Honey can be a good option for treating cough in children ≥1 year with the common cold. The honey (2.5 to 5 mL) can be given straight or diluted in liquid (eg, tea, juice). Corn syrup may be substituted if honey is not available. Honey has a modest beneficial effect on nocturnal cough and is unlikely to be harmful in children older than one year of age.
In a randomized trial (including 300 children one to five years of age) with upper respiratory infection (URI)and nocturnal cough using single dose (10 g) of honey (eucalyptus, citrus, or labiatae) or placebo before bedtime. Children who received honey had greater mean improvement in cough frequency, severity and bothersomeness. Only few kids complained about adverse effects (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting), which was also confirmed in 2018 systematic review
World Health Organization (WHO) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggest it as a potential treatment for URI in young children who are older than one year.
Pediatric Practice... Pearls for your Pediatric Office Practice 