For many people, fall and winter are favorite times of the year. The trees are lovely, there are fewer bugs and mosquitos to contend with and who doesn’t love football season? But then there are the colds and flu that go along with fall and winter and those can dampen anyone’s enthusiasm especially if you have kids.
Studies show that kids ages 2 to 12 typically catch 6-10 colds per year and because symptoms such as coughing can continue for as long as 1-2 weeks, it may seem like they never get well. Since peak cold season is just around the corner, it is important for parents to arm themselves with knowledge about what products to use.
When you have a cold and cough, you typically reach for some tried and true over-the-counter medicines but you can’t do that for children since the medicines that are safe for grownups can cause serious side effects in kids. So which medicines are safe? And which are most effective?
We’ve taken out the guesswork on at least one pesky symptom by creating the Best Cough Syrup for Kids guide below.
What You Should Know
The FDA has strongly recommended that children under the age of 2 not be given over-the-counter cough medicines since they may pose a risk of side effects. However, for children over the age of 2, the top 6 cough syrups we have listed in our guide can safely help in diminishing a cough.
Pair your choice of cough syrup with these other remedies to have your child feeling better fast:
- Increase Fluids. Hydration can help thin out mucous and warm liquids can make a sore throat feel better.
- Serve Soft Foods. Ice cream, popsicles, gelatin, pudding and apple sauce all go down easily.
- Use a Humidifier. Moist air makes it easier to breathe and diminishes the urge to cough.
- Raise Heads. Since the urge to cough increases when we’re lying flat, raising the head with extra pillows can help with nighttime coughing.
And remember, even the best home remedies sometimes need professional reinforcement. Call your pediatrician immediately if your child:
- Has a barking cough (croup).
- Makes a noisy sound when breathing in.
- Wheezes when breathing out (unless you already have an asthma care plan from your doctor).
- Has a fever of 102 degrees or higher.
- Is still coughing after 2 weeks.
Top 6 Cough Syrups for Kids Table
| Picture | Name | Day or Night Use | Size | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Nature's Way Sambucus for Kids | Both | 8oz | $$$$ | 4.7 |
 | 2. Hyland's 4 Kids | Both | 4oz | $ | 4.6 |
 | 3. Similasan Kids | Both | 4oz | $$$ | 4.6 |
 | 4. Hyland's 4 Kids 8 Ounce | Both | 8oz | $$ | 4.4 |
 | 5. Zarbee's Naturals | Night | 4oz | $ | 4.4 |
 | 6. Mucinex Children's Multi-Symptom | Both | 6.8oz | $$$ | 4.4 |
Buying Information for Cough Syrup for Kids
Whichever product you choose from our Best Cough Syrup for Kids top 6 list, use them responsibly by following these safety tips:
- Do not use cough syrup in children under age 2.
- Never give adult medicines to children.
- Never mix a cough syrup with prescription medicines without asking your pediatrician first.
- Never mix a cough syrup with other over-the-counter medicines without asking your pediatrician first since they may have the same or similar ingredients.
- Carefully follow all dosing instructions.
- Use the measuring spoon, dropper or dosing cup that comes with the product to be sure of dosing accuracy.
Top 3 Best Cough Syrup for Kids Reviews
1. Nature’s Way
Elderberries have been used for their healing properties for centuries and are now being given fresh attention for their medicinal benefits. Some pediatricians even believe that elderberry extract like the kind found in this top-rated product can help ward off colds and flu in your kids as well as diminish symptoms when they do get sick.
Essentially, this product is a runaway hit (other than the fact that it tends to stain clothing – so give carefully!) especially among the proponents of all-natural remedies. It’s made just for kids and in addition to elderberry extract, it contains Vitamins A, B, and C. We recommend you begin dosing at the first signs of a cough but do not exceed dosing recommendations since elderberries do have a mild laxative effect.
While the syrup tastes good naturally, most users say it tastes best when cold, so you might want to store the bottle in the refrigerator.
2. Hyland’s 4 Ounce
This Hyland’s product is a homeopathic, all-natural cough syrup meaning it contains no artificial ingredients or preservatives and the ingredients that are used are only minimally processed.
The gentle, great-tasting formula is easy on the stomach and even more importantly has none of the stimulant or sleepiness side effects that are common with some other over-the-counter cough syrups.
Completely sugar-free and dye-free as well, it is for children over 2 and up to 12 years of age.
3. Similasan
The Similasan Kids Syrup is an expectorant meaning it will loosen the mucus that often goes along with colds and aide the body’s natural ability to cough it up.
The syrup is a clear solution meaning it contains no dyes and because the recommended doses are rather small, the bottle lasts longer than some other products.
Best of all, most parents reported that, in addition to quieting coughs, the syrup reduced sniffles and helped kids breathe better during the day and sleep better at night.