Over-the-counter cough and cold remedies are generally not advised for very young children because the risks can outweigh limited benefit, and dosing errors are easy to make. Specific age cut-offs vary by product and country, so the label and a pharmacist are your guide. Never assume a child can take an adult medicine in a smaller amount.
For symptom comfort in children, focus on fluids, rest, saline nasal drops or sprays, and a humidified or steamy environment. Honey can soothe a cough in children over one year but must never be given to infants under one year.
Fever or pain can be managed with a children's paracetamol or ibuprofen product dosed by weight and age per the label or pharmacist advice. Always check that you are not combining products with the same ingredient. See a doctor if a child is very young, struggling to breathe, not drinking, unusually drowsy, or not improving.