A runny nose may be the first sign of a common cold in your infant. According to the Mayo Clinic website, most babies can have up to seven colds in their first year of life. Though it is usually nothing to worry about, colds can make your baby uncomfortable and irritable. Treat his symptoms with help from a pediatrician and do your best to avoid situations that put him at risk for contracting a cold.
Problems
Having a cold with nasal congestion can make eating hard for your baby. When a baby nurses or drinks through a bottle, she uses her nose to breathe while eating. A stuffy nose makes this difficult or even impossible, which can lead to reduced feeding. Your infant is also more susceptible to getting a common cold than older children. An infant's immune system is still developing, which means she may not be able to fight off a cold virus.
Secondary Infections
Keep a watch out for complications that may occur from a common cold in your baby. A runny nose and cold can often lead to trouble breathing, which means wheezing, even if your child has never had trouble breathing before. Many colds often lead to ear infections as well. In fact, between 5 percent and 15 percent of babies with colds get ear infections, according to the Mayo Clinic. A long-running cold can lead to a sinus infection or inflammation of the sinuses. Also keep an eye out for worsening conditions such as strep throat, croup or bronchitis.
Treatment
There is little you can do to combat a cold. Instead, focus on treating the symptoms your child is facing. For example, if he has a fever, give him a fever-reducing medicine, after clearance from your pediatrician. However, avoid giving your infant a cough or cold medication. You can try to clear his nose by using a sucking device to reduce the runny nose. Some cuddling and snuggling may also make your child feel a little better. If you suspect secondary infections, contact your child's pediatrician. If your baby is younger than 3 months and contracts a cold, contact your pediatrician right away.
Prevention
An infant contracts a cold the same way an adult does --- through exposure in the air or skin. Using some preventative measures can keep your infant healthy and cold-free. Keep your infant's toys clean and always wash your hands before handling your baby. Avoid bringing your baby around sick people. Practice good hygiene in your household by sneezing and coughing into a tissue and washing your hands regularly.
