Since most congestion is viral, treatment won't require antibiotics. And administering cough and cold medicine can carry risks. In a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-supported move in October 2008, many drug manufacturers declared they would modify the labels on their over-the-counter cough and cold medications to say that they shouldn’t be used in children younger than 4 years.

That action is another response by drug makers (a year earlier they recalled this medicine that was marketed to infants) to public and medical concern over the safety of these products. In January 2008, the FDA released a public health advisory stating cough and cold medicine shouldn’t be used in children younger than age 2 because of the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening side effects. The FDA is still studying whether these drugs are safe and effective for older children, although an advisory committee for the FDA had previously recommended against their use for children younger than age 6.

While experts continue to investigate and debate whether parents can securely give cold medicine to older kids, you can help relieve your child's congestion by trying these tactics:

Blow baby, blow. While your older child should be able to easily blow his nose, younger children such as toddlers, and perhaps even some preschoolers may have more difficulty with this. In these instances—and if your child doesn’t put up a huge fight—you may want to help him clear his nostrils by using a suction bulb. 

Use a saline nasal wash. Saline solution, which is available as a spray or drops at drugstores, helps lubricate mucus so it's easier to blow out (whether you're using a suction bulb or not). It can be used for children of all ages, including babies.

Fill up on fluids. Drinking plenty of clear fluids such as water can help your child stay hydrated, which helps thin mucus and clear nasal secretions. "If you're sick, your body's metabolism may be higher. You'll burn more fluid, especially if you also have a fever, so you want to replace that fluid," Dr. Rosen says. Even the steam from hot liquids such as chicken soup or herbal tea (e.g., chamomile) can help open nasal passages. (Note: Be cautious when giving babies younger than 6 months straight water, Dr. Rosen advises. Infants are susceptible to water intoxication, a potentially lethal condition.)

Steam up the air. A steamy shower or a cool-mist humidifier in your child's room can help hydrate nasal membranes and make mucus easier to dislodge. But be sure to clean the humidifier often and only use it only when your child is congested. "If you run a humidifier full-time, there’s a greater chance you'll create mold spores in the room, which your child can inhale," says Dr. Rosen. As a result, kids can develop an allergy to mold and a chronic cough.

Try aromatherapy. You can use your favorite vapor rub (follow instructions and age restrictions closely), but you can also rub a tablespoon or small handful of massage oil mixed with a drop or two of eucalyptus oil on your child's chest. (Note: Never put undiluted essential oils on skin.) "Breathing in the smell may help to open air passages," Dr. Rosen says. However, stay clear of using these aromatic rubs -- including a store-bought vapor rub -- on asthmatic kids. "Any kind of smell can irritate the airways in children with asthma," he adds.

When purchasing eucalyptus oil, which can be found in health food stores, grab Eucalyptus radiata, which is milder but just as effective as other types of eucalyptus, says Kamyar Hedayat, MD, a clinical aromatherapist and pediatrician, and the founder of Aroma MD. Other essential oils that may be helpful include thyme, cardamom, cedar, lavender, or spike lavender.