most ice poles in the local store contain sugar, you can make one at home using blended fresh fruit and water.

7. Steaming

Steam can soothe and heal a sore throat and common cold in children and adults, especially when the infection is still mild. Therefore, when you suspect that your baby is developing a sore throat, you can steam them at home. You will need to heat water until it boils then put it in a bucket or tub. Ensure the bucket or tub is in an enclosed place like a bathroom where the steam cannot escape. Once the steam fills the bathing area, bring your baby inside and allow her to inhale the steam.

8. Turmeric milk

Turmeric milk, also known as golden milk, is one of the most common home remedies for numerous ailments in the Indian culture. It is a mixture of milk, sugar, and turmeric. As we all know, turmeric boosts immunity and helps with hormonal balance, making turmeric milk one of the best home remedies for sore throat during pregnancy. It repairs the sores on the throat and sets it on a healing process.

9. Yogurt

Most babies love yogurt and will not hesitate to drink it even when they are unwell. Yogurt is easy to swallow and contain probiotics that can kill germs, causing a sore throat. You can mix it with mashed fruits such as bananas or apples to make it more nutritious and increase Vitamin C content.

10. Breast milk

Breast milk is the best alternative to sore throat medicine for child, especially those below six months. It boosts immunity and contains antibodies that fight against viruses, bacteria, and other germs. Therefore, since newborns are supposed to be given any medication, breast milk is their best remedy for sore throat.

Conclusion

It is not always possible to access a doctor all the time. Baby treatment is also quite expensive, especially if you are on a budget. Therefore, home remedies for sore throat for babies can come in handy for you. However, there is no standard timeline within which the home remedies should work. Babies respond differently to home treatment. Some of these home remedies provide quick relief, while others may take a little bit of time. If the sore throat persists, take your baby to the hospital.

Have you used any of the above home remedies to manage your baby’s sore throat? Please share your experience with us in the comment section.