Babies are born with immature immune systems that leave them susceptible to a host of viruses, including the common cold. While breastfeeding may help reduce how often your baby is sick, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that babies contract eight to 10 colds before their second birthday. Although a cold can make your newborn very fussy and uncomfortable, you should avoid using medications which are unsafe for newborns. Contact your baby's pediatrician for diagnosis, recommendations and treatment advice.
Transmission
Newborn babies can contract a cold in many ways. The cold virus is frequently transmitted by droplets propelled by coughing or sneezing. Individuals who come to visit after the birth may transmit germs to the baby when touching or holding her. It is also possible for parents to bring germs home from work and other places during their day.
Symptoms
Frequent newborn cold symptoms include a runny nose, difficulty nursing and a mild fever. He may also have nasal congestion, which can make nursing or sucking from a bottle difficult. When your newborn has a cold, all of these symptoms will make him feel bad, as they do with you when you have a cold. The only difference is he's not old enough to tell you what is wrong, so he may become irritable and cry a lot more than normal.
Treatment
Over-the-counter cold medications are not safe for newborn babies, or in most cases for any child under the age of 4. If your baby has a fever, infant fever-reducers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be given. Saline drops can be used in the nose to help loosen mucous and a bulb syringe will help you drain your baby's nostrils. Contact your child's pediatrician for more treatment recommendations or if you have any concerns.
Prevention
A good way to help prevent a cold in your newborn is to limit visitors for approximately four weeks following birth. Although you may ask that anyone who is sick not visit, a person may be carrying a cold virus and not show symptoms yet. Always wash your hands well prior to touching the baby and instruct all visitors to do the same. Breastfeeding may also help reduce the incidence of cold viruses, because the baby receives antibodies and some immunity from the mother through her milk.
