Vicks Vaporub? Say it isn’t so!

 

Not for babies!

Here we go again. Three short months after our post about the ill effects of cold medicines on infants, we are now hearing about another hazard in the good old-fashioned medicine chest: Vicks Vaporub! And this time I can’t even come with a good dose of self-righteousness. That blue jar was a staple in our house when I was growing up, right along with Limeacol, Alcalada and Dettol. Come on now, I know I’m not alone here. As a kid, all I had to do was clear my throat a little too hard, and I would find myself greased down with Vicks — chest, back and foot bottoms. Some people even smeared it under the nose — I’m sure glad my mother didn’t go THAT far. It was enough to be slathered in the stuff so much you were all but sticking to the sheets!

Luckily, by the time I had my own children, I was more in favour of eucalyptus oil mixed with shea butter — mind you, I didn’t think anything was WRONG with Vicks, I just thought it was more greasy than I like and maybe the smell would be too strong. SEVERE respiratory distress wasn’t even on my mind. As always I say, Who knew?

Still looking for those good tips and tricks for when your child has a cold. Post your wisdom — I know I sure could use it during these frigid winter months!