Children's vitamin C as drops and liquids from OstroVit Pharma and ChildLife, ChildLife Echinacea, and Boiron's children's range: ColdCalm liquid doses and pellets, Chestal cough syrups and pellets, and AllergyCalm Kids. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system.
This range combines food supplements and homeopathic medicines, and it helps to know which is which.
Every product carries a minimum age and an age-banded dose. ColdCalm Baby is labelled from 6 months and ColdCalm Kids liquid doses from 3 years. Never give a product containing honey, such as Chestal Honey syrup, to a baby under 12 months. For under-5s the NHS recommends a daily supplement with vitamins A, C and D, so if you already give vitamin drops, check before adding another vitamin C product.
See also Kids Vitamins for a daily multivitamin, Cold & Flu Relief for the ColdCalm and Chestal products on their own, and Vitamin C & Daily Immunity for adult products.
Use the age-banded serving on the label and the dropper or measure supplied. Children's doses are deliberately smaller than adult ones, so do not round up, and ask your pharmacist or health visitor if unsure.
No product containing honey should be given to a baby under 12 months. Check the minimum age on the Chestal label, and ask a pharmacist about honey-free options for younger children.
Both are Boiron homeopathic ranges for children. ColdCalm is labelled for cold symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose, while Chestal is labelled for coughs; see each label for uses and ages.
Check the totals first. If your child already has the daily A, C and D supplement the NHS recommends for under-5s, an extra vitamin C product may not be needed, so ask your health visitor or pharmacist.
Contact your GP or NHS 111 if your child has difficulty breathing, a high temperature that will not come down, symptoms lasting more than three weeks, or if you are worried. Call 999 in an emergency.
