As a family physician, I often see children in my office with a cough. There have been extensive studies showing no clear benefits and, in fact, there were definite potential harms to over the counter cough medication in children under age 4. So, what can parents use?
Honey has been found to decrease cough frequency and severity. Honey also improves sleep for patients and parents. Dextromethorphan (DM, for short) helps in those older than 4 years of age just as much as honey to quiet a cough.
Of note, honey CANNOT be given to children less than 12 months of age as it can cause botulism and death.
This means that honey is a good alternative to help with symptom of cough in children older than one.
I hope this helps.
Dr. Leslie Greenberg's Blog 
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