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    She's Your Friend » Baby Tips

    5 things to do for baby's first cold

    by Joanna Stephens Published: Apr 23, 2020 · Updated: Apr 18, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links. We earn commission from purchases made. ·

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    A picture of a baby with a cold
    a mom reading a baby thermometer with text overlay that reads five things to help your sick baby
    A picture of a baby with a cold

    Baby's first cold is one milestone every parent could do without. Unfortunately, it's unavoidable. So, when your baby has a cold, how can you help?

    a mom checking her baby's temperature with a thermometer

    Well, there are a few things you can do to help make your baby a little more comfortable during a cold.

    Jump to:
    • What to do for infants first cold
    • Must have items to help baby
    • When to worry about baby congestion?
    • Sleeping position for baby with cold

    What to do for infants first cold

    1. Clean Baby's Nose

    First, you will want to clean your baby's nose out frequently with a bulb aspirator or a nose frida, and some saline drops.

    The saline drops will help loosen hard snot, so that it can be pulled out easier with the aspirator or nose frida.

    2. Lots of Fluids

    Whether your baby is still drinking breastmilk/formula or is on to cow's milk, when baby has a cold, fluids are important to avoid dehydration.

    This is also important if your baby also has a fever, as fevers can dehydrate little ones quickly.

    3. Keep an eye on fevers

    Always talk with your baby's doctor about fevers and when to call them! Typically, they will have reccommendations depending on your baby's age.

    A good pediatricain will also provide you with a Infant Tylenol/Motrin dosage sheet that is safe for your baby.

    4. Baby Safe Cough Medicine

    If your baby has a cold that is make him/her cough quite a bit, you might also look into some baby friendly cough medicine like Zarbee's.

    I wrote an honest review of Zarbee's baby cough medicine here, that you should check out if you have more questions.

    In short, this will help calm the cough so that your little one can sleep easier and is safe for babis 2 months and older.

    5. When in doubt, call your pediatrician

    Most pediatrician offices will have a nurse line that you can call to direct questions or concerns to. If you call them by a certain time, they will usually get back with you quickly.

    This can help save you a trip to the doctor's office as they can tell you if it's worth bringing them in or not.

    Must have items to help baby

    When your baby has a cold, there will be a few items that you will want to have on hand. These were things that after having 2 kids, I learned to always keep in my medicine cabinet.

    1.Nose Frida

    a nose frida with extra filters

    A nose frida the best product out there to help clean your baby's nose.

    Seriously, you will be surprised at how much snot you can get out with this sucker (pun intended). 🙂

    2.saline drops

    Little Remedies sale spray and drops

    With the Nose Frida, you will also want saline drops to help loosen snot and keep your baby's nose from getting too dry.

    3.Thermometer

    Fridababy rectal thermometer for baby

    It's important to be able to check your baby's temperature when baby has a cold. The most accurate way is with a rectal thermometer.

    4. Infant tylenol and infant Motrin

    Infant tylenol

    When your baby does have a fever, you will want to have some infant tylenol and infant motrin you help reduce the fever and make baby more comfortable.

    5.Zarbee's Baby Cough Medicine

    Zarbee's baby cough syrup and mucus

    Zarbee's cough syrup is my go-to for when my little ones get coughs. Not only is it safe for baby, it REALLY works!

    6. Vicks Vapor rub for baby

    Vicks baby rub soothing ointment

    When your baby has a cold, vicks baby rub can help your baby sleep easier.

    Now you know just what to do if/when your baby has a cold. Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this, please remember to share it on Pinterest!!

    When to worry about baby congestion?

    If you start to notice baby having trouble breathing, you need to make an appointment with your pediatrician.

    Also, if you notice blue lips, this is another red flag that they aren't getting enough oxygen. Don't wait!

    Sleeping position for baby with cold

    Your baby should still be sleeping on their back, especially if they have congestion because you don't want anything blocking their airways.

    You can also try running a cool mist humidifier to help them breathe a little easier.

    You might also enjoy reading:

    • Baby Medicine Cabinet Must Haves
    • Parents Guide to Helping a Baby With Gas Pain
    • How to Soothe a Teething Baby (and what the signs are)
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    Hi, I'm Joanna! Wife, and mother of 2. Here you will find a mom friend to talk all things motherhood, beauty, home decor, and other helpful advice for life.

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