Hopefully the word is out by now that cold and cough medications should never be given to children under the age of 2. What may not be as well known, however, is that according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), several studies have shown that such medications "don't work in children younger than 6 years and can have potentially serious side effects."

Dr. Tamara R. Kuittinen, Director of Medical Education at the Department of Emergency Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City describes this in a FoxNews.com article entitled How Effective are Children's Cough and Cold Medications. "These medicines can do more harm than good," she states. "The ingredients in children’s cough and cold medications do not help. They are not effective, especially the decongestant, and part of it is because children’s anatomy is different. The risk margin is high."

Kuittinen says the only medications that are acceptable to administer to a child suffering from cold symptoms are children's acetaminophine (Tylenol) or ibuprofen. These will relieve aches and pains associated with a cold. She suggests using an oral syringe to ensure proper dosages are given, and reminds parents that reading product labels carefully is always essential.

Having three young children of her own, Kuittinen recommends humidification for helping youngsters suffering from colds. "Having a humidifier in their room is very helpful," she says. "Make sure you clean it every other day and it’s also important to keep children well hydrated."

While everyone gets a cold now and then, sometimes it can lead to complications like sinus infections, especially when allergies are involved. Ear, Nose and Throat specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and author of "Sinus Relief Now" Dr. Jordan S. Josephson offers some additional alternative treatments for cold symptoms, in particular when colds lead to sinus infections.

"Sinus irrigation is great for kids," he says. "You can use a saline mist or a neti pot, and various other things for kids, such as a Hydro Pulse Sinus irrigation system. These are products that kids can use to decrease amount of infections they get."