getting a chesty toddler to sleep

[fisil]

ds is in his bed, desperately tired but unable to sleep because of coughing and wheezing and a bunged up nose.

MN wisdom - what can I do to help the poor little boy to sleep?

Vic on his chest, olbas oil on a hankie under his pillow and prop his head up with more pillows than normal? have heard propping the matress up can help too, but have never tried this myself. Good Luck

he's never had pillows, so not sure about that (he's squirming a lot too cos it hurts so much). And I'm home alone without vic or olbas oil in the house. Any more suggestions? Poor little devil is so unhappy.

sorry Frizbe, didn't mean to sound dismissive, just I hate this feeling of not being able to help him!

i have a toddler with the same thing
we did have olbas oil though.....

not sure what to suggest
has he had some calpol/nurofen??

not sure about this but have heard a small bowl of water placed near radiator would 'moisten' the air a bit and make it easier to breathe???

Have you tried steam? I used to put a bowl of boiling water under the cot (out of reach, obviously). That worked better than anything, although I also propped up the cot with books or something under the feet at the top. Poor little boy.

(great minds tamu...)

will he let you rub his feet fisil? I know you dont have any vic which is what i always recommend that you rub on feet but even just the rubbing/massaging will help. Concentrate on the instep and the ball of the foot. Make sure your hands are warm before you start.

he's had nurofen, I'll save the calpol for the bit of the night I intend to sleep through.

I will try propping up the end of the cot (the end his head is, yes?) and I will put a bowl of steam in his room. I was hoping to get him in the bath tonight - I thought that might loosen him up, but he was feeling too ick.

Thanks for your suggestions.

mckenzie, I've never tried that, but he's very ticklish! Will give it a go. Back soon.

bless him - sounds more poorly than ds...
yes - prop up the head end

Spooky eh, popsycal

Hurrah - found some karvol. Just putting the drops on his sheets cleared up my bunged up nose, so fingers crossed. Have also popped a pot of steaming water in his room.

Thank you ladies.

Popsy, probably not more poorly, just a complete drama queen!

Medised is good. Has antihistamines which help dry up congestion, and makes them sleepy. Also contains paracetamol for pain/fever. (So don't give with calpol).

I always use Tixylix Cough & Cold to "soothe cough, clear congestion & releive runny nose". I only use it at bedtime as causes drowsiness (useful for peaceful nights). DS sleeps in grobag so I liberlay sprinkle it with Olbas oil (like karvol) plus liberal application of adult strength Vicks on chest & back before bed...works every time!