Kids Sore Throats

A sore throat could be a sign of a range of illnesses, so always check in with your health care provider for guidance on over the counter or prescription medications. Then, consider these straight forward ways to offer some relief. The relief may not be long lasting, but small offerings throughout the day can increase comfort. And sometimes that’s really all we can do and all that matters. (See also lots of snuggles.) Remember that when kids aren’t feeling well, they often don’t have their normal appetite. So have patience if they aren’t eating much or what they usually like. (You may also like probiotics for kids, multi-vitamins for kids, and elderberry syrup for kids.) You can consider over the counter options including this one from Zarbees when the kids are old enough (which is often over age 4), and focus on hydrating foods for kids and your pediatrician’s advice for overall health.

Smoothie Popsicle

Freeze any smoothie into a one of the best popsicle molds—or use this simple green smoothie pop recipe—for nutrition and cold relief. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.

Mango Popsicle

Blend up two super simple ingredients into the most soothing popsicles for kids.

Fresh Creamsicles

Pack a pop with Vitamin C and probiotics with this creamy homemade creamsicle.

Blueberry Banana Smoothie

Blend frozen berries with banana for a classic nutrient-rich smoothie. Even a few spoonfuls or sips may help their throat feel a little better.

Simple Green Smoothie

Keeping things simple is my favorite tip when it comes to smoothies and this one is a great option for kids (when healthy or sick).

Watermelon Juice

Fresh melon juice is packed with Vitamin C and is really easy to make in minutes—no juicer required.

Watermelon Sorbet

Transform fresh fruit into a really refreshing and soothing sorbet. No fancy equipment needed.

Fruit Slushie

Blending frozen fruit (almost any kind works) with a little juice or water makes a really delicious and soothing slushie.

Avocado Pudding

With healthy fats and flavor, this creamy pudding is easy to eat and satisfying to kids who might not be in the mood for much food.

Chia Pudding

Stir together a few ingredients for an easy-to-eat pudding packed with nutrients and a soothing texture.

Yogurt Melts

Making a batch of Yogurt Melts at home is a simple way to change up how you offer yogurt—and the healthy fats, probiotics, and calcium that it offers in a super fun (and easy to eat) format!

Orange-Honey Fruit Snacks

Make a batch of homemade fruit snacks in a few minutes with this simple Vitamin C-packed recipe.

Instant Frozen Yogurt

Ready in minutes, a few bites of this can help calm an irritated throat. (And you can freeze any leftovers in a popsicle mold.)

Lollipops

Flat lollipops and the special ones from Lolleez Throat Pops, can help sore throats by coating them to reduce the rawness. (Flat ones are safer than round ones, generally speaking. Make sure the kids are sitting down while eating. Do not give kids under age 4 or 5 classic cough drops as they are a choking hazard.)

Honey Tea

Stir a little honey into warm water, with a little lemon juice or not, to make a simple tea for kids over age 1. (Do not give honey to babies under age 12 months.)

Juice

Fruit juice or vegetable juice, whether full strength or a little watered down, can be a nice way to offer hydration and throat soothing.

Best Tips for Soothing Kids Sore Throats

Check with your child’s health care provider for advice on medication. Offer cold foods or drinks, such as popsicles, smoothies, juice, or puddings. Learn how to make popsicles at home for easy soothing options. Remember that appetite may decrease or vary while a kid is under the weather—and may continue a little after. Offer lots of comfort and snuggles as you can. Try our favorite Sore Throat Popsicles or my easy Pear Popsicles, too.

I’d love to hear any feedback or on this post, so please comment below!

Favorite Toddler Smoothie (with Veggies!)

Extra-Veggie Minestrone Soup

Quick Pastina Soup

Healthy Drinks for Kids (Tips and Recipes)

This post was first posted January 2022.

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