One of the most difficult challenges new parents face is when their infant or young child becomes ill. Because the child is unable to communicate what is making her uncomfortable, it is up to parents to try and discern her cues and make her as comfortable as possible. There is no cure for the common cold, so antibiotics are often useless. To complicate things further, over-the-counter cold remedies and expectorants cannot be used for children under two years of age. Thankfully, there are some home remedies that can help ease your child's symptoms.
Step 1
Place saline drops in your child's nose to soften mucus if he is congested. These can be purchased without a prescription. Read the instructions to find how many drops are recommended per use.
Step 2
Use a nasal aspirator to remove mucus from your child's nose once it has been softened by the saline drops. Squeeze the bulb of the aspirator, gently insert it into your child's nostril and release the bulb.
Step 3
Put a humidifier in your child's room. If you do not have a humidifier, run a hot shower and sit with your child in the steamy bathroom for 15 minutes to achieve the same effect. Never put your child in the hot water.
Step 4
Elevate the head of your child's crib or bassinet to help her breathe easier.
Step 5
Give your child infant acetaminophen if he has a fever or is in pain. Carefully follow the instructions on the package concerning dosage.
Tips and Warnings
- Sick babies are more prone to dehydration, so offer your child plenty of fluids. Young babies should only have formula or breast milk unless your doctor has advised otherwise.
- If your baby is under 6 months old and develops a fever of over 100.4, contact your pediatrician immediately or take her to the emergency room. If your child's cold does not clear or improve in a few days, call your pediatrician. Consult your pediatrician if you are unsure how to use any over-the-counter remedies.
Things You'll Need
- Nasal aspirator
- Saline drops
- Air humidifier
