A Spoonful of Honey: Natural Cough Relief for Kids Over 12 Months

When your little one is up all night coughing, the whole house feels it. The broken sleep, the worry, the endless back-and-forth between “Is this serious?” and “Should I do something?”—it’s exhausting. And while the instinct might be to reach for a bottle of over-the-counter medicine, there’s something simple and natural that might help: honey.

Not just sweet and sticky—honey has been used for generations to ease sore throats and settle coughs. But it’s not just an old wives’ tale. There’s solid science to back up the benefits, especially when it comes to managing night-time coughing in children with a cold or upper respiratory tract infection (URTI).

So, how does honey help?

Honey works in a few different ways. Its thick, soothing texture can coat the throat, helping to reduce irritation and suppress the urge to cough—particularly at night when it can feel the worst. It also has naturally occurring antioxidants and antimicrobial properties that may support the body while it fights off the virus.

And for those wondering—yes, research shows that honey can be more effective than doing nothing and even outperforms some common cough medicines, particularly antihistamines that aren’t designed to work on cold-related coughs anyway.

How to give it

For children over 12 months, a small amount of honey (around half to one teaspoon) given before bed may help reduce cough frequency and improve sleep—for everyone. You can offer it on a spoon or mix it into a small amount of warm water. Just remember: this is not a substitute for hydration or rest. Think of it as a tool in your toolkit, not the whole kit.

Important: Honey must never be given to babies under 12 months due to the risk of botulism, a rare but serious illness.

Keep it short-term

While honey can offer relief, it’s not something to use over and over again for weeks on end. Overuse—especially when given at night and left on the teeth—can increase the risk of tooth decay. So stick to short-term use and always encourage tooth brushing after giving it.

Why not just use cough medicine?

In Australia, cough and cold medicines are not recommended for children under six. The risks—including side effects, accidental overdose, and lack of proven benefit—often outweigh any potential gain. That’s why a natural remedy like honey, when used appropriately, is not only gentler but safer.

Know when to get help

A mild, dry cough with a runny nose and no fever? Likely just a viral URTI that will pass on its own. But there are times when a cough needs a closer look:

• If your child is having trouble breathing

• If the cough has gone on for more than a few weeks

• If they have a high fever, rash, or are unusually tired

• If you notice wheezing, vomiting from coughing, or chest pain

Don’t wait. Your instincts matter. If you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking in with your GP or trusted health professional.

The Sick Sense Wrap-Up

You don’t need to jump to medication or panic at every cough. But knowing what can help—and when to worry—is powerful. Honey is one of those small, simple things that can bring comfort, especially during the night-time battles with a lingering cough.

At The Sick Sense, our workshops teach you how to make these decisions with confidence. Whether it’s when to escalate or how to comfort your child without overreacting, we give you the skills to manage those in-between moments.

Because when you trust your Sick Sense, you’re never flying blind.

Disclaimer:This blog provides general advice only and is not a substitute for individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not replace your child’s healthcare plan or clinical advice from a doctor. If you are concerned about your child’s health or symptoms, please seek medical attention promptly.