Sore Throat Relief Tips for Kids
How to Soothe a Sore Throat: Gentle Relief for Ontario Kids
Yes, you can absolutely help your child feel better when their throat hurts! Most sore throats in kids get better on their own with simple home care, and there are plenty of safe ways to ease the discomfort while they heal.
How it works
The goal is to keep your child's throat moist and reduce inflammation. When a throat is sore, it's often because tissues are swollen or dried out from breathing through the mouth, coughing, or fighting off a virus.
Start with the basics that work for any age. Cool or lukewarm liquids are your best friend here. Water, diluted juice, or weak herbal tea can all help. Avoid anything too hot or acidic like orange juice, which might sting more.
For toddlers and older kids, popsicles or ice chips can be surprisingly soothing. The cold helps numb the pain temporarily, and it gets fluids into them too. Honey is wonderful for kids over 12 months old. You can give a teaspoon straight or mix it into warm (not hot) water or milk.
A humidifier in their bedroom adds moisture to the air they're breathing, which helps keep their throat from getting more irritated overnight. If you don't have one, running a hot shower and sitting in the steamy bathroom for a few minutes works too.
What you'll need
- Cool or lukewarm drinks (water, diluted juice, weak tea)
- Popsicles or ice chips
- Honey (only for kids over 1 year)
- Humidifier or access to a steamy bathroom
- Age-appropriate pain reliever if needed
Pain relief options
For kids over 3 months, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help with both pain and any fever. Always follow the dosing on the package for your child's weight and age.
Throat lozenges or sprays aren't recommended for young kids because of choking risks, but older kids and teens can try them if they want.
Common questions
Should I give my child warm or cold drinks? Either can help, so let them choose what feels better. Some kids prefer cool drinks, others like warm. The key is keeping them hydrated.
What about gargling with salt water? Kids who are old enough to gargle without swallowing (usually 6 and up) can try this. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
How long should a sore throat last? Most viral sore throats get better in 3 to 5 days. If it's lasting longer or getting worse, it might be time to check in with a healthcare provider.
The takeaway
Sore throats are miserable, but with some TLC, your child should start feeling better soon. Trust your instincts about what they need most.
You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!
References - [Sore Throat in Children](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/sorethroatin_children) - Caring for Kids (Canadian Paediatric Society)
- [Sore Throat](https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=748&language=English) - AboutKidsHealth (SickKids)
- [Treating Your Child's Cold or Flu](https://ontario.ca/page/treating-your-childs-cold-or-flu) - Ontario.ca