It’s Fall. The temperature outside is dropping, leaves are falling and the coffee is calling your name. Oh yeah, and the sniffles, flu shots sleepless nights are coming too. Well my fellow parentals let me tell ya, sick kid season is upon us. Like up on us right this moment. My 8 month old is sneezing! He has watery eyes, a stuffy nose and the biggest smile on his face in spite of it all. He’s a real trouper. I already know he’s gonna be a manly man when he grows up haha.
What do you do when baby doesn’t feel good? Well, don’t freak out for one. Babies can sense fear… and worry. It agitates them when you’re agitated so keep your cool mom and dad. I don’t know anything about the flu. Never had it, my husband’s never had it and so far neither has baby. But a cold… I can spot and treat that with my eyes closed.
When baby is having mild cold symptoms like the previously mentioned runny, stuffy nose, watery eyes and sneezing/coughing there are things you can do at home. Cuz why pay a co-pay when you can self treat?
Step 1: Get a nose bulb or aspirator. Yes those big obnoxious things you see in the baby aisle. Babies hate them, they will cry when you use it. It’s okay. Suction as much out of their nose as you can periodically throughout the day. I prefer to do it when he first wakes up, before he’s fed. That way he has something he likes afterwards to buffer the experience. Don’t go in too far, they do have little noses. Just take your time and don’t overdo it. Once nothing comes out, stop.
Step 2: Get a humidifier. They’re at WalMart and they’re inexpensive. Trust me it makes a difference in breaking up mucus. We want to moisten the cold dry air so baby can breathe easily. I have a Safety 1st cold air humidifier and I like it alright. It’s not the best but it does it’s job. The room does get colder though so throw a blanket over baby if it’s running while they’re asleep.
Step 3: Fluids!!! Pump that kid full of liquid. This is a given if your baby isn’t on solids yet. If they are, give those a break and give them formula and sometimes a plain water bottle instead. Replacing the fluid leaking out of their nose helps.
Step 4: Love on them. Babies that don’t feel good sometimes just want to play regardless. But there may be times where they want all the cuddles and you need to be willing to do that. Put down the Ipad or your phone and just cuddle your baby. Hugs and kisses make everyone feel better.
I pray you all have a healthy and happy Fall/Winter season!
Has your baby gotten a cold yet? How’d you handle it? Comment below! I’d love to read about it.
Disclaimer: I am NOT a doctor nor in the medical field WHATSOEVER. Take my advice with a grain of salt. All advice is based on MY experiences. If your mommy/daddy senses are tingling and you feel something really is wrong beyond just a cold GO TO THE DOCTOR/HOSPITAL. Better to have a feeling and be wrong, than for it to be serious and you did nothing. Make the trip if you feel it’s necessary!
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