For a mom the most precious thing on this earth would be her cute little infant. Everything else from the moment the baby arrives becomes secondary. That’s why even the slightest sound of sneeze may be off putting to the mother.
It is known fact that if the baby’s got sniffles, she will be quite unhappy, cranky, irritated and fussy. And a fussy and sniffling baby means sleepless nights and gorgy days.And less the baby sleeps, the more troubled will be the entire family.
Colds and babies are definitely not the best combination, at all. And, it won’t be any easier to see your baby suffer, even if it is just a common cold.
So how can you beat your child’s winter flu and help her sleep with her sniffles? Here are some useful tips to help you manage baby flu.
Identify the Symptoms of Your Baby’s Cold
It is important that you know the symptoms of a baby cold because unlike adults, your baby prefers to breathe through the nose. It becomes a struggle to breathe especially when they are feeding and sleeping. Moreover, your baby would be too young to blow their own nose or spit phlegm.
Cold takes over stealthily and slowly. At its onset, you will notice your baby being fidgety and restless. You will notice red nose or stuffiness followed by dripping nose. In a day or two there would be a rise in temperature. You can monitor her temperature with an armpit or rectal thermometer.
When the cold has heightened, they will experience horrid symptoms like headaches, sore throat, pain, cough and body pain.
Some of the signs of common cold in babies are;
- Leaking nose
- Cough and sneeze
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes (underarms, neck and back of the head)
- Red eyes
- Sore throat
- Breathing problem
- Lack of appetite
- Fussy nights
- Sleeplessness
Tips to Beat Your Child’s Winter Flu
In the colder months, babies catch cold quite often. Both baby and mom should take additional precautions to ward off the winter cold. However, we have offered 6 tips to help you manage baby sniffles quite well.
- Raise the head; Elevate the Bed
Place a pillow under the baby’s head to elevate her head while she sleeps. Make sure the pillow is meant for babies. The elevated position of the head stops blood flowing to the head, thus reducing the inflammation of the nasal passages. The raised head position will ensure free flow of air.
- Feed them with Adequate Fluids
Make your baby drink plenty of fluids such as water, juice, formula or breast milk. If your baby is under 6 months, then your option is limited to only breast milk. Fluids help loosen the congestion formed in the chest. It is important to keep your baby hydrated when she’s unwell to make her feel comfortable.
- Eye Compression Helps a Great Deal
Warm compression will help your baby immensely. Gently apply warm compresses in and around the eye and cleanse your baby’s nose and eyes with a soft wash cloth. Cleansing is important to remove any sticky phlegm or crusting between the eye and lashes and in the nose. Warm compresses also reduce inflamed nodes and puffed eyes.
- Apply Vapour Rub to Decongest
Use a mentholated vapour rub on your baby’s chest to make her feel comfortable. The cooling sensation will help her feel easy to breathe. Actually, mentholated vapour rub makes sufferers feel that they are breathing freely, when it’s just an illusion. Apply vapour rub on your child’s chest and back. Don’t apply in and around the nostrils as it causes irritation and restricts breathing.
- Use a Prescribed Infant Nasal Spray
Saline solution considerably loosens congestion and clears baby’s blocked nose. However, make sure to use a gentle saline solution or nasal spray. Nasal spray also moisturises the dry nasal passage and prevents swelling. Aspirators can also be used to clear stuffed nose. Saline drops and nasal sprays are safe to use. You can get them over the counter or purchase a prescribed one.
- Increase the Room’s Humidity
A warm and humid room will moist the air and make it easier for your baby to breathe. Use a warm- mist humidifier. Keep it away from the baby and other children at home.
Usually the rasp cough, caused by the mucus and the cold linger a while, but all of the major symptoms including aches and fever go away within a week.
If the above remedies do not work, it is recommended to consult a paediatrician at the earliest.
