How to Comfort A Baby With A Cold

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By oneloved
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Comfort A Baby With A Cold

Is your baby sick? Suffering from a stuffy nose, cough or sore throat? These natural remedies may help provide relief for infants (who cannot take cold medicines). This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Humidifier
Vicks Baby Rub
Nasal Aspiration Bulb
Saline Drops
Baby Tylenol
Soft Kleenex

Step 1

Put a humidifier or steam vaporizer in your baby's room while he sleeps, and in the main room where he spends most of the day. Steam helps to loosen congestion, soothe coughs, and make it easier to breathe.
Step 2

Try an application of Vicks Baby Rub on baby's chest. Natural Eucalyptus vapors help to clear the sinuses so she can breathe. Use only as directed.
Step 3

Administer infant saline drops (as directed) into the nose, to help loosen mucus and congestion.
Step 4

After saline drops, use a nasal aspiration bulb to gently suction mucus out of the nasal passages. Babies cannot blow their noses, so they need help clearing their sinuses to breathe. Do this before offering food or drink, to help him breathe while swallowing.
Step 5

Give your sick baby a warm bath. The steam helps to clear congestion. Using a eucalyptus vapor baby bath can be especially helpful. Be sure not to let him catch a chill.
Step 6

Keep baby's head elevated. It's not safe for babies to sleep with a pillow, but you can roll up a towel and place it under one end of her crib mattress to help elevate that side while she sleeps. You can also try letting baby sleep on your shoulder as you recline in an easy chair. This keeps her upright rather than lying flat.
Step 7

Keep baby well hydrated. Breast milk is best, because it is full of antibodies to help boost the immune system. Water and electrolyte drinks are good choices, too. Juice with vitamin C may help, but remember that juice is also full of sugar, and too much can lead to diarrhea.
Step 8

Hyland's C-Plus Cold Tablets are a homeopathic treatment for infants (their "Sniffles 'n Sneezes 4 Kids" formula is for ages 2+). Check with your care provider first, and always follow dosing instructions.
Step 9

If your child has a fever or pain from a sore throat, your pediatrician may recommend administering Infant Tylenol. Check with your care provider first, and always follow dosing instructions.
Step 10

Use only soft facial tissue on baby's nose. Frequent use of toilet paper or rougher tissue can chafe tender skin.
Step 11

See your Pediatrician if you suspect a more serious illness, or symptoms persist.