In the first year of life, most babies have a cold 7 times. Since most cough and cold medicines are not tested for use in infants, you should not give cough medicine to infants. In fact, most cough and cold medicines can cause side effects in babies, especially if the doses are not measured correctly. However, you have to make the baby feel comfortable. On the other hand, coughing is a normal and important way for babies to expel irritants and mucus from their bodies. So try to help him breathe even if he is coughing. Consult your baby's nose sucking treatment with a doctor. In addition, make the baby and his room more comfortable by moisturizing, giving him medicine and more fluids.
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Part 1 of 3: Helping Baby Breathe
Step 1. Make a saline solution
To make a saline (salt) solution, bring tap water to a boil and allow it to cool, or purchase distilled water. Mix 1 cup of water with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Stir the solution until smooth, then pour into a closed jar. You may store this solution at room temperature for a maximum of 3 days until it is time to use it.
You can buy saline solution and saline nasal drops at most pharmacies and drug stores. When used correctly, these saline solutions and nasal drops are safe for babies
Step 2. Drop the saline solution into the baby's nose
Fill the baby blue suction pipette with saline solution. Lay the baby on his back and tilt his head slightly. Hold the baby's head gently so you can adjust the drip of the solution. Gently pour 2-3 drops of saline solution into the baby's nostrils.
- Be careful that the tip of the dropper does not go too deep into the baby's nostril. The tip of the pipette should only go right up to the baby's nostril.
- Don't worry if your baby sneezes and releases some of the saline solution.
Step 3. Let this solution work for one minute
Wipe the area around the baby's nose as some of the solution may come out when the baby sneezes. Let the baby lie on his back while waiting for the saline solution to work. Wait a minute or so and then drain the remaining solution in the dropper into the sink or sink.
Do not leave the baby alone or move his head until the saline solution is sucked back in
Step 4. Suck baby's nose
Gently press the dropper and place the tip back against the baby's nose. The tip of the dropper should only go about 0.5 cm into the baby's nose. Release the pressure in the pipette so that the baby's snot is sucked in. Wipe the tip of the pipette with a tissue. You can fill the dropper with saline solution and suck the baby's mucus through both nostrils again. Clean the dropper thoroughly with warm soapy water when finished.
- Although most hospitals carry suction pipettes in baby kits, don't use them too often. Just use the dropper 2 or 3 times a day. Do not suck the baby's nose more than 4 times a day or the delicate walls of the nasal cavity may irritate.
- The best time to suck your baby's nose is before bedtime or feeding.
- Consult your doctor if you have any questions regarding this treatment.
Step 5. Consider using a nasal spray
If you're afraid to suck the snot out of your baby's nose, you can buy a nasal spray. Purchase a nasal spray for babies at a pharmacy or drug store. This spray preparation is designed so that it can be used without the use of a pipette or the need for suction.
- Be sure to buy a saline spray, not a medication.
- Follow the directions for use on the package, and be sure to wipe off the saline splash around baby's nose when you're done using it.
Part 2 of 3: Keeping Baby Comfortable
Step 1. Elevate the head area of the crib
Elevating your baby's head with a thin pillow or rolled up towel can help him sleep better when he has a cold. However, you should not place blankets or pillows in the crib. To safely elevate your baby's head, place a thin pillow or rolled towel under the mattress. Elevating your baby's head slightly at night can help him breathe easier.
Always put the baby in a supine position to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Step 2. Control his body temperature
If your baby has a fever, be sure not to dress him in clothes that are too thick. Just wear light clothing, but check often to see if he's still warm. Hold the baby's ears, face, feet and hands. If this part of his body feels warm or sweaty, he may be feeling hot.
If your baby is wearing clothes that are too hot or thick, he will feel uncomfortable and have a harder time fighting the fever, or the fever may get worse
Step 3. Hug your baby
During illness, your baby may be a little fussy and want to be closer to you. Make an effort to take the time and give your baby extra attention to make him feel comfortable when he is sick. If your baby is very small, try to sleep in each other's arms and hold them throughout the day. Meanwhile, if your baby is a little older, you can try lying next to each other while reading a story or composing pictures together.
Invite the baby to rest. Babies need more rest to recover from coughing
Step 4. Keep the air moist
Turn on a cool air vaporizer or humidifier to humidify the room. The steam can help open up your baby's airways, making it easier to breathe. You can also increase the humidity of the air by placing several bowls of water in the room to allow it to evaporate.
If you don't have a vaporizer, turn on the hot water tap and take the baby to the bathroom. Close the bathroom doors and windows, then sit there so the baby can breathe in the steam. Keep your baby away from hot water and never leave him alone in the bathroom
Part 3 of 3: Breastfeeding and Treating Babies
Step 1. Observe the baby's feeding pattern
Babies need more fluids during illness to stay hydrated and prevent coughing, especially if they have a fever too. If you're breastfeeding your baby or formula-feeding him, try to feed him more often to get more fluids. Feed your baby whenever he shows signs of being hungry. He may need to feed less frequently, especially if he is having trouble breathing. If your baby is already eating solid foods, make sure they are soft enough and easy to digest.
Breast milk and other fluids can thin the mucus in your baby's airways, making it easier to expel through coughing
Step 2. Reduce your intake of dairy products
If your baby is still breastfeeding, continue to breastfeed him. However, if your baby is formula-feeding or consuming dairy products, you may need to cut down on dairy products for him. Milk and dairy products can thicken mucus in babies. Offer water or diluted fruit juice if your baby is over 6 months old.
- If your baby is less than 6 months old and drinking formula milk, continue giving formula even if the main ingredient is cow's milk. Babies should still get important nutrients from their main food sources.
- You should also not give honey to babies younger than 1 year old to prevent infant botulism.
Step 3. Treat any accompanying fever symptoms
If your baby has a cough and fever, you can give him baby paracetamol. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the package and only give this medicine after your baby is at least 2 months old. If your baby is at least 6 months old, you can give him parcetamol or ibuprofen. Call your doctor for advice if:
- Your baby is less than 3 months old and has a fever over 38°C
- Your baby is more than 3 months old and has a fever over 38.9°C
- Baby has fever for more than 3 days
Step 4. Seek medical attention
Most coughs from colds will go away on their own within 10-14 days. However, your baby may need medical attention if:
- Lips, fingers or toes are bluish. These symptoms require emergency medical attention. Immediately call emergency services.
- The baby is less than 3 months old and has a fever of 38°C or more, or over 38.9°C if he is more than 3 months old
- Baby coughing up blood
- The cough is getting worse and more frequent
- Baby has difficulty breathing (gasping, rapid breathing, wheezing, or breathing strangely)
- Baby won't breastfeed or drink formula (or if you don't change diapers often)
- Baby vomiting
