How to soothe baby cold symptoms

Coping with baby colds

Babies are vulnerable to colds because their immune systems are underdeveloped and also because their habit of mouthing anything and everything brings them into contact with more germs. Baby cough and cold medication has recently been withdrawn due to fears over its safety in under-2s – so what can you do to ease your baby’s symptoms?

Cold or flu?

Although both colds and flu are caused by viruses (which means they can’t be treated with antibiotics) they present differently…

• Cold Your baby will be fairly well in himself, although a tad cranky. His symptoms will develop gradually and may include a runny or stuffy nose, a cough and a low-grade fever.
• Flu is more likely to develop rapidly, with a fever the first symptom followed by a cough and stuffy or runny nose. With flu your baby is also more likely to develop a tummy upset and diarrhea.

Stuffy nose…

• Try saline nose drops to thin the mucus Ask your pediatrician which ones to use. Don’t use nonprescription adult nose drops that contain medication.
• Clear his nose with a suction bulb if congestion is disturbing his sleep. Soften any clogged mucus with saline nose drops. Then squeeze the bulb gently, place the tip just inside your baby’s nostril and slowly release the bulb to draw out clogged mucus.
• Use a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in his room, to moisten the air and keep nasal passages clear and hydrated.
• Ease his breathing by adding a few drops of menthol or eucalyptus oil to his bath or to a vaporizer.

Fever…

• Give fever relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (avoid ibuprofen if your baby is vomiting). Check the label carefully for the right dosage for your child’s weight and age (if you’re in any doubt, ask your pediatrician for guidance), and always use the measuring cup or syringe provided.
• Never up the dosage for over-2s Infant drops are stronger than syrups designed for older children so don’t make the error of increasing the dose for a toddler. Make sure medication is appropriate for your child’s age.
• Never give aspirin as it has been linked with Reye syndrome, a disease that affects the liver and the brain.
• Don’t give cough and cold medications to under 2s New research has indicated that accidental misuse is common and can be fatal for babies. Many pediatricians reckon cough and cold remedies don’t work and shouldn’t be used in kids under 6 years of age.

Dehydration

• Watch for signs These include light diapers indicating she isn’t passing as much urine as usual, darker than normal urine when she does pass any and a sunken soft spot at the top of her head.
• Offer plenty of fluids Offer your baby the breast or formula; if he’s over 4 months you can also give water.
• Apply a tiny smear of petroleum jelly to the outside of his nostrils to keep them from drying and becoming irritated.

When to call the doctor

• Under 3 months Call your pediatrician if she has cold or flu symptoms or a fever over 100°F.
• 3 months + Call your pediatrician if her fever rises above 101°F.
• 6 months + Call your pediatrician if her fever rises above 103°F.
• All age groups Call your pediatrician if your baby’s symptoms don’t seem to be improving or worsen suddenly; or if her cough worsens, especially if it is accompanied by wheezing.

 

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