Coughing while sleeping

[Littleape]

My twins are getting over the flu and they have a cough that the doctors say could last for up to 2 wks. They are too young to take any kind of cough medicine (they are 18 months). It is not that bad during the day but it is awful at night. I run a cool-mist humidifier in their room while they sleep but they cough so bad that they can't stop. This wakes them up then they start crying and I have to get up and comfort them before they will go back to sleep. It is constant. The doctor said I could try a teaspoon of honey and it may help. It has not helped at all. I don't know what else to try. They are coughing and waking up all night long. They are not sleeping well and that means I am not either. I would appreciate any ideas or suggestions of what I could try to help the cough.

[myboysmom]

I put Vicks Vapor Rub on my kids. I don't think that they're too young for it, but if you're afraid, just use a small amount on their chest, and leave their jammies open at the top. Even just a little bit helps. And if you really don't want to put it on their bodies, even just on a rag next to their bed so they are breathing it in. And I have given my kids a very small dose of infant/child cough syrup if the coughing was too hard on them. But, I also went by weight. Since your girls are twins, they may be smaller for their age. I hope you (and they) get through this without too much more trouble. Good Luck!

[Littleape]

I have been putting Baby Vicks on them but I may try regular Vicks tonight. I like the idea of putting a rag with it on it next to their bed so I'll try that also. I gave some of the child cough syrup early this am and it seemed to help a little. Thanks for the advice. If anyone else has ANY ideas, I am up for almost anything at this point. Don't know how many more nights I can sleep on the couch and get woke up every 30 mins if I get to sleep that long!

[mom1931]

If they are 18 months then u can give them a little benadryl . Thats what my doc told us when my son was coughing last time we took him for the visit. Vicks humidifier and vapor rub helps too! I also keep his head elevated.

Hope this helps and wishing ur kids speedy recovery!!

[Littleape]

I never thought of Benadryl. Sounds like you have a more understanding pediatrician than I do. They just tell me that they have to just get over it in time. Is there a childrens Benadryl and if so, will it have dosage for their size (about 25 lbs)? I would call the doctor but I know they will not give me any advice. Thanks for all the suggestions. Last night was better - some. I actually got to sleep most of the night and in my bed! Just had to get up a few times.

[kfiedler]

As weird as it sounds put the vicks vapor rub on there feet, with cotton socks at night. I don't know how, but it works for both kids and us parents, and it leaves your feet well hydrated and soft!!

[Littleape]

Thank you everyone for all the advice! Just wanted to let you know the girls are FINALLY better. Took about 3 wks to get rid of the cough but it is GONE! I appreciate all the advice, it really helped! Thanks again.