A cold is common in newborns and infants, says the National Institutes of Health. When your newborn's nose is stuffy or runny, this can be the sign that a cold is brewing. If your newborn seems congested and presents with a low-grade fever, depressed appetite, fussiness and difficulty sleeping, call a doctor rather than treating your newborn's cold at home.
Danger to Newborns
The common cold is caused by any one of 100 viruses that can infect your newborn's upper respiratory tract, according to the Mayo Clinic. A cold in a newborn baby can be particularly dangerous, as it can become worse and turn into a more serious medical condition, such as pneumonia or the croup. Dehydration is also a concern. Your baby's stopped-up nose makes it hard for him to nurse or bottle-feed. Your baby's doctor can tell you when it's safe to start caring for your baby's cold independently, as well as give you guidelines for safe treatment.
Don't Medicate Newborns
Don't give a baby under the age of three months any medication that's not administered or prescribed by her doctor. Older babies may be given acetaminophen in age-appropriate doses, and infants six months and older can safely take ibuprofen, say experts at the Mayo Clinic. Cold medications formulated for children are safe only for children aged four and up, says the Consumer Healthcare Products Association. Never give your newborn aspirin. Aspirin is unsafe for children under the age of 18, as it can cause a rare but life-threatening condition called Reye's Syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The Doctor's Visit
To expedite your newborn's visit to the doctor, arrive prepared. Experts at the Mayo Clinic suggest writing down important information, such as the signs of your baby's illness, even if they don't seem related to the common cold. Also jot down which environments your baby was exposed to that could have caused his cold, such as a daycare, as well as any prescription medications he's taking. Write down specific questions you have for your baby's doctor that help you better manage her illness at home. While you're waiting for your child's appointment, make her more comfortable using home care techniques.
Saline Drops
Saline drops can be purchased without a prescription and can help your newborn breathe and feed better. The American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP, and MayoClinic.Com suggest using unmedicated saline drops, which are administered with a dropper. Put two drops in each nostril 15 to 20 minutes before feeding your baby. Using a rubber suction bulb, insert the tip into your baby's nostril by only 1/4 to 1/2 inch--don't plunge the tip down deep into the nostril. Carefully release the bulb to remove excess mucous. Dispense of it in a piece of tissue. Repeat this process in the other nostril.
Other Strategies
Keep the air in your newborn's nursery moist to help him sleep easier. The AAP suggests using a cool-mist humidifier rather than a hot-air vaporizer due to the potential of scalds and burns. Clean the humidifier daily to prevent mold and bacterial from growing in or on the device. Your newborn needs fluid intake to prevent dehydration, according to the Mayo Clinic. Maintain your newborn's regular breastfeeding or bottle-feeding schedule.
Get Help Immediately
Colds usually resolve in between seven to 10 days, say experts at the Mayo Clinic, but you should never take your newborn's illness lightly. Get medical attention for your newborn immediately if he won't nurse or accept liquids, coughs up blood or vomits after coughing or when difficulty breathing is coupled with blue-tinged lips.
