What to do for a cold?? - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

Sue04 · 10-06-2005, 08:08 AM

God Morning!
My DD seems pretty stuffed up - I have been fighting a cold for the past 2 weeks - I am guessing she got it too....what can I do for her? Any ideas? She sleeps on her stomach - and seems pretty congested too....what can we use??? I bought some baby vicks - any thoughts?

Ratatosk · 10-06-2005, 08:59 AM

DS has other health problems, so his doctor never wants us to use decongestants. I use saline drops, spray and then I use a bulb syringe to suck out the boogies if he can't breathe. I also give him an extra bath in the evenings. Get the bathroom all steamy to get things moving. I don't like the idea of humidifiers 'cuz I've read to many things about them not being cleaned properly and growing mold, etc.

dizzygirl · 10-06-2005, 10:57 AM

DS just got over a cold, poor thing. His doctor just suggested the saline nose dros, to loosen the congestion, and lots of tlc. A cold is purely viral, so no medication will work, you kust have to make them comfortable. Oh, and having them sleep on the belly (DS does too) actually helps the congestion not to pool in his head, so thats good. As for the humidifier, I could not live w/o mine, I just clean it regularly, and they have a drop in mold inhibitor. Hope he feels better!

dizzymommy · 10-06-2005, 11:50 AM

What is the difference between the nasal drops and the spray? I use the spray and the bulb to suck it out after. When I use the spray though, my baby acts like he can't breath as he swallows it. He's getting more used to it though. The steam shower and aspiration works the best, and I've never used a humidifier. Did any of your baby's have green bowel movements with the cold?

Ratatosk · 10-06-2005, 12:35 PM

Depends upon how it's adminstered. If your child is laying down and you squirt the saline -- it's a stream. If you have him sit up, it's a spray. Or if you lightly apply pressure you can put drops in. We've found the stream works the best, but he doesn't like it.

As far as green stools -- yes dh has had those, but only because he has cystic fibrosis and without enzymes he can't digest his food.