Most of the time, colds in babies pass quickly and without incident, but stuffy noses and coughs can make babies feel miserable for a few days. There are easy remedies to help your baby to feel better while he recuperates from the common cold.
Step 1
Use a nasal aspirator, also known as a bulb syringe, and saline drops to clear your baby's nose. Lay the baby on his back, and drip one or two drops of saline drops in each nostril. Wait a minute, then remove the drops using a nasal aspirator. Squeeze the aspirator away from your baby, insert the tube in one nostril, and release. The saline and extra mucus will be sucked into the aspirator. Repeat until clear, then do the same for the other nostril.
Step 2
Use steam or cool mist to keep your baby's nasal passages moist. This will lessen his discomfort. Do this by running a hot shower in the bathroom, and holding your baby on your lap (outside of the shower) so he can breathe in the steam. Another option is to use a cool mist humidifier in the baby's room. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, and clean the unit daily while in use.
Step 3
Elevate the top of your baby's mattress by placing a small pillow under the mattress where your baby's head will be. Lay your baby in the crib with his head toward the top of the crib. This will help secretions to drain. Do not put anything into the crib with your baby to elevate his head. Check on your baby during the night to make sure he hasn't moved from the top to the bottom of the crib.
Step 4
Give your baby plenty of rest and fluids. For babies under 6 months of age, give only breast milk or baby formula, unless your doctor recommends something else. Older babies can have water, diluted apple juice, Popsicles or warm chicken broth along with their breast milk or baby formula.
Step 5
Call your baby's doctor for advice if your baby is under 3 months old, if he has a fever or if he is not taking his normal feedings. Seek emergency help if your baby is wheezing or having trouble breathing.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not give over-the-counter cold medications to babies under 2 years of age without your doctor's recommendation. Many of these have been found to be unsafe and ineffective for very young children.
Things You'll Need
- Nasal aspirator
- Saline drops
- Humidifier
