A Honey of a Cure
Sorry, but you can't buy the best cough remedy for kids in the pharmacy, say scientists at Pennsylvania State University. Children ages 2 to 16 who were given up to two teaspoons of honey before bed coughed significantly less often than youngsters treated with dextromethorphan, the active ingredient in many cough medicines. One caveat: Don't try this with children under 1 year old, as their digestive systems haven't developed enough to fight off the otherwise harmless bacteria often present in honey.

Avoid Tub Trouble
Don't let your toddler's bath time turn into a frantic trip to the ER. Children under age 5 are involved in more than half of all bathtub injuries treated in U.S. emergency rooms, according to a new study from Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. The most common calamities: Slips and falls, which account for 81 percent of bath-time accidents. "Kids this age have a higher center of gravity, so when they fall, they tend to topple forward," explains study author Gary Smith, M.D., Dr. PH. "These injuries happen so quickly that parents can't react fast enough to prevent them." But what you can do is install some insurance: Place a nonslip rubber bath mat on the floor of the tub, and cover the faucet with a soft protective guard, such as the Safety 1st Soft Spout Cover ($3.50, buybuybaby.com).

Grading the Fever Finders
If you're still trying to take a squirmy child's temperature with a mercury thermometer, it's time to trade up: Drugstore shelves are lined with dozens of faster, safer options. But before you buy, consult this cheat sheet to find the best medical thermometer for you and your family.

Rectal: Since a person's rectum is closest to the core of their body, these thermometers are the most accurate. But since older children may not be comfortable using them, buy one only if you have a child under age 2.

In-ear: These can be tricky to use correctly. A Canadian study found that parents using in-ear thermometers on their children failed to detect a fever 25 percent of the time due to poor aim. Pull up and back on your child's ear so the sensor has a clear path to the eardrum.

Oral: Oral thermometers are the best choice for adults, since they're accurate and easy to use.

Underarm: These models are good for children who may not be able to keep an oral thermometer in place. Just add one degree to the reading to compensate for the discrepancy created by the distance between their underarm and the core of their body.

Temple: Studies haven't confirmed that the technology used in these thermometers is accurate.