Your baby's first cold is sure to send shivers down your spine. While you may be terrified at the thought of your baby's suffering, it's your job to help her get over her cold. By observing your baby and keeping on top of her needs, you can help her to get better quickly.
Step 1
Take your baby's temperature. If his temperature is more than 100.4 degrees F, call your pediatrician immediately, the information website BabyCenter recommends. With a high temperature, there is a risk of his sickness being something more serious than a cold. Your pediatrician can also tell you what medication, if any, you can give your baby.
Step 2
Give your baby lots of rest. Your baby will become extremely tired as she fights her illness, so let her sleep as much as she needs to in order to improve, the website Babynology advises. She'll also need lots of fluids, so make sure she's getting enough formula or breastmilk. Since she's so little, she can't have any water or juice yet, so it's vital that she gets sufficient nourishment from her feedings. She might not want to have as much as she usually does because she's sick, but don't leave her without enough energy to feel better.
Step 3
Treat your baby by using natural methods. Make sure his humidifier is filled with water and the filter is fresh so that he'll be able to breathe easier. Use saltwater nose drops to break up his mucus, then use a nasal aspirator, also known as a rubber bulb syringe, to extract the mucus from his nose, Parents.com recommends. He might react negatively to these methods at first, but they'll help him to get better. If your pediatrician gave you a prescription or medicine for your baby, be careful not to give him too much.
Step 4
Keep an eye on your baby as she fights her cold. Ideally, her symptoms will go away completely within a week. However, if symptoms persist for more than two weeks, call your doctor. Also, if she's tugging on her ear constantly, it could be an ear infection, and if she's wheezing and coughing more, she might have pneumonia. These conditions can all be treated if they're diagnosed early enough, so don't be afraid to call your doctor.
Tips and Warnings
- Wash your hands after every interaction with your baby and sanitize everything he touches. Doing this can help ensure that his cold doesn't get you sick. If the weather is favorable, try taking your baby for a walk. This will give him the opportunity to get a little rest and some fresh air at the same time.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against giving a 1-month-old baby any over-the-counter medication. Don't give it to him unless your doctor specifically says it's OK.
Things You'll Need
- Humidifier
- Nasal aspirator
- Saltwater nasal drops
