Newborn Care: Caring for the First Cold
Normally, all infants are affected by cold within the
first year of their birth. Cold also mostly happens to be the
babies’ first major discomfort. It’s a tough call for the
parents as it is difficult to provide normal cures to an
infant. Most of the time, infants suffer from cold for a period
or one to two weeks. To make things worse cold often affects
babies when they adapt themselves to a routine feeding and
sleeping schedule.
Following are the most common symptoms of cold
affecting babies:
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Low level of fever
• Watery eyes
• Soar throat
• Swollen glands
• Irritable nature
•Difficulty in swallowing
•Inflammation of eyes
These symptoms can take on a dangerous hue in time like
pneumonia or respiratory syncytial virus, so one should consult
the pediatrician immediately. The most dangerous of the
situation is when the baby’s lips and nails turn blue.
Throughout the sick period, the infant needs to be regularly
shown to the doctor.
However, the following steps ensure to alleviate such
discomfort and prevent the infection from getting
worse.
The baby should be subjected to sufficient rest and should
be given lots of liquids which should be ideally breast milk
and if less than four months old, then formula may also be
provided. Infants who are 4-6 months old can be given water and
those above 6 months may be administered juice. Fluids help in
loosening congestion.
For treating nasal congestion, one should use rubber suction
bulb. This draws out the mucus from the nostrils with
considerable ease. In case of very thick mucus, saline nasal
drops have to be administered into the nostrils before using
the rubber suction bulb.
If a dehumidifier is paced within the baby’s room, it
soothes the irritated nasal passages. Care should be taken to
ensure that all moisture is removed from the crib so that the
bedding does not remain damp.
The baby’s chest has to be regularly massaged with balms,
with a slight rub on the nose. Breathing becomes much easier
this way.
Over the counter pain relievers may also provide relief. For
babies less than 3 months old, ibuprofen or acetaminophen may
be used.
The baby needs to be inclined slightly in its crib so that
it remains unaffected by post nasal drip.
Keep your houses free from fumes including cigarette
smoke.
Avoid using pillows to prop the baby as it can suffocate
him. At the same time the crib should be always stable and
should be free from anything beneath it.
Use good baby products to keep his face moisturized all the
time. Keep removing mucus at regular intervals.
The miserable condition of the baby while suffering from
cold may leave you feeling equally miserable. But you have to
be at your toes all the time as long as you have a baby at
home. The following pointers may be of help:
• A baby should never be taken near some one who is
suffering from cold.
•The baby’s toys needs to be regularly cleaned.
• The mother should also keep herself clean. She must
clean her hands before you
start feeding or just handling the baby.
• The baby should be kept well hydrated.
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