The coughing, congestion and runny noses that come with colds can make it difficult for your baby to sleep, eat and play. Colds usually do not pose serious medical risks for healthy babies, but they do make babies fussy and unhappy. No "magic pill" exists that will banish your baby's cold, but you can make her more comfortable by using natural home remedies to clear her congestion and improve cold symptoms. If your baby develops a severe cough or fever, however, consult your pediatrician.
Significance
Adults often turn to over-the-counter cold medications, including decongestants and antihistamines, to improve their cold symptoms, but this is not an option for babies and children under the age of four. The Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association issued warnings against giving cold medications to children under four, so many manufacturers no longer make these medicines for young children. Natural remedies are a way to safely treat your child's symptoms without exposing him to unwanted side effects, such as hyperactivity or dizziness, often associated with cold medications.
Types
Most natural cold remedies for babies focus on hydrating your baby and the air in her environment, and keeping her nose and chest clear of congestion. MayoClinic.com recommends continuing to feed your baby normal amounts of fluids, including formula or breast milk, during her bout with a cold. Run a cool-mist humidifier in your child's room to thin out nasal secretions, which can help clear her nasal congestion and runny nose. Another effective way to relieve nasal congestion is to insert 10 to 20 saline drops into your child's nose and suctioning them out with a bulb syringe. Saline drops can be either purchased over-the-counter or made at home by dissolving 8 tbsp of salt in 8 ounces of water.
Considerations
Not all natural home remedies are safe and effective for babies. Talk to your doctor before using any type of natural remedy on your child, especially if it involves giving him anything out of the ordinary to eat or drink. Honey, for example, can be a safe and effective treatment for coughs in children older than one, according to Ian Paul, M.D., a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics' clinical pharmacology and therapeutics committee. However, do not give babies under one honey, because they can get botulism from bacteria in the honey.
Warning
Never give your baby natural remedies containing the Chinese herb Ma Huang, an herbal decongestant also known as ephedra or ephedrine. According to Babycenter, it can cause dangerous reactions, including irregular heartbeat, seizures and high blood pressure. If you decide to give your baby a natural tea or other remedy, show the package to your doctor so he can make sure the dosages and ingredients are safe for your baby.
Prevention/Solution
Although natural remedies can comfort your baby and help her recover more quickly from colds, the best cold "remedy" is prevention. Keep your baby away from anybody who shows signs of illness, especially during the first several days of the illness. Avoid public gatherings and public transportation with your newborn, if possible. Wash your hands with soap and water or gel sanitizer before caring for your baby. Keep your house clean, especially when other family members catch a cold, by disinfecting frequently touched objects and areas with bleach or antibacterial wipes.
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