I'm obviously new at this Mom thing, so someone please tell me how I know if my baby has a cold and when does it recquire medical attention? My baby seems a bit mucusy (sp) these days and I don't know if I should give him something or if I should keep him comfortable and just let him ride it out like us adults do. He is a bit fussy, but not anymore than usual. I don't think the congestion is affecting him too much and he seems healthy otherwise. Any suggestions?

Three big red flags are fever, loose stools (can't tell that if you're bfing though) and lack of appetite. If baby isn't experiencing those things, then I would just strive to make him comfy. Do watch for bad wheezing too (such as chest retractions). DD was sick at 6 weeks with bronchiolitis and had to be hospitalized and put on a nebulizer because of that. However, most babies make it through fine with some TLC from dad and mom.

I agree, if there are no major symptoms then just try to make him as comfy as possible. You may want to try using a suction bulb if the mucus seems to be causing some breathing issues, along with some saline drops. Or try using a vaporizer. You can also try elevating his head while sitting or sleeping, that way the snot can try to make it's way out of his nose.

Good Luck

I'm not sure how old your little one is, but my Dr. said, and I have also read that when they are under 3 months old you should call the Dr. at the first sign of illness. A simple cold can turn into something worse if left untreated. So if he's under 3 months i'd call and see what they want you to do, if he's over 3 months keep a close eye on him and keep him comfortable, no matter how old he is if your concerned at all it won't hurt to call the doctor.

My daughter has cold now....her symptoms were....runny nose...sneezing... watery eyes... rubbing her nose....slight fever. she never had loose stools or loss of appetite or a cough.

I called the doctor...my daughter is 9 months old...we gave her an infant cold formula (for fever, pain and runny nose) and used the dosage reccommended by the doctor...used a cool mist vaporizer at night and a plug in nightlight w/vapors.

I also bought a saline solution for infants (nose drops) she hates anything being put up her nose !!! The worst times are always at feedings and bedtime...her little nose gets stuffed up and she cries which makes it more stuffy...it makes it hard for her to eat and breathe through her nose....so she cries...but she does still eat...and at night her nose will wake her up, but the vaporizer helped a lot.

Now that her cold is on the down side...fever gone..nose no longer runny..no sneezing...we give her an infant decongestant at night to help keep her nose clear...I can't see giving her the cold formula for symptoms she no longer has.

This is her first cold...she is/was not a happy camper !!!

My baby is 3 wks old. i will call the doctor today to see what she suggests. I have been using the bulb, which, of course, he hates.