Home remedies for cold in babies
Babies have low immunity so they catch cold
easily. In most cases, normal cough and cold can be treated at home. However,
if the symptoms are severe then immediately visit the doctor. Over-the-counter
(OTC) medicines are not advisable. Following are few easy home remedies:
Plenty
of Fluids
Keep the child hydrated with adequate fluids
to make the mucus thinner, making it easier for the child to cough or blow the
nose. A child becomes lethargic due to cold but fluids help them stay hydrated
and energetic. Warm soups help clear congestion and provide nutrition too.
Suction
Small babies are unable to blow their nose
properly. Bulb syringe suction can be used to pull out mucus from your baby’s
nose. Squeeze the bulb and put about half an inch of the
syringe into one nostril. Let go off the bulb to create suction. The suction will
pull out the mucus. You can also use an
electric version or a nasal aspirator.
Saline Drops
Put half teaspoon of salt into a cup of
warm water and stir properly. Use a dropper to put the saline drops into the nostrils.
This would help loosen the mucus. If the child is a little older, ask them to blow
their nose. If the child is small, use suction. Saline drops can be used
multiple times throughout the day. If you are breastfeeding (We have some
breastfeeding tips for you : https://www.cordlifeindia.com/blog/tips-breastfeeding-little-one/
) or bottle feeding the child then put saline drops before feeding as that
would help the child to suck better. You can also buy OTC saline drops; they
are usually safe for the baby.
Humidity
Use a humidifier to keep the air in the
room moist. Alternatively, you can run a hot shower and create a steam room for
the child to sit in. The moisture will help the baby cough and breathe easily. Older
kids can benefit from steam inhalation; however, there is always risk of burn
and scalding.
Sponge
Bath
A sponge bath with lukewarm water would
also help the mucus loosen. It also helps reduce the body temperature.
Rest
During cough and cold the child needs
abundant sleep and rest to feel energetic. A comfortable bed with lots of
pillows will help them breathe easily through their congested nose.
Most babies would recover with home
remedies, however, if they have high grade fever, seizures, acute breathing
trouble, and fever for more than 72 hours, then immediately visit the doctor.
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