Colds and Babies

To help alleviate cold symptoms: 

1. Pray for quick healing
2. Put saline nasal drops or mist in your baby’s nose to loosen clogged mucus (example product "Ayr")
3. Use a suction bulb to gently extract excess mucus when needed (when you can see a big glob plugging up his nostril) - especially if they are having trouble breathing while eating
4. Raise the head of your baby’s crib mattress by putting a couple of pillows underneath the mattress
5. Run a cool mist humidifier in the child's room while they sleep
6. Give lots of Tender Loving Care
7. Offer lots of fluids- breast milk/formula, water, and Pedialyte (if child is over 6 mo. of age)
8. Rub a dime sized amount of Vick's vapor rub on their chest
9. If fever exists, use proper dosage of Acetaminophen
10. Do not give cold medicine to children under the age of 4 years

 When to call the doctor:

• If your baby is less than three months old and has a temperature of 100.4° or higher, call the doctor immediately. A baby this young needs to be checked for serious infection or disease.
• If your baby is between three months and three years, call your doctor if his temperature reaches 101.5° or higher.
• Also call if you suspect an earache or if you see that your child is in extreme discomfort, is very lethargic, has a seizure, has developed greenish-yellow nasal discharge or a phlegmy/wheezy cough, or is having trouble breathing.

Resources:
http://www.whattoexpect.com/childrens-health-and-safety/childrens-colds.aspx

What to Expect the First Year  written by the authors of  What to Expect When You're Expecting http://www.amazon.com/What-Expect-First-Arlene-Eisenberg/dp/0894805770