Vicks VapoRub is not safe for infants, according to a recent study. The study also found that almost half the children treated with VapoRub had minor side effects from the treatment.
Vicks is not safe to use on infants. A recent study found that almost half of children treated with Vicks had minor side effects.
If you use Vicks on your baby’s chest, do not use it around the face, on irritated skin or clothes. Until research proves otherwise, the American Academy of Pediatrics believes that over-the-counter vapo rubs and sprays are unsafe for children under 2 years old.
Vicks is a petroleum-based ointment that can irritate the skin, particularly on infants. Vicks in the bath is not recommended for babies with irritated or burned skin. Instead, try soothing your child with warm water and plenty of cuddles. And keep some baby oil handy for those times when you need to soothe a rough patch on your little one’s bottom.
Vicks is not safe for infants. A recent study showed that almost half the children treated with VapoRub had minor side effects, including cough, itchiness and sleepiness.
Vicks VapoRub may be safe for adults, but it is not safe for infants. A study found that almost half the children who were treated with this product had minor side effects.
Vicks Baby Rub on 1 Month Old
When it comes to Vicks VapoRub, I have both good news and bad news.
The good news? A 2010 study published in the journal Pediatrics and financially supported by a grant from Proctor and Gamble (the maker of Vicks VapoRub) found that the rub may be an effective remedy for kids’ cold symptoms.
The study reports that VapoRub’s combination of camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oils may relieve symptoms and improve sleep in children with upper respiratory infections.
Unfortunately, this only applies to kids over age 2. Vicks is not safe for infants. The study also found that almost half the children treated with VapoRub had minor side effects.
The other bad news is that this benefit claim is based on only one study of 138 children. It found that parents who applied Vicks to the neck and chest areas of their children reported that some symptoms significantly improved compared to doing nothing at all or just rubbing petroleum on the kids.
Despite the small study sample, I’m still a believer because I’ve definitely applied Vicks VapoRub to my own kids and seen it work its magic.
The cautions
The AAP can only safely recommend Vicks for children starting at age 2.
Perhaps more significantly, a 2009 study published in the journal ChestTrusted Source suggested Vicks doesn’t work and it might be dangerous for infants and children. This is because camphor is toxic if ingested, which is more likely to occur in young children.
The study claimed that Vicks only tricks the brain into thinking airways are open, but it doesn’t actually get rid of any congestion. In young children, it can instead act like an irritant to the airways, potentially causing more mucus production and nasal congestion.
If your kids are under age 2, ask your pediatrician about alternative ways to clear up coughing and congestion.
The takeaway
When it comes to keeping your baby healthy, it’s never worth the risk to apply medications that aren’t 100 percent safe. If your baby is under the age of 2, you should never apply Vicks to their chest, nose, feet, or elsewhere.
You could try special nonmedicated rub for babies 3 months and older. The blend is dubbed as a “soothing ointment” that contains fragrances of eucalyptus, rosemary, and lavender. These have been associated with relaxation. So at the very least, it might help soothe a fussy baby to sleep.
Another option is to release a soothing power into the air. Vicks offers several different types of vaporizers and humidifiers. Use these to release the scent of menthol to soothe and ease congestion for your baby.
Why is Vicks Bad for Babies
When it comes to kids, sometimes it seems like every season is cold season. The most aggravating part? You can’t magically make them healthy and happy. However, there are some tricks of the trade to help soothe their symptoms.
Sleep on it.
Sleep is essential for recovery, because it helps the body fight viruses. While your sniffly child sleeps, a cool mist humidifier or vaporizer placed in her room can moisten the air and help ease congestion and coughing.
Drink up.
Fluids also are essential. When children are sick, sore throats and stuffy noses tend to make them breathe through their mouths. This can cause a dry mouth and increase the loss of body fluid. When caring for a sick child, make sure she stays hydrated with plenty of fluids, such as filtered water and fruit juices. Plus, liquids can help soothe sore throats.
Cuddle up.
For many children, sickness can be pretty scary. So, the best thing you can do is get close—and stay there. For example, let your sick child lie on the couch where she can see you, instead of alone in a bedroom. And, because illness makes some kids clingy, simply letting your child rest in your arms can allow her to forget her symptoms long enough to fall asleep soundly. Try applying Vicks® VapoRub™ to your child’s chest (for children older than age 2) if a cough is present. The cool menthol vapors can be very soothing. If you are looking to simply calm and soothe your child, consider Vicks® BabyRub™.
Try Puffs Plus
Try to keep your child’s airways as clear as possible. Try Puffs Plus® with the Scent of Vicks® non-medicated facial tissues, which are infused with soothing lotion and the comforting scent of Vicks. Most older toddlers can be taught how to blow their nose, but if your child is too young, use a nasal aspirator (a syringe that sucks the mucus from the nostrils). Clearing up the sniffles before meals and at bedtime can make eating and sleeping more comfortable.
Splish, splash—give a bath.
When caring for a sick child, give her temporary relief from a fever with a lukewarm bath. Plus, baths are a great distraction from the misery of a cold or flu.
When your kids are sick, they just aren’t themselves. And even though you don’t always have the magical cure, sometimes the best prescription is a little TLC to help send them on the road to recovery.