Sniff: symptoms and remedies for your baby’s first cold
There’s no way to sugar coat this – watching your baby with its first cold is tough. But with some baby cold remedies and a little TLC, your little one should be feeling better in no time.
Signs your baby has a cold
There are some telltale signs and symptoms that your baby has a cold, including:
- fever
- sneezing
- coughing
- decreased appetite
- irritability
- trouble sleeping
- difficulty nursing or taking a bottle because of congestion
What to expect from your baby’s first cold
First of all, don’t panic. Colds are common in babies because they haven’t had time to build up their immune system yet. Unfortunately, when your baby gets a cold, there may not be a lot you can do apart from making them comfortable with some baby cold remedies. This is because common colds are caused by a virus, which can’t be treated with antibiotics.
If your baby has a cold, keep an eye on their temperature using a thermometer. (Read baby thermometer reviews from other parents.) Fever is the body’s response to fighting off infection, but a baby under three months with a fever should see a doctor.
Reassuringly, your baby’s cold should get better in a week to 10 days.
Baby cold remedies
So how can you make your little one feel better? Parents can help soothe their baby with the following home remedies.
(You can also read baby cold remedy reviews.)
1. Keep fluids up
The Raising Children Network says to keep your baby’s fluids up. For babies under six months, offer extra breastfeeds or bottles. If your baby is over six months, continue feeding as usual but offer extra clear liquids, like water.
2. Pain relief
If your baby has a fever, is in pain and over one-month-old, you can offer paracetamol. Make sure you read the label for the recommended dose. Ibuprofen can be given to children three months and over. Do not give children aspirin.
3. Products to help soothe and calm your baby
You can also try giving your baby Infant’s Friend Oral Liquid. One Tell Me Baby reviewer said: “This product was highly recommended to me by several people to help when babies aren’t settled. It is a nice alternative to your typical medications, and as it is more natural, I don’t feel as bad about giving it to my daughter.” Alternatively, Vicks BabyBalsam also comes highly recommended in the TMB community.
4. Wash your Hands
A high percentage of germs are transmitted through our hands. Bacteria makes its way onto surfaces, which parents then touch with their hands. Stop the spread and wash your hands.
5. Wear your baby
Not only will your baby feel safe and secure being close to you, but being in an upright position can help clear congestion and promote restful sleep. While it may seem like a no brainer to wedge your baby’s mattress on an angle to help with congestion, Red Nose says this is not safe., so we do not recommend doing this.
6. Clear congestion
Using a nasal spray can help to clear a baby’s congested nose when they have a cold. A popular choice by many of our Tell Me Baby parents is the Flo Baby Saline Nasal Spray. Additionally, some parents find using a steam vaporiser helps to relieve cold symptoms. You can compare humidifiers and vaporisers here.
When to see a doctor for your baby’s cold
Pregnancy Birth and Baby has listed some symptoms for parents to watch out for when their baby has a cold. Seek urgent medical advice if your baby has any of the following:
- has a persistent cough
- is breathless or has difficulty breathing
- has a high fever (see a doctor straight away for any fever in a baby less than three months)
- has a bad cough
- has bluish or very pale skin
- an inability or unwillingness to feed
- is drowsy
- isn’t drinking fluids
- is vomiting
- is pale and sleepy
- has a rash that doesn’t disappear if you hold a glass against it
As a parent, you know your baby better than anyone. If you are worried about your baby, then we recommend seeking advice from your GP or other health care professional.
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