Baby Cold -- What to do?

sassy_mommy

Have any of you experienced your baby having a cold just yet?  My 7 month old LO has a cold and has some head congestion.  Besides doing the saline drops, Vicks vapor rub and humidifier, what did you do to help your baby get over his/her cold?  LO's doctor recommended a very small dosage of children's benadryl (I couldn't find any) and the generic brand was not recommended for children under age 2.  I really like to treat things naturally, but I am also open to medicine when I feel it will be safe.  Just wondering what worked for you.  Thanks!

laurakaz13

We've had numerous colds.  We do the following.  Turn on her humidifier, use saline nose spray, suction out her nose, elevate her crib mattress slightly using a towel, and give her a daily or twice daily steamy bath to help loosen up the phlegm. 

Colds are tough and you just have to wait them out.  It's not fun to listen to your stuffed up baby trying to breathe.  Hang in there. 

M&D06

We do what you do with the saline and humidifier and use the nasal aspirator a few times a day.  I also use the Vicks pediatric vapo pads in a plug in for his room.  I feel like it helps him sleep better.  As for the Benadryl, you can use generic, it's basically the same (we use Target brand).  Even the children's Benadryl is labeled for 2 and older.  I've never used it on ds2 but I did use it on ds1 when he was younger and he did fine with it. 

jamlsull

Yeah we're on #4 I think now.  Just do what you said & pp suggested but you gotta wait it out basically.  The last cold I decided to get the Nosefrida & I highly recommend it! https://www.amazon.com/Nosefrida-The-Snotsucker-Nasal-Aspirator/dp/B00171WXII 

 

ironmommy

If baby has a cough you can put some Vicks on his feet (or her) and then put socks on. Tends to help. Other that that, you're doing all you can do.

I'd stay away from Benadryl, but that's just me. I've never given it to my 3.5 yo and wouldn't dream of giving it to my baby.

shellpep3

DD had her first cold a couple of weeks ago.  We had the humidifier with vicks running every night.  We also rubbed vicks vapour rub on her chest and feet (not sure why on the feet, but someone suggested it so we tried it.)  She cleared up in about 5 days or so.  Hope your LO feels better soon.

skio

We are on day 6 of an awful cold for DD. Ditto everyone above - the humidifier, nasal aspirator, steamy baths. And lots of hugs & cuddles. I feel awful watching her struggle to nurse because she can't breathe, and she always fights going down for naps because she knows it gets worse when she lays down. We don't elevate the crib mattress because she moves all over the crib - she'd probably end up head-reclined and that obviously defeats the purpose.

 I plan to get some baby vicks today to try. She's entering the cough stage, which I think will only make her sleeping worse. And I agree with pp about staying away from Benadryl.

sassy_mommy

Thanks so much for your replies.  I hope to have LO feeling better soon.