Soothing Sniffles: How to Help Your Baby Through a Cold
Dr. Stephanie Cobb with CMC Pediatrics in Carolina Forest understands how challenging it can be when your little one catches a cold. Those sniffles and sneezes can make both you and your baby quite uncomfortable. But fear not, Dr. Cobb is offering up some of her best tips on how to help your baby find relief and recover faster from that pesky cold. Here are some of her strategies to ease their discomfort during this tough time.
1. Maintain Hydration
“When babies are sick, they might not feel like eating as much as usual, which can lead to dehydration,” cautions Dr. Cobb. “Make sure you’re offering breast milk or formula more frequently than usual to keep them well-hydrated. Breast milk, in particular, contains essential antibodies that can help your baby fight off the cold. Your body has the uncanny ability to recognize the sickness in your baby and offer up the nutrients they need and pass those along in the milk you produce.”
Important: A baby should drink only breast milk or formula until they’re six months old. It has all the hydration and nutrition they need in the early months. Even when you start giving them purees or table food at around 6 months of age, breast milk and formula are still more important than water.
2. Elevate the Head
“Place a small towel or blanket under your baby’s mattress to slightly elevate their head during sleep,” advises Dr. Cobb. “This elevation can help ease congestion and make breathing a bit easier for your little one.”
Dr. Cobb warns that you should never put the towel in the crib with your baby. Only place it under the mattress. Extra blankets and items in the crib have been linked to cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
3. Use a Humidifier
“Dry indoor air, especially this time of year when our heat turns on, can worsen your baby’s congestion,” Dr. Cobb explains. “Consider using a cool-mist humidifier in their room to add moisture to the air. This will help soothe their irritated nasal passages and ease their breathing. Just be sure to clean and maintain the humidifier properly to prevent mold growth.”
4. Saline Drops and Suction
“Infant saline drops can work wonders for loosening mucus in your baby’s nose,” encourages Dr. Cobb. “Just a few drops followed by careful nasal suction using a bulb syringe can help clear out some of their congestion. Just be gentle and cautious during this process so you don’t cause any discomfort to your baby.”
5. Steamy Comfort
Dr. Cobb says that creating a steamy environment can help alleviate congestion. “Run a hot shower and sit with your baby in a steam-filled bathroom for a few minutes. The warm, moist air can help open up their airways and provide some relief.”
6. Gentle Massage
“Touch is so important when your child isn’t feeling good,” shares Dr. Cobb. “A soft, soothing massage can help improve circulation and also comfort your baby. Gently massaging their chest and back with a baby-safe, fragrance-free lotion can calm and settle them. It’s also a wonderful bonding time between you and your infant.”
7. Plenty of Rest
“Your baby’s body needs extra energy to fight off a cold, so it’s really important that you ensure they’re getting plenty of sleep. Allow for more naptime during the day and try to establish a calming bedtime routine to encourage longer stretches of sleep at night.”
8. Watch for Warning Signs
While most colds are harmless and run their course, Dr. Cobb stresses the importance of being vigilant for any signs of more serious illness. “Look for signs like a high fever, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cough. If you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for guidance or visit your local emergency room.”
CMC Pediatrics is Here for You and Your Baby
As a parent, seeing your baby unwell can be challenging, but remember that colds are a common part of childhood. Your presence and care are the best medicine for your baby’s cold. If you have any doubts or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your baby’s pediatrician for guidance. If you don’t have a pediatrician, you are welcome to visit Dr. Stephanie Cobb or one of the other pediatric specialists at CMC Pediatrics in Carolina Forest on Postal Way. Wishing your baby a speedy recovery and many healthy, happy days ahead!
Dr. Stephanie Cobb
Dr. Cobb is a pediatrician who cares for children of all ages from newborns to teens. She enjoys preventative care medicine and promoting overall health with nutrition, sleep hygiene, and exercise. She has been involved in a variety of missions trips including to the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Ecuador.
