You have to wait out a cold ; treating symptoms , at any age , doesn 't make the cold go away faster . _ Plenty of liquids , from water to chicken soup . _ Suction bulbs can gently clear infants ' clogged noses . _ Saline nose drops loosen thick secretions so noses drain more easily . _ A cool-mist humidifier in the child 's bedroom . _ Some chest creams can ease stuffiness with menthol or other fragrances , but check labels for age restrictions . _ Acetaminophen or ibuprofen , as recommended by your doctor , to alleviate pain or discomfort--but check that they don 't contain extra ingredients like decongestants or antihistamines .