Posts Tagged ‘Cold Comforts For Baby’
We never want to watch our babies suffer. As a new parent you may feel helpless while your baby suffers through a cold. We are all familiar with the unwanted symptoms of a cold that cause us to start sneezing, get stuffed up, run a fever and suffer with a sore aching body. When a cold attacks young babies they feel just as miserable. Your baby may have difficulty breathing because of the swelling and increased mucus inside his narrow passages, so sleeping may become difficult. Your little bundle of joy may be snuffling, irritable and may seem less energetic than usual or may even have lost his appetite. He may have a fever and his eyes may be red, teary and dull. Here are a few tips to comfort your baby and help put your mind at ease while he has a cold.
Give your baby extra fluids which really helps. For young breastfed babies try feeding them more often. Older breastfed babies can be given clear fluids that are already part of their diet. This may include liquids like diluted apple juice. Formula-fed babies should also be given clear fluids.
If your baby has a plugged nose he may have a difficult time trying to breastfeed. Try to keep him upright while he nurses. Also, try to instill saline nose drops into each nostril fifteen minutes before feeding and before bedtime. Then use a suction bulb to clear the nose of salt water and mucus. This may help him breathe more easily which may help him with feeding and sleeping.
He may also sleep better if you place a cool-mist humidifier in his room. Or try taking him into the bathroom with you where you can turn on the hot water in the shower then sit in the steamy room for fifteen minutes. Change your baby’s clothes after coming out of the steamy room.
Colds are quite common and do not need medical attention although you should go see your physician if the baby is experiencing any of the following:
– Your baby’s breathing is very rapid, noisy or wheezing;
– Your baby develops a barking cough called croup;
– Your baby is struggling to breathe and his chest sucks in when he draws a breath;
– Your baby’s color is pale and you notice the lips and area around the lips are blue;
– Your baby is weak, lethargic and refuses to drink;
– Your baby’s temperature rises above 102 degrees F/39 degrees C;
– If the baby is under three months old or is exhibiting signs of pain.
Do not use over the counter cold medication in babies under a year old. Using these medications in very young children can have serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.
