Baby First Cold

Everyone dreads the cold season. It can be especially hard when you have a baby with a cold.
Babies are too young for most medicine and so I will introduce you to some tips that may help a
little. These tips are not to make up for a trip to the doctor when needed:
Use a soft cloth for a runny nose instead of tissues. It is gentler on baby's nose and saves
money. Be sure to offer a drink often to help replace lost fluids.
Use a humidifier to moisten the air. Don't keep the bedroom too warm. For fast relief from
stuffiness, run a hot shower or bath with the door closed until the whole room is steamy. Turn the
water off and sit with the baby on your lap, or walk around the bathroom for a few minutes while
the baby breathes in the steam.
Babies can't have medicated rubs (like Vicks) applied to their sensitive skin until they are much
older. I have a trick I like to do with Vicks as it is effective in loosening stuffiness and helping
coughs. I take a bit of Vicks and rub it onto a cloth or washcloth. I place the cloth inside the baby's
shirt with the Vicks side facing outward toward the shirt. Make sure that the baby doesn't get too
hot with this added to their clothing. Especially if they have a fever.
Cool a Fever Naturally. With a low fever, I have the baby wearing his t-shirt and diaper and a
blanket that can be removed quickly when his fever rises. I like to use a wet washcloth on his
forehead to help with bringing his fever down.
A high fever that does not come down could be the sign of a secondary infection and may require
medication. Babies who have experienced febrile convulsions should be monitored closely; in this
case your pediatrician may instruct you to administer fever reducing medication. Never give
medication to a young infant without explicit instructions from your pediatrician.
Congestion can be a problem when the baby is sleeping. Elevate the mattress by placing a
folded blanket underneath. I find myself holding the baby alot and usually cuddling up so it is easy
to check on him all through the night.
Everything else comes second to this little baby who needs you so much right now. Before you
know it, all will be well again and you and baby will be able to get back to your normal routine.
Wendy Shepherd is married to Michael and stay-at-home mother of three vibrant, young children
who she homeschools. She is the founder and owner of TipzTime.com & ComputerMommy.com
with ComputerChildren.com & ChartJungle.com (due to open this year).