When your baby gets a cold, you want to do all you can to help her feel better. Despite the misery that both mom and baby will go through during that first of many colds, there are some tips that will help baby get better as quickly as possible. Remember to take care of yourself as well, so that you do not catch the cold from your baby.
Signs of a Cold
Watch for the following signs of a cold, and take care to do all you can to help soothe your baby during the rough few days ahead. You know your baby has a cold when her nose becomes stuffy, making it difficult for her to breathe. Since babies are naturally nose breathers, they will attempt to breathe through their nose, resulting in coughing. They will often have difficulty sleeping and you may notice a lack of appetite as well.
How to Soothe a Sick Baby
Unfortunately a cold is not treatable with an antibiotic. There are options that will help a baby be more comfortable while they fight off the cold, but the viral infection must run its course. There are some products to have on hand to help your baby feel better.
- Baby Tylenol or Motrin
- Humidifier
- Saline drops or spray
- Tissues
- Bulb Syringe
- Wedge for crib mattress
Tylenol or Motrin can help ease the crummy feeling and subsequently the fussiness that often accompanies the common cold*. Another idea to help baby sleep better is to elevate one side of the crib mattress with a wedge from a baby supply store. Some parents find it helpful to allow baby to sleep on them in a rocking chair or on the couch, but avoid doing this if at all possible so that you can get some sleep as well.
Saline drops or spray will help to loosen up the mucus in the child's nose. Keep the tissues on hand after administering the saline, as it will generally elicit a runny nose. Although your baby will most likely fight the bulb syringe, it is a good idea to use it after the saline to help your baby blow her nose since she does not know how to do so on her own. Set up a humidifier in baby's room to help moisten the air and soothe her sore nose, as well.
Using Vapor Rub Products
Parents should not use Vicks Vapor rub on children under two years old, according to information from a study by Dr. Bruce Rubin. How does Vicks Vapor rub work? According to Dr. Rubin, as reported in the January 12, 2009 study, Cold Rubs May Endanger Young Children by Sharon Kirkley, "the menthol in cold rubs fool the brain by triggering cold receptors that produce a cooling sensation, making the brain think there's increased airflow".
Although it may seem to help the child breathe easier, it in fact can be an irritant, and cause an increase in mucus production and inflammation. Dr. Rubin includes that no one, adult or child, should put Vicks Vapor rub directly on or under a child's nose.
It can be miserable for everyone when baby gets a cold, but that first cold will only be one of many. Remember to help your baby and yourself get plenty of sleep, and do what you can to keep baby's fluid levels up.
You may also be interested in reading about other reasons for unusual night wakings, including teething, and other reasons that your baby may cry.
*Disclaimer: this article is intended for informational purposes only, seek medical advice before administering any medication to infants.
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