The common cold can affect everyone, including babies. Symptoms often include a cough, runny nose, sneezing, congestion and sometimes a fever. The common cold is caused by a virus that infects the upper respiratory tract, which includes the nose and throat. The Mayo Clinic points out that within the first 2 years of life a baby is likely to get between eight and 10 colds. Treatment of a virus typically focuses on symptom management to make the baby more comfortable because a virus must run its course.
Bulb Syringe
Babies are often sent home from the hospital with a bulb syringe. This is because mucus and other fluids can easily get lodged in the infant's nose and throat and cause coughing. With a cold, the mucus can be thin and watery or thick. Either type of mucus can be suctioned out of the nose with an infant-sized bulb syringe to provide temporary relief from symptoms of a cold, such as trouble breathing and persistent nasal drip. Thick, stubborn mucus can be loosened before suctioning with the use of a saline nasal spray. This can be made at home or a baby-sized bottle can be purchased.
Humidifier
Running a cool mist humidifier while an infant is sleeping can help moisten the surrounding air. Moist air is more soothing when nasal congestion, mucus drainage or a sore throat are present. The humidifier, like other cold treatments, will help make the baby more comfortable until the virus ends. Sitting in a bathroom while the shower is running can also provide the baby with temporary relief of cold symptoms.
Pain and Fever
Infants should never be given any over-the-counter pain or fever reducers without the direction of a doctor. Despite these products being made into infant versions, the dose amount is often based on infants of a certain age and weight. A doctor can advise whether a child is too young to use such medicines. An overdose can occur easily with young babies. Other methods to soothe the pain and fever may be recommended instead, including tepid baths and plenty of snuggling. Anytime an infant under the age of 6 months has a fever, it is best to contact the doctor to determine whether medical attention is necessary. A fever over 100 degrees in an infant younger than 6 months can be serious.
Rest and Hydration
When a baby has a cold it is important to monitor sleeping and eating even more closely to prevent dehydration. Fluids may be the last thing the infant is interested in, but it is important to continue offering them, even if this means formula or breastmilk. If an infant has a high fever and is not wetting her normal amount of diapers in a day, a trip to the doctor is necessary. Infant dehydration can occur quickly and can be serious. BabyCenter.com suggests using the syringe and nasal spray right before a feeding session to make it easier for the baby to breathe. It may also be helpful to keep the baby upright during the feeding to aid in nasal drainage. While the baby is on her back, the mucus can reach her throat causing her to choke while feeding.
Elevating the head of the mattress can also assist the mucus drainage while sleeping. This can be done by placing a pillow under the mattress, but not under the baby. A baby should be allowed to sleep as often and as long as she desires during a cold, even if this means changing her well-established sleep schedule.
