colds

Abbey - posted on 01/30/2009

I feel so much better now about my son getting a cold and ear infection. I was thinking I was a horrible mother. Granted no one else mentioned an ear infection.....

Renee - posted on 01/30/2009

After using the saline, it helps to use the bulb syringe to get the mucus out.

Gemma - posted on 01/30/2009

thanks for the suggestions i will try these and see how it goes .

Amy - posted on 01/30/2009

Sorry about the cold... I know how you feel.. my 2 month old has had 2 colds too!! I used the saline drops in his nose and I bought those vicks tablets that you put in the bottom of your shower and I held my son in my arms in the shower as he inhaled the vicks steam... that really really helps and sooths... hope this helps! 

Colleen - posted on 01/30/2009

I held my little one in the bathroom with the shower on or the humidifier and the door closed.  Really seemed to help loosen up the stuff in her nose and help her cough.  Also we sat in there when she was eating because she couldnt breath from her nose so well, seemed to help!

Tracy - posted on 01/30/2009

Quoting Abbey:

My son also had a cold, the saline drops are good. A cool mist humidifier is awesome, and we elevated his bed a little too. He is still in a pack and play/bassinet in our room so we put books under one end of it (I have read something like a towel under a mattress helps elevate a real mattress). And our pediatrician said Baby Vicks is fine, but check with yours. But make sure it is Baby Vicks, the real stuff can give them camphor poisoning. We put it on his feet with a sleeper because it absorbs well and he can still smell it. My mother-in-law suggested the feet, I can't remember why. Hope that helps.

Putting the Baby Vicks on the feet is a good idea!  I guess your mother-in-law suggested this because babies have more difficulty in putting their feet in their mouths! 

Abbey - posted on 01/29/2009

My son also had a cold, the saline drops are good. A cool mist humidifier is awesome, and we elevated his bed a little too. He is still in a pack and play/bassinet in our room so we put books under one end of it (I have read something like a towel under a mattress helps elevate a real mattress). And our pediatrician said Baby Vicks is fine, but check with yours. But make sure it is Baby Vicks, the real stuff can give them camphor poisoning. We put it on his feet with a sleeper because it absorbs well and he can still smell it. My mother-in-law suggested the feet, I can't remember why. Hope that helps.

Rachel - posted on 01/29/2009

My son will be three months old on the fifth and when he got his shots the pediatrician told us that he could have infant tylenol. It really helped with his fever and it can also be used for the common cold and sore throat but only use 0.4 mL but still double check with your doctor as well. Hopefully she gets better soon!

Tracy - posted on 01/29/2009

Hi Gemma.  Sorry to hear your daughter has a cold.  Mine had a cold a couple of weeks ago, so I know how you feel!  As they can get "blocked noses", try putting some saline drops up her nose.  You can buy little bottles of saline drops for this purpose at pharmacies, and then just drop 1-2 drops down each nostril.  It helps moisten the nasal passages, and therefore can loosen any secretions, helping her to breathe easier. 

They say not to use inhalants such as Karvol or Vicks under 3 months, but I put one Karvol ampoule in an oil/incense burner and diluted it with water.  I had this in the lounge, so the vapours helped us all!  Don't put it too near her, as the vapours can irritate the eyes. 

Unfortunately there is not much else to do with a cold in babies of this age.  I was told I could give Calpol at 2 months to my daughter, so if your daughter has any fever, you could give her a dose or two of this, but perhaps speak to your health visitor first to make sure there isn't anything she is aware of that would contradict this for your daughter.

Good luck and I hope your daughter is feeling better soon!