Tips To Help An Infant Get Over Cold

I have always felt that it is both a nerve wrecking and heart wrenching experience seeing an infant have a cold; I have however found some safe home remedies that really work. However it is best to get your infant to the doctor if symptoms do not subside in a week’s time.

Few tips that could help an infant get over cold:  

• A combination of saline drops and suction of the excess mucus works. Squeeze drops of an over the counter saline drops into the infant’s nostril by tilting his/her head back. After a few minutes, suction the loosened mucus out with a rubber bulb syringe.

• Running a humidifier or cold mist into the room would help relieves stuffiness, and reduce nasal inflammation; it will also help him/her to fall asleep. Alternatively sit with your baby in a steamy bathroom by closing the door and allowing the hot water to run for about 15 minutes. The steam will moisten the air and relieve stuffiness.

• Apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly on the outside of the baby’s nose especially where it is red and sore to reduce irritation. In infants above the age of 3 months it would help to use “Baby safe" vapor rubs made of petroleum oils, and eucalyptus to facilitate breathing. Also massage it into your infant's chest, neck, and back.

• You could give fever reducing medications like Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen in reduced dosage for older babies; however if you are unsure do consult your doctor regarding the dosage. Avoid over the counter cold medications for children below the age of 2 years. Though they may ease symptoms, they could have serious side effects like rapid heart rate and convulsions. Also under all circumstances avoid aspirin in babies below the age of 2 years as it could cause a fatal condition as Reye's syndrome.

• Give your baby plenty of fluids as it prevents dehydration as well as liquidates nasal secretions. You could give a baby who is 6 months plain water and fruit juices, while babies below 6 months should be only given breast milk or formula. Again it would help to give babies above 6 months warm fluids in the shape of soups, warm chamomile tea, and warmed apple juice to relieve congestion, aches, sore throats and fatigue.

• If your baby’s cough worsens or he/she is breathing rapidly, wheezing or gasping, it could be indicative of pneumonia or respiratory syncytial virus; seek immediate medical attention. Also consult your doctor if your baby’s eyes look particularly goopy or teary; it could indicate pinkeye. Similarly consult your doctor in case your baby starts rubbing at his or her ear or cries when sucking during a feeding; it could be an ear infection.

Lastly ensure your baby is out of stressful situations and gets plenty of rest, as lot of energy is expended in getting over the infection. As a last note, reduce exposure to germs by instructing family and friends to wash their hands before picking up your baby; also instruct sick children and adults to not visit until they have overcome the infection.

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