DDs first fever and cold - advice for a first-timer?

vilaro

Hi ladies, 

This is the first time DD has been sick and am coming to you ladies for advice and other tips you may suggest.  DD woke up in the middle of the night last night with a 101.4 and a little cough and runny nose.

We gave her acetaminophen and she hasn't slept much has had a few bowel movements (more than her usual but no diarrhea) and her temperature this morning went down to 99.7 and then 101.4. So not too terrible and we're keeping a close eye on it. She's sleeping now. 

We've cleared her nose with an aspirator and given her saline drops too.  

Any other advice suggestions for those who have been through their first cold/fever?  Will call doc later if fever worsens but thought I'd ask you mamas if there's anything else you've done to make LOs more comfortable, etc.

MeganKay

The following have worked well for us in the past:  vicks baby on feet, steamy shower (take shower with baby - careful they get slippery, leave vent off, and keep door shut,) - after this suck out her nose, try a light sinus massage (you know like cheek bones and forhead), humidifier.

Keep in mind that fevers aren't necessarily a bad thing.  They mean the body is fighting off whatever bug it has and is doing its job.

mittensonkittens

Give lots of hugs, and use a cool mist humidifier at night as long as the congestion and cough last. Those are the main things we do. If I can (like if I'm home from work with a sick baby and DS1 is at daycare) I let my LO nurse to sleep and sleep in my arms for a nap or two while I read or bump on my ipod. You can incline the crib mattress, but at this age they always seem to end up turning themselves around and sleeping downhill. Saline drops are good, but try not to use the aspirator too much, it can irritate their little noses and do more harm than good. I use Tylenol to treat discomfort, not a fever. Fevers are symptoms that the body is fighting an infection, they aren't bad. If the LO is feeling fine I don't do anything for fevers. And remember that this illness is harder on you than your LO. Good luck!

hispenguin

The PP's gave some great advice. We've done all of that when DD has been sick. We would also raise the head of her crib mattress a little bit so it was easier for her to breathe when congested.

stahlop

I'd take her to the pedi just to make sure it's nothing more serious.  DS doesn't usually get fevers with his colds, but the one time he did he had an ear infection.  Otherwise, everything else the PP's suggested.

ksyknelvr73

DS currently has a similar thing going on - we were told to alternate the tylenol and ibuprofen every 4 hours to keep the fever down (if LO was still running a fever). Also, saline drops, humidifer, vicks. We actually had to get an RX for him though b/c he also has an ear infection.

vilaro

Thanks, everyone! This is very helpful.