Can babies eat onions when they have a cough?

Whether a baby with a cough can eat onions depends on the specific situation. A small amount may be consumed in cases of wind-cold cough without significant gastrointestinal discomfort, but it is not recommended for wind-heat cough or gastrointestinal sensitivity. If in doubt, consult a doctor in advance. Detailed explanations are as follows: Wind-cold cough typically presents symptoms such as white, thin phlegm, nasal congestion with clear nasal discharge, and cold intolerance. In such cases, consuming a small quantity of cooked onions—for example, boiled onion water or onion soup—might help relieve cough symptoms, as onions have warm and pungent properties that may assist in dispersing wind-cold. However, cooking methods should be mild to avoid spicy or irritating preparations, and intake should be controlled to avoid increasing the gastrointestinal burden. Wind-heat cough often accompanies symptoms such as yellow, thick phlegm, sore throat, and fever. Onions, being warm in nature, might exacerbate internal heat and worsen the cough. Additionally, babies have relatively weak gastrointestinal function, and raw onions or onions prepared in a spicy manner may irritate the digestive tract, causing vomiting, abdominal pain, or other discomforts. Therefore, babies with wind-heat cough or pre-existing gastrointestinal sensitivity should avoid eating onions. When feeding onions to babies, ensure they are fully cooked and free of spiciness. Closely monitor the baby's reaction after consumption, and discontinue immediately if any discomfort occurs.