The Ultimate Guide to Managing Sore Throat in Toddlers

Published November 14th, 2023

Sore throats occur all the time in childhood. And as far as we are concerned, there is nothing to worry about. Most of the time, they are simply a part of the common cold. They don’t cause any severe problems. Still, sore throats can be painful and annoying when dealing with a toddler. We, as parents, just want to take their pain away and leave them with nothing but wellness. 

In this article, we’ll talk about everything about toddler sore throat. We’ll dive into what it is, what causes it, and its signs and symptoms. We’ll also tackle managing it, including what to feed for children now. Finally, we’ll go serious about when to call a physician and a bonus section on maintaining a healthy throat in children. Let’s get started.  

Toddler Sore Throat: Sore Throat in Children

Sore throats are common at any age. They can be one of the first signs of illness, like a cold, flu, or mononucleosis. They also can be born with a strep throat infection. Yet, it is rare in children younger than two years old. 

Bacteria or a virus infection triggers most sore throats. Cigarette smoke, dry air, air pollution, allergies, and yelling can also cause sore throats. Fortunately, most sore throats go away on their own. 

Home treatments may also help your child feel better sooner. Also, antibiotics are not needed. It is unless your child has a bacterial strep infection. For one, strep throat is caused by streptococcal bacteria. 

Signs and Symptoms of a Sore Throat in Toddler

1. Painful throat 
2. Fever 
3. Swollen glands in the neck 
4. Bad breath 
5. Scratchiness in the throat 
6. Redness in the back of the mouth 

How to Soothe Toddler Sore Throat: Tips for Treating and Managing

1. Saltwater 

Have your child gargle with warm salt water several times a day. Combine ½ teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water. This will help alleviate swelling and relieve pain. 

2. Have your child drink plenty of fluids. 

Warm water, hearty soup, and cold foods like popsicles and ice cream may decrease throat pain. 

3. Keep your toddler away from smoke. 

Do not smoke or let anyone else smoke around your little one or in your house. Smoke irritates the throat. 

4. Humidifier 

Place a cool mist humidifier by your child’s bed. It will make it easier for your child to breathe.

5. Suck on hard candy or throat lozenges (for kids age four or older) 

For older children, sucking on hard candy or throat lozenges can help alleviate discomfort. 

6. Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain

Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 18.

7. Rest is best 

Rest helps you heal. It is also an excellent reason to keep your child home when they are not feeling well. It’s even more critical if they have a sore throat. You’ll help them prevent spreading the germs to other people. 

Suppose they are not sleepy. They can rest while looking at books, magazines, or their favorite movie. 

What to Feed a Toddler With a Sore Throat

1. Warm soup

A bowl of warm soup will hug your toddler’s throat and relieve the pain. Warm liquids are an effective way to lessen sore throat pain. Any type of it will work, too. The warmth rather than the ingredients will help your child feel better. 

2. Oatmeal 

Warm oatmeal can do the same, too. Oatmeal can be nutritious and hearty with frozen berries or plain yogurt. Make sure to test the temperature of it before serving. A scorching food can burn their throat and introduce additional pain. 

3. Yogurt with fruit 

Cold foods such as yogurt also do wonders in alleviating sore throat. It is a good choice because it is soothing and soft to swallow. It also has the added benefit of probiotics, which act like antibiotics to help kill germs that may cause illness. 

Offer your toddler a carton of it with fresh berries, bananas, or cube mango. In doing so, you increase their intake of vitamin C. It is a nutrient that may help fight the infection-causing sore throat. 

4. Rice pudding 

Rice pudding is also a good toddler meal. It blends foods from several food groups into one kid-friendly dish. It is also soft and soothing. In addition, rice pudding supplies protein. This is helpful as your toddler must fight illness and maintain energy. Including frozen fruits, too, will make it a much more well-rounded meal. 

When to Call the Doctor

If your little one’s sore throat is only accompanied by mild cold symptoms, call the pediatrician if the symptoms worsen and if their sore throat still bothers them after a day. 

Yet, more intense symptoms might warrant a call sooner. You should check in with the doctor for a sore throat paired with other symptoms such as: 

1. Fever
2. Stomach ache 
3. Trouble swallowing or not drinking liquids 
4. Signs of dehydration 
5. Drooling 
6. Labored or noisy breathing
7. Extreme fatigue 
8. Pus in the back of the throat 

How to Maintain a Healthy Throat Health in Children

1. Hydration and humidification 

Ensure your toddler drinks plenty of water each day. This keeps their throat from drying out and promotes adequate drainage from the nose. It also lets us chew and swallow food correctly and keeps our voice healthy. Humidification, on the other hand, helps as well. This is especially true in dry climates, sore throats, and respiratory dilemmas. 

2. Oral hygiene

Teach your child to be consistent with oral hygiene. Guide them in brushing their teeth well and using mouthwash. There may be no more significant way to maintain the health of teeth and gums. Any disturbance to these two can also immediately impact the rest of the throat and our bodies. 

3. Prevent upper respiratory infections. 

Make sure to avoid being present around people who are sick. Employ hand washing precautions. Get vaccinated. Learn to direct your cough or sneeze into your bent arms. Wear a mask. 

4. Take care of your voice. 

Raise your little one knowing how to rest their voice. Don’t shout. Avoid long, continuous talking or singing. 

5. Healthy diet and exercise

Foods containing whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can encourage a healthy throat. Make sure your toddler’s diet includes such foods. It also helps to consume vitamins A, C, and E, as the three aid the throat’s lining. 

6. Avoid sharing eating utensils. 

Teach children not to share eating utensils to minimize the spread of bacteria and viruses, which can trigger throat infections. 

7. Limit exposure to cold temperatures.

Protect your child’s throat from cold temperatures. When going outside, please do so by having them wear appropriate clothing, such as scarves. It will help prevent throat discomfort caused by cold air. 

8. Avoid irritants 

Teach children to avoid irritants, such as smoking, secondhand smoke, and air pollution. These can introduce unwanted irritation and contribute to respiratory problems.