How to Survive Infant Cold

It doesn’t matter how well you care for your baby. Sooner or later, she will be exposed to germs and along with all the other notable firsts, you’ll get to add “baby’s first cold” to the list. While keeping your hands clean will definitely help, we sometimes get exposed to germs even when we are doing our best to be careful to avoid them. Additionally, you might be carrying around germs for a cold or virus without ever showing signs of illness as you unknowingly pass them around.

Because we can’t give medicine to infants, when your baby gets sick for the first time ever, it can be really difficult. Sleepless nights for everyone in the family and constant worry are all par for the course. But here’s what you can do to help survive and get baby back on track to wellness:

Steam things up
If you have a humidifier, now is the time to bust it out and put it to use. It will help clear out your little one’s stuffy nose. But if not, go turn on the shower to super-hot and let the bathroom get hot, humid and foggy, like an Amazon jungle. Then, take your baby into the bathroom with you and sit. Bring stories and toys to keep her entertained while you sit in there and soak up the steam.

Nurse a lot
If you’re breastfeeding, this will help keep many illnesses away and reduce the severity of the ones your baby comes down with. Your body passes antibodies through your milk to help your baby feel better faster. Nursing hydrates which is also important during illnesses. Plus, it’s comforting to her which will soothe her and help her rest.

Higher elevation
Take an extra throw pillow from your couch and stick it UNDER the mattress of your baby’s crib. This extra elevation will keep the head up, which will keep any post-nasal drip from irritating her throat or causing coughing and gagging.

Nose cleaners
There are quite a few of these on the market and it might just take a little trial and error on your part to find which one works for you and your baby. Be careful as some designs are prone to developing mold, but for the most part, when properly maintained, these things can suck the snot right out of your baby’s nose, bringing instant relief.

Warm baths
There’s nothing like a nice, soothing warm bath to relax with. Especially if you’re sick. Your baby feels the same way. The warm water will help clean yucky germs from your baby’s skin, loosen up congestion and provide a much-needed distraction from the icky-sickies.

Above all, try not to panic. Illnesses are all par for the course when you have kids. If symptoms become worse instead of better, call your pediatrician immediately.

The post How to Survive Infant Cold appeared first on Smiinky.

from Smiinky http://www.smiinky.com/survive-infant-cold/
via Smiinky