Vicks' Baby Rub Safety for Infants

Vicks VapoRub has been a mother's answer to a stuffy nose since 1905. This green-colored, strong-smelling cream is rubbed gently on to the chest of the cold sufferer and supposedly clears up his nasal passageway so that he can breath. If the sick person is under 2 years old, however, this rub can do more harm than good.

  1. General Use

    • Vicks VapoRub comes in a small jar filled with mint- or lemon-scented cream. It is a topical treatment that works by being rubbed across the chest, lower neck area and shoulders to release the strong scents. Because the smell is so strong, it should not be applied directly underneath the nose, but within a short range to be most effective.

      Vicks can be helpful for children over 2 who are having trouble breathing because of a stuffy nose.

    Infant Safety

    • Vicks VapoRub should not be used on children under the age of 2. It is extremely dangerous to apply this ointment to babies because it can cause reactions that are similar to having a severe cold or breathing problem. When applied to infants, Vicks causes inflammation of the lungs, mucus production and difficulty breathing, rather than relieving cold symptoms.

    History with Infants

    • The Los Angeles Times, among other newspapers, ran a report on Vicks VapoRub in 2009 after many hospitals reported seeing problems with this cream when applied to infants. The reporter following the case, Thomas H. Maugh II, noted that many parents simply reached for the treatment without reading the warning on the jar. He explained that because these parents remembered the treatment from their own childhood, it did not even occur to them that it might not be safe to use on their babies.

    Vicks Policy

    • The manufacturers are aware of this danger and do not try to hide it. Vicks includes a warning on the outside of the VapoRub jar that clearly states not to use their rub on babies younger than the age of 2.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • What Are the Dangers of Soy Milk for Babies?
      As a parent, its natural to seek out the best nutritional options for your baby. Under one year of age, babies should not be consuming soy milk. Instead, they should be consuming breast milk or infant formula. Once the baby turns one, she can begin t
    • Regulations for Diaper Change Tables
      Diaper changing tables are a great convenience for anyone caring for an infant or toddler. Whether at home or on the go, changing tables offer caregivers a safe and sturdy surface to comfortably change soiled diapers. While the federal government doe
    • How to Clean a Nasal Aspirator
      Nasal aspirators help relieve congestion and keep your babys airway clear by suctioning away mucus. Nasal aspirators collect the mucus inside the instrument, so they do need to be cleaned after each use to prevent bacteria from accumulating. In addit