Simmune system which is not perfect, making babies susceptible to various diseases, including colds. There are about 200 types of viruses that can cause colds in babies. How to deal with colds in babies properly?
A cold in babies is characterized by a runny nose or clear fluid from the nose, which can turn yellowish or greenish after a week. In addition, the baby may also have a cough, red eyes, or a slight fever. Generally, babies still want to eat or play normally.
Actions to Do at Home
The discharge of mucus during a cold is actually a way of getting rid of germs in the body. However, if the mucus that comes out of the nose is too much, it can interfere with the baby's breathing.
Here are some ways to relieve cold symptoms in babies that parents can do at home:
- Place the baby in a room without air conditioning to reduce nasal congestion. If your baby is more comfortable in an air-conditioned room, use a humidifier or use hot steam. You can add essential oils like menthol.
- If the baby's cold is very bothersome, thin the mucus with salt water that is dripped into the tip of the baby's nostril. Then, use a baby snot suction device to clean the nose.
- Gently pat the baby's back to help relieve his blocked breathing. Lay the baby in a prone position on the knees or let the baby sit on the lap leaning forward.
- To avoid irritation, you can apply petroleum jelly on the outside of the nostrils.
- Clear nasal discharge or hardened mucus in the baby's nose. Use a cotton swab moistened with warm water.
- You can give warm tea to babies who are over 6 months old. This can help relieve nasal congestion.
Don't Carelessly Give Medicine
Colds that do not interfere with the baby's diet or baby's activities, do not require special measures or baby cold medicine. Avoid using over-the-counter drugs in children under 6 years of age and infants because of the possible dangerous side effects. We recommend that the drugs are given always under the supervision of a doctor.
If the baby has a fever, then consult a doctor about the possibility of giving paracetamol or ibuprofen. Never give aspirin to babies because it can cause dangerous side effects.
Conditions to Watch Out for
Although a cold is one of the common illnesses experienced by babies, there are several conditions that make parents need to be alert and immediately consult a doctor, including:
- Colds accompanied by cough and fever of more than 39 degrees Celsius in children under 3 months of age, or fever reaching more than 40 degrees Celsius in children over 3 months of age.
- Fever lasts more than two days.
- Watery eyes or eye discharge appears.
- Coughing is getting worse or accompanied by rapid breathing, a wheezing sound is heard when the baby breathes.
- Significant changes in eating or sleeping patterns, frequent drowsiness or fussiness.
- Babies cry while feeding while rubbing or tugging at the ears, and cry when placed in bed.
- Colds don't improve after 7-10
Babies with immature immune systems are at risk for various diseases. Therefore, colds in infants accompanied by severe symptoms, must be watched out for. Consult a doctor for appropriate and safe treatment for babies.