Soothing Solutions for Babies With Colds

If having a cold makes you feel miserable, just think of how it must feel for a baby. First of all, it's a new -- and unpleasant -- experience, and second, your child has no way of alleviating any of the symptoms herself. She has to rely on you. Avoid giving most over-the-counter remedies to babies under a year old -- they're just not healthy or effective. However, you can try some simple soothing tricks.

  1. Ibuprofin

    • One over-the-counter medication that is suitable to give to babies older than 6 months old is ibuprofin. Follow dosage guidelines carefully. Ibuprofin can help bring down a fever and ease aches and pains, but it won't do anything for congestion or a cough.

    Saline Solution

    • Salt water drops are another over-the-counter remedy that can help loosen thick nasal mucus. Ask your pediatrician for a specific product recommendation. Usually a drop or two per nostril whenever your baby seems congested will do the trick -- try it especially before bedtime to help your child fall asleep and just before feeding because his mouth will be occupied.

    Fluids

    • You've heard the phrase "provide plenty of fluids" before -- but you might not know why. First of all, dehydration is a concern whenever a small baby is sick. Drinking fluids -- including breastfeeding -- can also help loosen mucus from your baby's nose and throat, thus providing temporary relief from congestion and other cold symptoms.

    Moisture

    • Moist air can help ease congestion caused by the common cold. For nighttime, try running a cool-air humidifier in your baby's bedroom. Remember to change the water every day and keep the filter clean; otherwise it becomes a harbor for mold and bacteria. For temporary relief during other times of the day, you can bring your baby into the bathroom with you and run hot water in the shower. Keep the doors and windows closed and let the room steam up.

    Suction

    • Use a bulb syringe to suction mucus out of your baby's nasal passages. Before inserting, squeeze the bulb of the rubber syringe to expel as much air as possible. Insert the tip of the syringe no more than one-half inch into your baby's nostril. Release the bulb, letting it fill with air -- the suction will also pull the extra mucus out of your baby's nasal passages. Expel the mucus into a tissue and repeat with the other nostril. After use, wash the syringe with soap and water.

    Massage

    • For coughs and chest colds, a touch of infant massage might soothe your baby. Lay your baby across your knees, chest down, and gently rub her back. Use soft taps along the ribs to help loosen mucus. You can also use a dab or infant vapor rub on your baby's chest to help relieve cold symptoms, with some caveats -- use a formula specifically intended for children under 2 years of age, and never apply it under the nose. It's rare, but sometimes the vapors from stronger formulas, especially when placed on the face, can cause respiratory distress. Look for rubs that use eucalyptus or other natural ingredients rather than menthol, and also avoid rubs with camphor.

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