can i put tiger balm on toddler?

[Nini74]

my 2 year old has a bad cold which seems to have gone to his chest a bit - its sounding loose but he's got a lot of mucus in his nose and, from the sound of it, his chest. I've done all the usual tricks like karvol in hot water near his bed etc, but i just wondered if i could rub a little karvol or tiger balm onto his chest to help with congestion and ease any discomfort a little. Any ideas? TIA xx

[Zacs-Master]

Look!
http://www.tigerbalm....sg/pages/junior_range

[nungate]

When my daughter had bad colds, my health visitor recommended that I put a pillow under the mattress of the cot keeping her head a bit elevated, and in case she slipped down fix a large towel or small sheet to stop her
from moving downwards. If you have a little bit of vick o something you could try putting a little on a tissue and slip inside your little one's pyjamas, I've never used Tiger Balm but from the sounds of it, they seem similar

[woofgang]

I would n't use adult stuff on his skin but a little on a hanky to sniff or some in a bowl of hot water left in his room might help. I wouldn't put it on his jammies or bedding though.

[sherrardk]

Tiger balm is not for colds (unless they've brought out a different range). I recently read something about not using Vicks Vapour rub either, I will try and find it for you. Personally I would elevate your little one's head and put a few drops of Karvol on their pj's.

[pastafreak]

On Boots website it says TB is not for children under 2. I wouldn't apply to the skin....but a bit on a tissue may help as it has menthol and camphor in it.

[horseshoes]

My Nain (Grandmother) used to put Menthol & Eucalyptus oil on my pillow when I had a cold.

[Nini74]

thank you all! didn't put tiger balm on as was worried may feel like burning his skin. bought vapour rub today and have put that on his chest and back and the soles of his feet. have also put a pillow under his mattress. Fingers crossed he gets a good sleep and thank you so much for the tips ! xx

[sherrardk]

Just curious, why have you put it on the soles of his feet.

[Nini74]

i think its an old wives tale - my mum told me it years ago and i read it somewhere recently (thought it was on here actually).....something to do with it warming through the body or something. Mum also said earlier to put it on his wrists because thats where the pulse is - but i didn't do that in case he rubbed his face in his sleep and got it in his eyes. xx

[sherrardk]

Thanks for the answer, new one on me (but now one I will have to try). I wouldn't put it on the wrists either for the same reason. I use Karvol or vapour rub when mine have bad ears (most of them suffer from glue ear) as I was told by one of the many doctors that they have seen over the years that it keeps the passages open even if they haven't got a cold (a tip for you in return). Hope our little one is better soon, x