The immune system is not perfect, making babies vulnerable to various diseases, including colds. There are about 200 types of viruses that can cause colds in babies. How to properly handle colds in infants?
Colds in infants are characterized by a runny nose or clear fluid from the nose, which can turn into yellowish or greenish after one week. In addition, babies may also be able to experience coughs, red eyes, or a slight fever. Generally, babies still want to eat or play normally.
Actions that Can Be Done at Home
Snot discharge during colds, is actually a way to get rid of germs in the body. However, if snot comes out of the nose too much, it can interfere with the baby's breathing. Here are some ways to relieve the symptoms of colds in infants that parents can do at home:- Place the baby in a room without air conditioning to reduce nasal congestion. If the baby is more comfortable in an air-conditioned room, use an air humidifier or use hot steam. You can add essential oils like menthol.
- If a baby's runny nose is very annoying, dilute the mucus with salt water dripped into the tip of the baby's nostrils. Then, use a baby snot to clean the nose.
- Gently pat the baby's back to help relieve his blocked breathing. Lay the baby on his stomach on his knees or let the baby sit on his lap leaning forward.
- To avoid irritation, you can rub petroleum jelly on the outside of the nostril.
- Clean nasal fluid or hardened mucus in the baby's nose. Use cotton wool soaked with warm water.
- You can provide warm tea for babies over the age of 6 months. This can help relieve nasal congestion.
Don't Recklessly Give Medication
Colds that do not interfere with the baby's diet or baby activities, do not require special measures or baby colds. Avoid using over-the-counter medicines for children under 6 years of age because of the possibility of dangerous side effects. The medication should always be given through a doctor's supervision. If the baby has a fever, then consult with your doctor about the possibility of giving paracetamol or ibuprofen. Never give baby aspirin because it can risk causing dangerous side effects.Conditions to Watch Out for
Although a cold is one of the common diseases experienced by babies, but there are several conditions that make parents need to be alert and immediately consult a doctor, including:- Colds are accompanied by coughs and fever of more than 39 degrees Celsius in children under the age of 3 months, or fever reaches more than 40 degrees Celsius in children over 3 months.
- The fever lasts more than two days.
- Watery eyes or eye discharge.
- Coughing is getting worse or accompanied by rapid breathing, there is a wheezing sound when the baby is breathing.
- Significant changes in diet or sleep, often sleepy or fussy.
- Babies cry when they suckle while rubbing or pulling ears, and cry when put on the bed.
- Colds don't improve after 7-10
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