With illnesses and viruses going around, I know many of us are looking for ways to soothe kids sore throats—whether scratchy, raw, or just painful swallowing. And while there aren’t a ton of medicines that can help little kids, these easy options may offer some relief.
Kids Sore Throats
A sore throat could be a sign of a range of illnesses, so always check in with your health care provider for guidance on over the counter or prescription medications. Then, consider these straight forward ways to offer some relief. The relief may not be long lasting, but small offerings throughout the day can increase comfort.
And sometimes that’s really all we can do and all that matters. (See also lots of snuggles.)
Remember that when kids aren’t feeling well, they often don’t have their normal appetite. So have patience if they aren’t eating much or what they usually like.
(You may also like probiotics for kids, multi-vitamins for kids, and elderberry syrup for kids.)
You can consider over the counter options including this one from Zarbees when the kids are old enough (which is often over age 4), and focus on hydrating foods for kids and your pediatrician’s advice for overall health.
Table of Contents
- Kids Sore Throats
- Smoothie Popsicle
- Mango Popsicle
- Fresh Creamsicles
- Blueberry Banana Smoothie
- Simple Green Smoothie
- Watermelon Juice
- Watermelon Sorbet
- Fruit Slushie
- Avocado Pudding
- Chia Pudding
- Yogurt Melts
- Orange-Honey Fruit Snacks
- Instant Frozen Yogurt
- Lollipops
- Honey Tea
- Juice
- Best Tips for Soothing Kids Sore Throats
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Smoothie Popsicle
Freeze any smoothie into a one of the best popsicle molds—or use this simple green smoothie pop recipe—for nutrition and cold relief.
Mango Popsicle
Blend up two super simple ingredients into the most soothing popsicles for kids.
Fresh Creamsicles
Pack a pop with Vitamin C and probiotics with this creamy homemade creamsicle.
Blueberry Banana Smoothie
Blend frozen berries with banana for a classic nutrient-rich smoothie. Even a few spoonfuls or sips may help their throat feel a little better.
Simple Green Smoothie
Keeping things simple is my favorite tip when it comes to smoothies and this one is a great option for kids (when healthy or sick).
Watermelon Juice
Fresh melon juice is packed with Vitamin C and is really easy to make in minutes—no juicer required.
Watermelon Sorbet
Transform fresh fruit into a really refreshing and soothing sorbet. No fancy equipment needed.
Fruit Slushie
Blending frozen fruit (almost any kind works) with a little juice or water makes a really delicious and soothing slushie.
Avocado Pudding
With healthy fats and flavor, this creamy pudding is easy to eat and satisfying to kids who might not be in the mood for much food.
Chia Pudding
Stir together a few ingredients for an easy-to-eat pudding packed with nutrients and a soothing texture.
Yogurt Melts
Making a batch of Yogurt Melts at home is a simple way to change up how you offer yogurt—and the healthy fats, probiotics, and calcium that it offers in a super fun (and easy to eat) format!
Orange-Honey Fruit Snacks
Make a batch of homemade fruit snacks in a few minutes with this simple Vitamin C-packed recipe.
Instant Frozen Yogurt
Ready in minutes, a few bites of this can help calm an irritated throat. (And you can freeze any leftovers in a popsicle mold.)
Lollipops
Flat lollipops and the special ones from Lolleez Throat Pops, can help sore throats by coating them to reduce the rawness. (Flat ones are safer than round ones, generally speaking. Make sure the kids are sitting down while eating. Do not give kids under age 4 or 5 classic cough drops as they are a choking hazard.)
Honey Tea
Stir a little honey into warm water, with a little lemon juice or not, to make a simple tea for kids over age 1. (Do not give honey to babies under age 12 months.)
Juice
Fruit juice or vegetable juice, whether full strength or a little watered down, can be a nice way to offer hydration and throat soothing.
Best Tips for Soothing Kids Sore Throats
- Check with your child’s health care provider for advice on medication.
- Offer cold foods or drinks, such as popsicles, smoothies, juice, or puddings.
- Learn how to make popsicles at home for easy soothing options.
- Remember that appetite may decrease or vary while a kid is under the weather—and may continue a little after.
- Offer lots of comfort and snuggles as you can.
- Try our favorite Sore Throat Popsicles or my easy Pear Popsicles, too.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear any feedback or on this post, so please comment below!
This post was first posted January 2022.
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