Drug-free cold soothers

So what's the safest, most effective way to ease symptoms of a sniffly, coughing child now that we can no longer rely on over the counter drugs?

Experts say that good old fashioned TLC will often do the trick, and prescribe comfort from Mom, lots of rest, and plenty of fluids (try a bowl of trusty chicken soup — this timeless remedy actually slows the surge of white blood cells that accumulate in bronchial tubes).

"If your child has a fever or is achy, giving a dose of kids' Tylenol [acetaminophen] or Motrin [ibuprofen] to bring the fever down and alleviate discomfort is fine," Dr. Rauch says. (If your baby is younger than 6 months, you should not administer ibuprofen.) "But if he's feeling well enough to get out of bed and run around and play, there's no sense in administering other medication — that's your best indication that your child is recovering."

If your infant needs simple symptom relief, you can try these drug-free soothers:

• Use a rubber bulb syringe (you can buy one at your local drugstore) to gently loosen mucus and unclog your baby's stuffy nose. While this might sound scary, it's not at all difficult to do: Gently squirt a couple of drops of saline solution into your baby's nasal passages (found at pharmacies by brands such as rinaris, or make your own by dissolving 1/4 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces warm water). Then lightly suction out your baby's nostrils.

• Run a cool-mist humidifier in your baby's room during naptime and at bedtime.

• Try a mentholated chest cream formulated for young children, like Vicks BabyRub — it can ease stuffiness. Make sure to check the label for age restrictions.