When your baby gets sick, you want to soothe her as quickly and easily as possible. Here are eight natural ways to treat your baby’s cold at home without over-the-counter drugs or antibiotics. If your baby is less than three months old, you may need to consult with your pediatrician before using some of these home remedies on your infant. Remember, whatever you do, don’t give your infant any over-the-counter drugs, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen, without consulting with your pediatrician first.
1) Keep Them Hydrated
A cold or flu often makes babies very thirsty, so keep them hydrated. Try to give them fluids frequently, even if they seem not interested. If your baby has a cold, do not use honey as a cough suppressant- there is some evidence that it may prolong the infection. If your baby has a fever or seems very listless, it’s time to see a doctor for medications and home health care advice. It can be hard being sick with a new baby in the house! Be sure to get lots of rest, eat healthy foods and drink lots of fluids. And if you need medication or home health care assistance, speak with your doctor about what’s best for you and your family.
2) Use a Humidifier
During the winter, a humidifier can make your baby more comfortable. It will also keep them hydrated which is important when they’re sick. If you have an infant, use a vaporizer because they are safer and less likely to be tipped over than a traditional humidifier. You can also use this time as an opportunity to teach your baby about the importance of being healthy by drinking lots of water. Babies should drink breast milk or formula before taking any other fluids, such as juice.
When breastfeeding, give your baby frequent feedings throughout the day for better absorption of nutrients. To prevent dehydration, it’s best to offer bottles only every two hours instead of three hours. Some babies may need additional amounts of fluid so if their diapers are dry or their breathing becomes heavy or fast then contact your doctor for advice on how much liquid to give them per day. Finally, don’t forget about putting sunblock on!
3) Try Nasal Aspirators
Nasal aspirators are available over-the-counter and they work by suctioning out mucus with a gentle pump that resembles the bulb of a thermometer. To use, tilt your baby’s head back, insert the tip of the aspirator into one nostril and give it a gentle squeeze. The other nostril should be free so that the infant can breathe while you’re sucking out the mucus. Repeat as needed until you’ve emptied both nasal passages.
Afterwards, make sure to wash your hands with soap and water before touching anything or anyone else!
4) Use Saline Drops
When your baby has a cold, it can make them feel congested and uncomfortable. Saline drops are an easy way to bring relief for your baby. Mix one tablespoon of salt with one quart of warm water and shake the mixture in a clean bottle. Then, gently tilt the baby’s head back and use the dropper or syringe provided by the saline drops package to place a few drops in each nostril. You can also place some on their forehead or under their nose if they have congestion there too. Repeat this process every few hours until symptoms subside, but do not exceed 12 times per day.
5) Give Them Lots of TLC
Giving your baby lots of TLC is an easy way to help them feel better. Here are some of the best ways you can give your baby some much-needed TLC:
- Hold and cuddle your baby close. Even if they’re feeling icky, nothing will make them feel better more than being in their parent’s arms for a while. Plus, it’ll be fun for you too!
- Give them soothing massages with lotion or olive oil, just like how you would do for yourself. This helps soothe sore muscles and reduces congestion in the chest area. It also promotes blood circulation, which can relieve pressure on the ears and sinuses. You should avoid using any essential oils that may irritate skin though because there’s a chance your baby may react negatively to it.
- Try putting warm washcloths on their neck, face, armpits and feet before bedtime to keep them comfortable when they sleep. Put extra cloths in hot water to make sure they stay warm all night long!
- Gently blow into their nose or use a nasal aspirator (a device that sucks out mucus) when necessary. Nasal aspirators are available at most pharmacies for about $15-$20 dollars but you can find different versions online as well if that seems more convenient for you.
6) Check In With the Doctor
All of us want our babies to be healthy and happy. However, there are some things you can do on your own without having to call the doctor. Use these home remedies for cold in Babies to soothe them and make them more comfortable:
-Give your baby a warm bath with a few drops of lavender oil or chamomile oil.
-Gently rub their back with a mixture of olive oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E oil. This will loosen up mucus in the chest and help the baby breathe better. -Give your little one some honey mixed with lemon juice. This is a natural way to heal sore throats naturally.
7) Elevate Their Head While Sleeping
One of the easiest ways to help your baby breathe easier is by elevating their head while they sleep. This can be done by placing a few pillows under the head of the crib mattress or you can buy an inflatable pillow. Either way, it will make it easier for your baby to breathe and keep mucus from draining back into their throat as they sleep.
If you have a humidifier, place it in your child’s room and turn on a low setting. If you do not have one, use a cold water bottle instead. You can also add a drop or two of peppermint oil for extra relief.
8) Moisten Their Cough
One of the most common symptoms of a cold in babies is a cough. Moisten their cough by making a mixture of water, honey and lemon juice. You can also try other things like apple cider vinegar, or ginger ale. It’s important to keep your baby hydrated too, so make sure they’re drinking plenty of fluids. If your child is over six months old, you can offer them breast milk if you have any available.
