My daughter was 4 weeks old when she suffered from her first common cold. I was a first-time mumma and had no idea how to relieve her from nasal congestion. Those were the most trying days for me. It was tough to see my little fairy suffering so much that she wasn’t able to latch for long. She wasn’t able to breathe because of the nasal congestion since babies are obligatory nose breathers.
The cold made her irritable and cranky since she wasn’t able to sleep properly. We nebulised her, used a humidifier, kept the AC temperature under control and tried everything we possibly could.
One thing that gave her massive relief and still does is nasal drops. I continuously and regularly used saline nasal drops for her. She found temporary but satisfyingly long relief from congestion and could latch for long. Now, whenever she catches a cold she herself asks for the nasal drops. Nasal drops are safe to use and can be given for a prolonged period.
From my experience, I have jotted down a few do’s and don’ts to follow if your baby is suffering from common cold.
DO’s
- If you have a ceiling fan in the room, keep your baby away from direct air. Otherwise, it will just worsen her cold.
- Keep the AC temperature between 25-27 degree Celsius.
- It’s a myth that babies shouldn’t bathe if they have cold. Bathing decongests the nasal tract and the snot automatically flows out of the nose.
- Use a humidifier to maintain a comfortable room environment.
- Steam also helps in decongesting the cold. Let the hot water in the bathroom shower flow freely. Shut the door tight so that the steam builds up. Keep your baby in your arms all this while and stay inside for 10-15 mins.
- To ease the breathing, keep your baby’s head tilted on a thin, soft pillow.
- Keep the room lit and well ventilated to stop the spread and growth of virus. Natural sunlight inhibits the growth of viruses, bacteria and infections.
- Nasal drops are the most effective for relieving babies from nasal congestion. Nasal drops are medicated saline drops that temporarily clear the congestion and ease breathing.
- Put the nasal drops in your baby’s nose 10 minutes before feeding.
DON’Ts
- If you are breastfeeding, avoid eating cold or frozen foods like ice-creams, shakes, etc.
- Don’t use any over-the-counter (OTC) chest rubs. Use the rubs meant for babies. Read the label properly.
- Don’t use any decongesting pillow drops around your baby. It may cause harm to your baby’s nasal tract.
- Don’t give any OTC cold syrups to your baby without consulting your doctor.
Using nasal drops for your baby
Nasal drops are the first line of treatment for relieving common cold in babies and older children. Nasivion Nasal Saline Solution is safe to use and can be used as an OTC treatment. In case the problem still aggravates, consult your paediatrician for using Nasivion (Mini) Baby Nose Drops or Nasivion Pediatric (Child) Nose Drops for your baby depending on her age. Please note that these can be used and administered only after doctor’s consultation. You can find more information) about the kids/babies range here
Directions to use Nasivion
(consult your paediatrician before using the product)
- for 0-1 years: Nasivion®Mini 0.01% Nose Drops – Up to the age of 4 weeks, instill 1 drop of the solution into each nostril 2-3 times per day. From the 5th week of life until the age of 1 year, instill 1-2 drops into each nostril 2-3 times per day or as directed by the physician.
- for 1-6 years: Nasivion® Child 0.025% Nose Drops – 1-2 drops into each nostril 2-3 times per day or as directed by the physician.
Also read about foods that can boost your child’s immunity
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored blog. However, the experiences and do’s/don’ts shared in this blog are my own. They are not influenced by the brand through any means. Please consult your pediatrician before using the product.
Pic Credits: Google
