First Cold

No matter how vigilant you are - there will come a time when you feel like all you’re doing is wiping your baby’s nose. Every healthy baby comes down with the common cold - sometimes frequently! These colds can last up to two weeks - maybe even longer. But don’t fear. There are steps you can take to recognize it and nurse your baby back to health.

The common cold can be caused by many different viruses - but it always infects the upper respiratory tract. That’s why a stuffy or runny nose is one of the earliest signs of a cold. Babies have a harder time with colds because it doesn’t take much mucous to block their small nasal passages.

Colds produce mucous - either from the nose or the lungs. At first - it will be clear. Later - it may turn yellow or green and then become clear again. Along with the sinus discharge - your baby may experience a slight fever - coughing - sneezing - or watery eyes.

Since there are no medications that kill the common cold virus - it will take time for your child’s immune system to attack and get rid of the cold. If your child is less than 3 months old - you should call your doctor right away. Otherwise - that cold could rapidly become croup or pneumonia.

If your child is older - there are several simple things you can do at home to ease cold symptoms: giving your child lots of fluids - which help break up congestion - continue breastfeeding - which gives the baby extra antibodies against cold germs - and dilute thick mucous with saline drops from your local pharmacy.

You can also help remove excess mucous by suctioning your baby’s nose with a rubber bulb syringe. First - force out the air from the syringe by squeezing the bulb. Then - while still squeezing the bulb - gently place the syringe tip into one of your baby’s nostrils. Release your grip on the bulb - and the syringe sucks up mucous from your child’s nose. Remove the syringe and empty by repeatedly squeezing the bulb with the tip down. Continue as needed. Keep the syringe clean with soap and water.

Putting a humidifier in your baby’s room will keep dry air from further aggravating swollen nasal passages. The mist released into the air will provide a more comfortable sleeping environment. Make sure the mist doesn’t fall directly on your baby’s crib - since damp bedding can encourage mold growth. Change the humidifier water every day and follow the cleaning instructions provided with the unit. You can also achieve a steaming effect by standing in a warm shower with your baby for a few minutes before bedtime.

Avoid the urge to suppress your baby’s cough. If your baby is healthy in every other way - you should encourage coughing - since it will help remove mucous from your baby’s nasal passages. You shouldn’t use cold medicines or cough suppressants - especially if your child is under the age of two. These medicines do nothing to actually kill the cold virus - and accidentally giving an overdose can cause death. It’s not worth the risk.

Your baby’s body will fight the infection on its own. If you decide to give your child a children’s pain reliever - make sure to follow the instructions on the label.