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Your little one will most likely fall sick once in a while, especially since their immunity is still developing. This is why it’s important that your little one gets their jabs, so as to reduce their risk of contracting potentially life-threatening diseases.

Even if they are immunised, your cherub will still suffer common cold and flu infections. So, be prepared. Remember, if your newborn ― 6 months and below — is down with a fever, take them to the paediatrician immediately.

Incidentally, you may also have to deal with a fussy little fella if they are shaking off a stuffy nose and persistent coughing. Chest rubs not only help your child breathe easier, it should ease your child’s sniffles. Despite its name, these products can also be applied to your infant’s neck and back and even on the bottom of their feet. So, take the opportunity to build stronger bonds with your mini-me by giving them a massage.

Such balms come in scents like rosemary and lavender to soothe your mini-me into a deep sleep. Some even include moisturising ingredients to protect your kewpie’s soft and delicate skin.

While junior shouldn’t get any adverse reactions with these rubs, do check with your doctor to ensure that it’s safe for use with your child’s medication. Scroll through our photo gallery to check out our recommendations!

Vicks Vaporub Baby Balsam

PRICE $6.65
FROM Guardian
WHAT While you must not use Vicks Vaporub for adults on your kewpie, especially if they are below 2 years of age, this gentler version of the popular ointment, has been specially developed for babies aged 3 months and above. And just like the adult variety, it helps to calm, soothe and relax your baby.
PARENTS SAY Kristal Goh, 29, says the Vaporub has really helped to clear up her 4-month-old son’s chesty coughs and congested nasal passages. “It isn't too sticky and greasy and doesn't stain his pyjamas either, which is great.”

Zarbee’s Naturals Eucalyptus, Lavender and Beeswax Baby Soothing Chest Rub

PRICE $36.88
FROM iherb
WHAT Recommended by paedias, this brand is safe to use on infants as young as 2 months old! The absence of artificial fragrances, dyes and petroleum-based ingredients ensures that it’s also gentle on your munchkin’s skin.
PARENTS SAY The sweetly scented ointment seems to have helped ease his 3-month-old son’s cold, says Simon Pereira, 43. “I like that it’s natural and easy on the skin and its able clear up my son’s nasal congestion pretty rapidly, as well.”

Nature’s Baby Organics Eucalyptus Ah-Choo! Chest Rub

PRICE $12.33
FROM iHerb
WHAT Packed with the healing properties of eucalyptus, olive and lavender oils, apply this creamy gel right before bedtime to maximise its soothing and calming effects on bubs. What’s more, this US Department of Agriculture-approved chest rub boasts up to 95 per cent pure organic ingredients. Free from gluten and parabens and suitable for your child’s sensitive skin, use it on babies 6 months or older.
PARENTS SAY Using this certified organic product eases Nicole Lam’s mind. Her son, now 2, used to struggle every night because of nasal congestion ― and Lam, 40, says applying it helped him sleep better. 

Mustela Soothing Chest Rub

PRICE $13.50
FROM Pupsik
WHAT Besides using this soothing rub to clear up your child’s congested respiratory system during flu, you can also apply it every night to help them sleep better. The pine-scented cream is made with shea butter and honey extracts to soften and moisturise their skin. Suitable for use from birth.
PARENTS SAY Juliana Rahman, 36, says the refreshing pine-scented cream sets it apart from other eucalyptus-scented ones. Its smooth thick texture is also ideal for massaging her 3-month-old son’s skin, leaving it soft and silky.

California Baby Eucalyptus Ease Aroma Stick

PRICE $24.90
FROM Agape Babies
WHAT This eucalyptus aroma stick is further enriched with organically-grown calendula flowers to soothe irritated or sun-burnt skin. The ingredients are free from preservatives, menthol and petroleum-based chemicals which can harm your little one’s skin. Scented with pure essential oils, the balm is suitable for babies 6 months or older.
PARENTS SAY It opens up the airways and eases breathing without being too strong, notes Alissa Tan, 35. She also likes that the stick’s moisturising ingredients hydrates and softens her 1-year-old daughter’s skin.

Badger Company’s Eucalyptus and Mint Organic Aromatic Chest Rub

PRICE $6.72
FROM iHerb
WHAT A cooling herbal balm made with essential eucalyptus, rosemary and even tea-tree oils. Apart from rubbing it onto your child’s skin, you can also dissolve the chest rub in a pot of hot water, which you can use to bathe your cherub once it cools.
PARENTS SAY It opens up the congestion and works fast and effectively, says Jenson Lim, 39. Lim adds that although it is a bit greasy when you first apply it, the balm is quickly absorbed by his 3-month-old son’s skin.

Babyganics Cold Relief Chest Rub

PRICE $22.90
FROM Lazada
WHAT Made from an all-natural blend of eucalyptus, rosemary and lavender scents, this chest rub is also free from parabens, phthalates, mineral oil and artificial dyes and fragrances. It comes in a glide stick for easy application.
PARENTS SAY Trisha Lim says she bought this chest rub when her 18-month-old daughter had a stuffy nose and the heat from the product is strong without being overwhelming. Lim, 38, notes that best of all, it didn’t leave her hands with a strong medicine pong!