Actifed has identified side effects now which were not known to previous generations. When medical community warns against use of such medicine to small children, their wisdom should not be disregarded for ease of management at home and this also benefits the child. Instead to my own patients I would insist on giving time tested, classical Ayurvedic four herb combo of child friendly herbs named Balchaturbhadra chooran for small children to cure cough, colds, lose motions, digestive and metabolic problems, for detoxification and carminative and appetizing purposes, seasonal or infectious fevers, allergies, for creating immunity etc. etc. It s common to find it in India or get online. Once completely cured in two to four weeks, the problem with not return soon even in winter. Immunity and resistance is acquired by child naturally. We, in Ayurveda practice, give this only except when the situation is emergent. For two year old baby 1/4 gm to 1/2 gm with honey is the usual dose and severity determines the frequency of administration either twice, thrice or four times in 24 hrs. It has no side effects. Hope its useful for your child and enlightens you to avoid such drugs which doctors say no to. For any further query pl feel free to consult through direct question