what to do for a cold

NJLH

My baby has her first bad stuffy nose. The nurse told me not to give Tylenol unless she has 101 fever (she has 99). I try to asperate her nose but she screams. Any other tips to make her more comfy? Th anks

jennterrell

the trick to success with the aspirator is to first do saline drops. I like the little noses brand set (drops and bulb syringe) because the bulb syringe is softer and smaller. Put the drops in each nostril, wait a minute or two, then try to suck the snot out. LO will not like this process, but they will breathe better. If they are congested, do this before every feeding so they can breathe and eat. you may find that the drops alone work and you don't need to aspirate.

the best thing i found though is to keep a humidifier running in or near baby's room 24/7. it really helps keep the mucous from plugging up their nose. you can also try to keep baby's head slightly elevated by propping up the crib mattress at the head end, or having your LO sleep in a carseat carrier or bouncy seat.

when DS had his first cold, i had one too, and i would take a few long hot showers with him in his bouncy next to the shower, so we both got the benefits of the steam.

tylenol won't ease the congestion.