Helping Your Baby Through Cold & Flu

In the cold and flu season, it is time that you think smart for the protection of your child. Cold and flu can happen at any time irrespective of the cold season. Most people get surprised that this illness spread just by touching something such as toys, escalators, handrails, and counters as they are crawling with germs. You touch those things then you touch your face, rub your eyes or nose unconsciously and there you have it, you get sick.

Steps to Protect Your Baby from Catching a Cold

Here are a few super-practical tips to keep sneaky germs away from your precious little baby:

• Wash your hands. It is the best defense and effective way to stay away from germs. Wash your hands immediately upon returning home from public places. Use antibacterial soaps as regular soaps don’t kill germs.
• Make sure you don’t touch handles or doorknobs in public.
• Avoid taking your baby to crowded places where people are coughing and sneezing.
• Once the baby is born and you bring the baby home, make sure you limit the visitors and keep the environment around the baby clean.
• Keep other kids out of your house as they carry cold a lot.
• Breastfeed your baby.
• Get the flu shot to make sure the baby has all vaccinations.

Sleeping Tips for Babies With Colds

Use any of the following to help your little baby sleep more comfortably:

Nose Washer:

An odd but effective remedy. Collect some breastmilk with an eyedropper, then tip back your baby’s head and put a drop or two into his nostrils. (Breastmilk contains antibodies that can fight off colds!)

Nose Suckers:

Babies only like to breathe through the nose, so thick boogers can make them go ballistic. To clear the nose of mucus, swaddling with the arms I suggested, then put a drop of your breastmilk or saline nose drops (available at any drug store) in one nostril, and then using a nose sucker/nasal bulb syringe, to suck out the water and loosen mucus. Then, repeat on the other side.

Slight Elevation for Sleep:

Ask your doctor about elevating the head of your baby’s bed—1-2inches—to help your baby breathe easier. With a standard bassinet, you can ask your doctor how to safely elevate your baby’s head.

Humidifiers:

Cool mist humidifiers are a must-have to keep mucous loose—especially if you live in a dry climate or high altitude. Remember to use distilled water and clean your humidifier.