Cough and cold medications aren't recommended for use in children under the age of 2. In fact, the Food and Drug Administration issued a public safety advisory in 2008 cautioning parents against the use of these drugs. Without medication, however, many parent aren't sure how to provide their baby relief. A few steps can help ease congestion and cough in your baby.
Nasal Suction
A nasal suction allows you to relieve congestion associated with a baby's runny nose. Place a rubber bulb syringe about 1/4 inch inside your baby's nostril. Squeeze the bulb while you insert it into the nose. Once inserted, release your grip on the syringe. This will cause a suctioning motion. Empty the syringe by squeezing it quickly into a tissue. Dispose of the tissue and wash the syringe with hot water and soap. Repeat this process as needed.
Mucus Thinning
A saline solution allows you to thin your baby's mucus, relieving congestion. Ask your pediatrician if you should use the solution in your child. Follow the manufacture's instructions, which usually involve placing a couple drops of the saline solution into the nostrils. Do this before you suction the nose. It will further reduce congestion in your baby.
Steamy Bathroom
Steam helps moisten your baby's airways, easing her cough. Make your bathroom steamy by turning the water to hot for several minutes. Then, sit in the bathroom with your baby for a couple minutes. Never leave your child alone in the bathroom. Your child's congestion should be better. Further clear her airways by going outside for a few seconds after leaving the bathroom.
Medical Help
Anytime a baby has a fever under the age of 3 months, you should consult her doctor. Babies this age need close monitoring due to a young immune system. For older babies, contact your doctor if she runs a fever of 101 degrees or higher. Also, a baby who is unresponsive or coughs hard enough to cause vomiting should seek medical attention. Wheezing, coughing up thick greenish yellow phlegm and shortness of breath are also red flags.
