With the Babycenter Medical Advisory board suggesting that the average child catching between six to ten colds a year, with some children in daycare or school developing as many as 12, strategies for helping parents cope with cold and flu discomfort can help make the process a bit easier. There is no cure for colds, and the FDA warns against over-the-counter medication use in children younger than 4. However, there are time-tested home remedies can alleviate your child's congestion and stuffy nose.
Hydration
Fluids help thin your baby's mucous secretions, often leading to less congestion and better breathing. Whether you breastfeed or formula feed, continue feeding your baby on his normal schedule. The Mayo Clinic cautions that extra fluids are not necessary---they might interfere with your baby's intake of nutrient-filled formula or breastmilk.
Saline Drops and a Bulb Syringe
If your baby's congestion interferes with her breathing, making it difficult for her to sleep or eat, saline drops and a bulb syringe can give her immediate relief. Purchase saline drops over-the-counter at most local pharmacies. Tip your baby's head back and gently squeeze a few drops into her nostrils to loosen the mucous. Wait a few minutes, before suctioning out her nose with the rubber bulb syringe. Pediatrician and founder of AskDrSears.org, Dr. William Sears, suggests that the "nose hose" technique helps prevent your baby's viral cold infection from turning into a bacterial one.
Moist Air
Warm, moist steam from the shower or a hot steam vaporizer can loosen congestion and soothe your baby's stuffy chest. If you decide to use your shower, Dr. Sears recommends turning it on full hot and sitting with your baby in the bathroom for about 10 to 15 minutes. According to the Babycenter Medical Advisory board, a cool mist humidifier also works well to moisten the air in your baby's room at night while he tries to sleep. Just make sure you clean the humidifier or vaporizer well to avoid mold growth and air out the room during the day.
Mattress Elevation
Position your baby's crib so that it is slightly elevated to relieve post-nasal drip and help her breathe more freely. To avoid the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, never place a pillow or towel inside the crib with your baby. Instead, place a few rolled up towels underneath her crib mattress to elevate it slightly. Dr. Sears also recommends allowing your baby to sleep in an upright position, if possible, perhaps by holding her against your chest while seated in a rocking chair or on a sofa.
