Small children develop colds for a number of reasons;

• Often because their immune system is just developing
• In winter, heating can dry out the sinuses causing additional problems
• Being around other adults or children who are ill is another common cause

How do you know if you baby has a cold?

Colds are difficult for babies, as they can’t tell you what’s wrong. So how do you know if your baby has a cold, or something different?

For the first few days of a cold, your baby may be fidgety, irritable and hard to settle. Once a congested nose kicks in, they’ll tend to prefer trying to breathe through their nostrils even when they are blocked. As a result, they will find it hard to feed so may be a little off their food.

Like adults, sneezing, coughing, a hoarse ‘voice’ or cries and red or watery eyes may be signs.

How to help your baby

There is still no cure for the common cold. So while you wait for the symptoms to go, you can try the following to make your baby more comfortable:

Warm baths and showers

To ease congestion (and make them feel better) a hot, steamy and humid environment is perfect. Just a few minutes will help, though half an hour or more will do wonders.

Whether you bathe them and relax them, or just take them into the bathroom while you shower yourself, it should help, and will clean away some of that horrible ‘ill’ feeling.

Vaporisers and humidifiers

These do the same job as a steamy bathroom, but can be left in your child’s room at night. Night time is the worst time for a cold, as lying down worsens congestion.  Humidifiers will help to combat a blocked nose, but for additional help, try propping the mattress up using a few folded towels so your baby sleeps at a more upright angle.

Saline nasal drops OR breastmilk

Sometimes, that congestion just won’t budge. Saline nasal drops can help this but should be used carefully. Make sure that any nasal solutions you use are pure and do not contain any decongestant medication.

Breastmilk can double as a nasal solution as it is pure, and full of goodness. If the area underneath the nose is getting sore, use petroleum jelly to protect it.

Offer more feeds

If your baby is finding it hard to feed, their fluid intake will be down. But when you have a cold, the first thing you need is more drink and nourishment.

Little and often is the best way to feed, and for toddlers you should offer drinks, ice pops, even frozen breastmilk ice cubes and runny, liquid based foods regularly.

Watch out for signs of dehydration, and if you’re worried about their fluid intake, seek help.

Be there to comfort and keep wiping their nose

Often all an ill and confused child will want, is reassurance from you. So just be there to keep wiping noses, cuddle and soothe. Even if you feel helpless you’ll be helping more than you know!

When to seek help

If your baby’s symptoms do not improve after a few days, they have a high temperature (over 37°C), they refuse to feed, pull on their ears a lot, or they shows signs of a rash or hives, take them to a doctor immediately.

They may have a more serious condition, infection or even an allergy.

Dehydration may rapidly become a concern if babies are taking in less than half of their normal feed amount.  Always seek professional advice if you are unsure.

Do not give your baby cold treatment medications unless prescribed, as these are usually designed for adults and can cause damage to young children.

If you must use decongestants, apply them to fabrics in small amounts, not sensitive skin. Ensure these fabrics will not be exposed to little faces as they can cause skin discomfort.

Within a week, your baby’s symptoms should be easing and they’ll be back to their old selves. Colds are a part of growing up however, and they are sure to have (and get through) many more in future.

About the author: Suzanne Gibbard is a mother of three and owner of Bundles of Joy, a company that sells christening gifts and new baby gifts.

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