Cold specialists tend to be skeptical of most popular “multi-symptom” cold medicines on market shelves. Most of these concoctions contain a blend of ingredients, some of them unnecessary and unproven, and the more ingredients you swallow, the greater your chances of experiencing side effects worse than the cold itself. Parents should consult with a doctor before giving any over-the-counter medicine to babies with colds. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, children younger than age two should not be given any cold or cough medications. The risks are too great for serious side effects, including hives, drowsiness, difficulty breathing and even death. While FDA has not completed its review of the safety of these medicines in children 2 through 11 years of age, most experts advise against their use – especially in children under the age of 6. The American College of Pediatricians extends that recommendation to children younger than age 14. As we medicalize natural phenomena like babies colds, there’s one treatment that too often gets lost or forgotten. When your child is down with a cold, the best prescription is an Rx for loving. For treatment of colds in babies, use non-aspirin pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen in age-appropriate doses and nasal suctioning.