Babies are likely to develop between eight and 10 colds during the first two years of life according to MayoClinic.com. The cold is caused by several viruses that affect the upper respiratory tract, which consists of the nose and throat. Symptoms of a cold in a baby include sneezing, runny nose, coughing, irritability. trouble sleeping and low fever around 100 degrees F. Various home treatments can help baby feel better. Any over-the-counter medicine use should be discussed with a health care professional first.
Fluids
A baby's appetite is often diminished during illness, including a common cold. Fluid intake is important to keep the baby's body hydrated, thinning mucus and especially for keeping the body healthy when a fever exists. A breast-fed baby should be allowed to nurse as frequently as the baby demands, even if this means going off the normal schedule. The baby may eat less at each feeding session but will likely nurse more often. A formula-fed baby will likely do the same. Older babies who drink water and juices can be given fluids as needed. Cool fluids are more soothing than cold ones. Milk may increase phlegm in the throat, making clear liquids a better choice. Cool fluids can also help the baby's body temperature diminish.
Saline Nasal Drops
Saline nasal drops come in a bottle designed for infant-sized noses. These drops should be inserted while the baby is resting on her back. One or two drops per nostril is sufficient. After a few seconds, the caregiver can take a rubber bulb syringe and suction the saline and loosened mucus from the baby's nose. The syringe should be cleaned with soap and water after each use to prevent a buildup of bacteria or other infectious organisms. Clearing mucus from the nose in this manner before each feeding session can make it easier for a baby to breathe while sucking from a nipple.
Cool Mist Humidifier
Humid air is gentler on a baby's nose and airways when he's sick. A cool mist humidifier can be run wherever the baby is spending his time, including at night while sleeping. MayoClinic.com recommends keeping the mist far enough away from the baby and the crib that bedding or clothing don't get damp. Similarly, a caregiver can take an infant into a closed bathroom while a hot shower is running. The steamy air can improve a child's breathing. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests various essential oils be placed in the running shower or humidifier to emit soothing vapors. Eucalyptus, peppermint and tea tree oils are good choices for improving congestion. You can buy some of these essential oils in the form of a topical chest rub that can be applied to young babies to provide them nighttime relief from breathing difficulties.
Over-the-Counter Medication
A baby should never be given an over-the-counter cold medicine, fever reducer or pain reliever without the advice of a health care professional. Never use aspirin on a child younger than 2. When necessary, a fever reducer such as acetaminophen may be used, but a doctor should be consulted to determine the exact dose amount. Most fever reducers aren't labeled with dose amounts for young or small babies, making it crucial to have medical advice when using them.
Lower the Body Temperature
BabyCenter.com warns that a baby younger than 3 months should receive medical care for a temperature over 100.4 degrees F. Babies between 3 and 6 months should be seen for a temperature over 101 degrees; 6-month-olds and older should see a doctor when the temperature is 103 degrees or higher. When trying to reduce the body temperature, undress the baby and cover her with a light sheet. A lukewarm bath can be helpful, but the baby will likely fuss due to the discomfort of the water temperature. The bath should never be cool to the touch; instead, it should be slightly cooler than what is normally used to wash the infant. You can also wipe a cloth soaked in lukewarm water over the baby's body to help cool him down.
