This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission for recommending products. Read my disclosure policy for more info.
It doesn’t take reading a lot of parenting books to know that if your child has a barking cough, fever, and/or breathing difficulties … it isn’t good.
Many times, these symptoms could mean your child has Croup.
My kids have had Croup 5+ times now and even though they recovered fully, it can feel kinda scary.
What IS Croup?
Croup is an infection of the upper airway that commonly occurs in children. More specifically, it’s the swelling of the voice box, windpipe, and bronchial tubes. It’s usually caused by a virus (source: Mayo Clinic).
My youngest used to come down with Croup every time she had a cold. It was predictable, but I still hated it.
As soon as I’d hear that terrible cough at night (when it usually flares up), the fear would curl up in my stomach like a snake.
I’d race up the stairs to soothe her before she got TOO worked up (read below to see why keeping your child calm is important).
What does Croup sound like?
If your child has a deep, hoarse cough – it may be Croup.
Noisy breathing sounds may also be a symptom.
You may have heard that Croup can sound like a “barking seal cough.” Or you might notice a high-pitched sound when Baby breathes in (called Stridor).
If you’re not sure what these sound like, this article has several Croup and Stridor audio clips.
Remember: A visit to your pediatrician is always recommended to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Croup Home Remedies to help your child feel better
These home treatments won’t make croup go away, but they will help ease the symptoms and your child’s discomfort while your little one fights off the infection.
Disclaimer: The following remedies are what have worked for us personally. Always check with your pediatrician first or if you have any questions or concerns.
Keep your child as happy as possible
Do your best to keep your baby or toddler from getting upset and crying.
This is important because crying constricts the airways and worsens breathing difficulties.
Cartoons, singing shows, lullabies– Anything to keep your child happy until this passes.
Ibuprofen
Because croup flares up at night, I give my daughter a dose of children’s ibuprofen about 30-60 minutes before bedtime. This helps reduce inflammation.
You could also do this during the day, but abide by dosing instructions on the package or check with your pediatrician if you are unsure.
Use a Cool Mist Humidifier
I also put a cool mist humidifier in her room at full-steam power and leave it running all night long with the bedroom door closed.
The humid, cold air helps relax airways.
Keep your child warm, but not too warm
Becoming overheated can also exacerbate croup.
It’s best to keep your little one warm, but not too hot.
Croup Remedy for Kids (Grandma’s Natural Home Remedy)
This DIY croup remedy from Rebecca’s grandmother has over 75,000 pins – it’s definitely worth a try!
Put wash cloth, ice (1 cup) and rubbing alcohol (1 cup) into bowl. Then cover the bowl with a hand towel for 1 minute.
Ring out wash cloth, wrap around neck of child and cover with hand towel to help subside fumes.
Leave on until cloth is warm and repeat until croup cough loosens. If you try Grandma’s remedy, leave a comment here. 🙂
DON’T WAIT to seek medical attention *important*
If you’re concerned about your child’s breathing, you should seek immediate medical attention.
This Dr. Sears article about Croup gives you a good idea on when to treat at home and when it’s time to head to the ER.
When Croup becomes an emergency
One particular Thanksgiving, we had to take my youngest child to urgent care because her breathing was so labored.
We couldn’t calm her down and she was drooling, which meant she was having trouble swallowing.
The medical staff measured the level of oxygen in her blood (with a sensor that went around her finger– similar to how blood pressure is taken).
The staff walked on eggshells to avoid making her cry and gave us a nebulizer– a small machine that directs medicated steam toward the nostrils-– to use on her until her oxygen levels returned to normal.
They sent us home with a liquid steroid treatment to further reduce the inflammation.
In addition to receiving the steroid medication at urgent care, we’ve also had it prescribed by our pediatrician.
Honestly, it kicks croup booty overnight and lets everyone sleep better.
Bottom line: While home measures can offer some level of comfort, it’s not a substitute for medical care.
If your baby or toddler is ever struggling to breathe, you need to see a doctor immediately– whether that’s your normal pediatrician, at an urgent care center, or at a hospital emergency room.
A doctor can determine if it’s croup or something else and provide the medication or tools (e.g. a take-home nebulizer) that can settle your child’s breathing.
Croup is a frightening experience for both you and your child. But good medical care, a comfy home and lots of TLC will quickly get your little one on the road to recovery.