It's that time of year where sharing isn't always caring. Cold and flu season is a bummer. Especially when you have a little one at home. As parents we try to do whatever we can to keep our babies and ourselves from becoming sick. My little guy just fought through a nasty cold and I wanted to give other parents out there some advice to keep your little one comfortable while they're sick.
1.) Be proactive. Unfortunately I found this stuff while he was sick but picked up a bottle anyways for future situations. It's called "Zarbees Natural Baby Immune Support". It's all natural and has vitamins in it. Just think of it as emergen-c for baby's. The age is for 2 months and older. I've given it to him a few times when he seems to be coming down with something or before we travel. However, you shouldn't give this to your baby on a daily basis. You can find this pretty much anywhere where baby medicine is sold and will only cost you about $7.
2.) Congestion. There's nothing worse than hearing your baby having a hard time breathing. First, you'll want to use a bulb syringe to clear out their nose. (Don't feel bad, they all hate it.) As you're clearing it out take a look at the color of their mucus. (I know, it's not pretty) but this is an indication of what your baby is dealing with. Green and brown are usually telling you there's some kind of infection. Keep a close eye on it and make sure it starts to get better in a few days. If not, you'll want to take them to the pediatrician. After clearing the passage way as best as you can, use a saline spray. I recommend the mist by "Little Remedies" because it's a light mist and not as heavy as the drops. Just a few seconds in each nostril and have your wipes ready. You'll notice the mucus to drain immediately. The saline mist will only cost you around $8 and you can pick it up at any Target or Wal-Mart. Only do the bulb syringe about twice a day. Once first thing in the morning and then once in the evening after their bath. You don't want to give them inflammation in their nasal passage on top of everything else. You can do the spray a couple of times through the day.
3.) Cough. When you hear your little one cough or gag when they are sick it's usually due to drainage in the back of their throat. I personally like to use the cough syrup by "Hylands" because again, it's all natural and seems to work well. I'd give it to him about twice a day. This will run you about $9 and can be found where baby medicine is sold.
4.) Body aches. It's not uncommon for anyone to have body aches while being sick and babies are no exception. If your little one is still very fussy despite your efforts, their body might ache. This is when I bring out the Tylenol. It works quickly and will make your little one more comfortable. Just make sure they have something in their tummy. This will run about $7 and can be found at any store where baby medicine is sold.
4.) Sleep. This is where I really tried to make sure our little guy was comfortable. At the end of the day I'd evaluate him. He gets a bath every evening so while he was sick I added "Johnson's vapor bath" to his bath water. It helped break up the mucus. Also if he was really bad, I'd do the saline spray, and steam up the bathroom and take a shower with him. It helped relax him and let him breathe easier. After the bath, I'd give him some Motrin for infants. It's a little stronger than the Tylenol but just as safe. As I'm dressing him, I'd rub "Vicks Vapor Rub for Baby" on his chest, neck and back. Then last and certainly not least, a cool air humidifier. I'd have that thing plugged in and cranked up! Vicks makes a good one that I'd recommend. Just make sure it says "cool air" on it. All of the products listed above will run you between $5-$35 and can be found at any store where baby medicine is sold.
I hope this helps you aid your little one while they're sick. If you have any questions please feel free to comment on this post or send me a message through my Twitter account: @newmomnewworld1
Always make sure to check with your pediatrician before starting any medicine or regiment. It's also a good idea to take them to the doctor if the cold lasts longer than 4-5 days or if they have a fever of 101 degrees or higher. You wanna make sure it hasn't gone to their chest, ears, or caused dehydration.
Xoxo,
Alex
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