The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday issued a stern warning for parents to keep cough and cold medicines away from babies.

According to an FDA study, children under two years of age should not use these drugs because of serious health risks. See the FDA advisory.

"It's something that needs to be taken very seriously -- elevated heart rate, sedating and occasional reports of death if given inappropriately,"

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 1,500 babies and toddlers wound up in the hospital over a two-year period.

MORE ON THIS STORY FDA Advisory

Brad Mott of Seattle's Cherry Street Pharmacy is alerting his customers, urging them to avoid children cough or cold medicine -- even if you used them in the past.

"Hold off on giving it until further studies are completed," he said.

Last October, drug companies took the first step: They stopped selling dozens of these drugs.

"While many Seattle stores have pulled the children's cold medicines altogether, the FDA is warning that children over the age of six should stay clear of these as well."

If parents chose to use the medicine on children over the age of two, experts suggest to first check the active ingredients on the label. Only give your child one type of cold medicine. Never mix. And carefully follow the instructions on the bottle.

"Hold off on giving it until they can clear it with their pediatrician."

In the meantime, parents are finding other ways to remedy their child's cold.

"Juice, Tylenol, soup, mom's attention usually helps."

And since there's no cure for the common cold, health experts say it should usually go away in a couple of days.