Babies are most susceptible to a cold because their immune systems have not yet fully developed. Most colds are harmless and will go away, but you contact your baby’s pediatrician if the cold has lasted longer than a week.
Common symptoms are…
Runny nose
Sneezing
Sore throat
Cough
Swollen glands
Fever
Your baby may or may not develop all of the symptoms. Babies can become irritable and not have a normal appetite.
There is not a cure for the common cold, but there are things you can do to help!
Keep your hands clean and washed
Keep your baby hydrated with liquids
Consider getting a humidifier or vaporizer to have moist air in the baby’s room so they can breathe better. Dry air can make their sore throats drier and hurt more. Having moist air would make the baby more comfortable.
Turn the shower on in the bathroom and let the room steam up. Take your baby into the bathroom and sit in there (Outside of the shower! Don’t put the baby in the shower) with them for 5-10 minutes. It will help with the baby’s congestion.
Use a nasal aspirator or rubber bulb syringe to clean out the baby’s nose.
Keep the baby’s toys and bed clean to remove germs.
If inside of your baby’s nose seems crusty, get saline nose drops. Let the drops sit in their nose for a few minutes, and then try to clean out the baby’s nose once the mucus seems to make loosened. (an example of nose drops you can buy at any store is Little Noses)
For older babies that are not breastfeeding or drinking formula milk, try not give them as much milk/dairy products during a cold because it creates thicker mucus and could make the problem more challenging.
Keep your baby’s head raised to make it easier for nasal drainage and coughing. Put a pillow or blankets under the baby’s mattress to elevate the baby when they are in the crib.
Give the baby a warm bath to relax them and help them feel better. The moist air and water should help them feel less congested.
To help prevent a baby from getting a cold you should…
Breastfeed them because it gives your baby antibodies which can help them fight sickness and gives them a stronger immune system.
Wash hands very often!
Keep your baby away from other people who are sick.
Keep your baby away from people that are smoking because it can aggravate their cold symptoms and make them more vulnerable to sickness.
You should call your doctor when your baby…
Is younger than 3 months old
Is having ear pain or drainage from ears.
Has a severe cough or a bright red sore throat.
Has trouble breathing
Coughs up green, rust colored, or bloody mucus.
Has a fever higher then 101 degrees Fahrenheit
Remember, do not panic and try to comfort your baby as much as possible.
