The "common cold" is particularly common in infants. Indeed, most babies have as many seven colds in the first year, MayoClinic.com reports. Although there's no cure for these upper respiratory tract infections, at-home remedies for infants older than 3 months can help relieve the symptoms of congestion, runny nose, sneezing and coughing. Call the doctor at the first sign of illness for an infant younger than 3 months, as the cold may cause complications or lead to a more serious illness.
Give Fluids
Let your baby rest and give him plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. You do not need to give your baby more fluids than usual; encourage him to drink his normal amount. If your baby is younger than 4 months, all he needs is breast milk or formula. If your baby is older than 4 months, give water in addition to the formula or breast milk. Adding juice to the diet is typically OK if he's at least 6 months old, though it's good to check with his pediatrician before making any major dietary changes at this age.
Moisten Air
Moisten the air with a hot shower or humidifier to improve nasal congestion or a runny nose. Run a hot shower and close the door to allow steam to fill the room. Sit in the steamy room with your baby for 15 minutes. Run a cool-air humidifier in your baby's room, aiming the humidifier away from the crib to prevent damp bedding. Run the humidifier with just water or add a few drops of menthol, eucalyptus or pine oil. Never set the humidifier to warm air, as the heat may burn your baby.
Suction and Elevation
Since you can't ask your baby to blow her nose, use a rubber bulb syringe to suck out her nasal passages. First, loosen the mucus with over-the-counter saline nasal drops. Then suction out the mucus with the syringe tip inserted about 1/4 to 1/2 inch into the back and side of the nose. Suction each nostril throughout the day, as needed.
If the postnasal drip persists, place one to two towels at the head of the bed to elevate your baby's head. Insert the towels between the mattress and crib springs so the towels stay in place. Dress your baby in lightweight clothing and always keep the crib mattress free of loose bedding and pillows to prevent sudden infant death syndrome.
Warnings
Some popular cold remedies for children are not safe for infants, including over-the-counter cold and flu medications. Although honey helps cold symptoms in older children and adults, never give it to a baby under 1 year. The bacteria in honey can cause botulism, a severe and dangerous form of food poisoning. Talk to your doctor before giving your baby acetaminophen --- and never give any fever-reducer to a baby under 3 months. Never give any child aspirin, as it can cause the potentially fatal condition, Reye's syndrome.
Seek medical care if the fever reaches 101 degrees Fahrenheit in a child aged 3 to 6 months, or 103 F for those 7 months and older. Call the doctor if your baby has breathing problems, a cough lasting for more than a week, fewer wet diapers or if he shows signs of ear pain, such as tugging at his ears. Call the doctor if your infant's cold symptoms worsen or do not improve within five days.
