How to decongest a baby with a cold naturally

Natural ways to decongest a baby or child with a cold

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. There is simply no way to guard your baby from ever catching the dreaded cold. Unfortunately children get sick several times a year and all you can do is try your best to ease the symptoms for them. Instead of always leaning on medications to help baby feel better you can choose to try and alleviate their symptoms naturally. Especailly with the recent recalls of medicines for babies under two years off age, it essential to learn other ways to alleviate baby's cold and congestion.
   
   Of course you want to make sure that baby's temperature does not go above 102 degrees (with a cold temperature stays under 102 degrees). When your baby's temperature reaches above 102 degrees it is most likely the flu or other virus. There are certain signs that you want to watch for and if you notice any of them, take your child to see their doctor right away ....

2. Problems breathing like wheezing, gasping, rapid breathing, etc. anything not normal.
   If the cold persists for more then a week.
   If the fever persists, it could be a sign of infection.
   Greenish discharge, this could be a sinus infection.
   Strange cough.
   If your baby develops any sort of rash.
   
   While there is no magical cure that will alleviate all the symptoms, all you can do is alleviate the symptoms to help baby find comfort. Many medicines have side effects that can make baby feel tired, or otherwise not like themselves. Some are even known to causes nausea and can in some cases make baby feel worse. So before opting to medications try some of these natural remedies to hep ease baby's congestion ....

3. * HERBAL BATHES *
   
   Giving baby a nice warm herbal bath is a great way to instantly decongestant them. The steam that the bath releases mixed with the herbs is soothing and helps baby breath much better. Natural herbs help baby to calm down, relax and soothes their congestion. Eucalyptus and lemon scents work the best for clearing up congestion.
   
   * PLACE A HUMIDIFIER IN BABY'S ROOM *
   
   Humidifiers work wonders at helping baby get to sleep and stay asleep when they are congested. The steam and vapors that are released from the humidifier help to ease the congested feeling baby has. Make sure the humidifier is throughly cleaned before placing water into it. Place clean water in the humidifier along with any herbal vapors. Make sure that you choose one that is safest for baby. A warm mist humidifier for baby's room is ideal for many reasons.The cold air humidifiers make the room cool and the ones that heat the water make the water to hot for baby if she/he accidentally touches it. Dump the humidifier out during the day if baby is up and walking or crawling during the day to prevent any accidents.

4. * SALINE NOSE DROPS FOR BABY *
   
   Saline nose drops help to reduce the amount of mucus in baby's nose and helps them to breathe better. The special saline nose drops for baby's are all natural and do not burn at all like some of the adult brands. Follow the directions on the package and use a bulb syringe to help remove the mucus for baby. Saline nose drops loosen thick secretions so your child's nose can drain easier.
   
   * PLACE BABY UPRIGHT *
   
   Place baby so she is elevated rather then laying flat. If baby is old enough use a pillow to prop them up a bit. If baby still can not sit up on their own or roll over then place them in a walker, bouncer, high chair or a baby swing for a good portion of the day. This helps them to breathe a bit easier. If baby is still unable to sit up then roll towels and place them under baby's mattress so it is slightly elevated.

5. * KEEP BABY WELL HYDRATED *
   
   Depending on baby's age you want to increase the amount of water that they consume daily while they are sick. If baby is still on the bottle or breastfeeding it is not necessary since they get all the water supply they need from the breast milk or formula. Make sure baby is still eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day.
   
   * MAKE SURE THEY GET PLENTY OF REST *
   
   When your body is trying to fight off any virus, it essential to get plenty of rest. Your body is fighting off the cold and is working overtime. It is natural to be sleepy through out the day, so allow baby to nap when she/he appears to be tired.

6. While children under the age of two are known to come down with 8 - 10 cold a year, it never gets easier to see them suffering. Just be there for your baby and help them out the best you can with the steps above. If anything seems odd about your child's symptoms or behavior make sure you contact their doctor right away. as long as you are there for your baby and show them plenty of love when they are sick, then you are doing everything you can! Rest assured that their cold will not last forever!

[ljsomma]

on 10/17/2009 thanks i needed this today! 5!