The best children's cough and cold remedies

The rhinovirus (coughs and colds) is the most common type of virus around and can be more severe in younger children, as their airways are narrower and their tonsils and adenoids bigger.

As they're spread by droplets - coughs, sneezes and on hands - they're far more common in winter when children are huddled together inside, doors shut. In fact, of the nine to 12 viruses children suffer from each year, eight to 10 may occur in four or five months over winter.

Reminding them to wash their hands is important but, aside from keeping them in quarantine, avoiding all bugs is practically impossible.

If your child is suffering this winter here's three, safe cough and cold remedies that will help...

A natural children's decongestant made from pure plant oils which release vapours to help relieve nasal congestion and restore easy breathing. Suitable from three months to two years. £3.39, LloydsPharmacy

A blackcurrant-flavoured sore throat spray containing a local anaesthetic which targets the site of pain within seconds. Suitable from six years. £5.99, Superdrug

Boots Pharmaceuticals Glycerin Honey & Lemon Linctus

Helps soothe and relieve the symptoms of sore throats and coughs, to help both children and adults recover as soon as possible. Suitable from one year. £1.99, Boots