When infants catch colds, they often exhibit upper respiratory symptoms like nasal congestion, runny nose, and sore throat. However, since babies cannot speak and lack the ability to describe their discomfort, parents may be unaware of this pain. Instead, digestive symptoms such as loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea are more noticeable and easier for mothers to detect.Additionally, infants and toddlers with colds often develop fevers, and some may even experience febrile seizures. Mothers can use these symptoms to determine if their child has a cold.So, what are the methods for caring for a baby with a cold?
How to Care for a Baby with a Cold
If the baby only has a mild runny nose without other associated symptoms like fever or diarrhea, physical therapy and dietary approaches can help manage the condition.
1. Warm Compress
Wet a towel with warm water and place it over the baby's nose. Replace it with a fresh warm towel once it cools down, repeating several times.The heat causes nasal mucosa to contract, opening nasal passages and thinning thick mucus for easier drainage. Apply compresses gently. If crusted mucus is present in nostrils, clean with a cotton swab dipped in water. You may also gently massage the baby's nose or the sides of the nostrils.
2. Warm Foot Baths and Increased Warm Water Intake
Before bedtime, give your baby a warm foot bath. Adding a few slices of ginger to the water can help ward off the cold. However, ensure the water isn't too hot to avoid scalding your baby. Replace the water as it cools until your child develops a light sweat on their forehead. Encourage them to drink plenty of warm water.This promotes blood circulation, thins nasal mucus for easier removal, and encourages earlier rest. 3. Clear nasal mucus When excessive nasal secretions cause a heavy nasal tone, use a nasal aspirator to clear mucus. For best results, press one nostril closed while suctioning the other.Additionally, a nasal aspirator can remove a significant amount of mucus and secretions in one go. Before use, parents should check for dried mucus in the nasal passages. Keep movements gentle and avoid inserting too deeply into the nasal cavity to prevent pain or injury. Clean the device thoroughly after each use.
4. Honey and Garlic Paste
This remedy is not suitable for all babies. Infants under 1 year old should not consume honey, as it may pose a risk of poisoning. However, babies over 1 year old can try this remedy. Mix equal parts garlic paste and honey, then dissolve in warm water (around 80°C). Give one tablespoon per serving, 4-6 times daily. This is effective for runny noses caused by the flu.
5. Boiled Green Onion Water
Boiled green onion water effectively relieves runny noses in babies. Cut green onion whites into finger-length pieces, add to about 300ml of water, and bring to a boil. If the baby finds the smell too pungent, add a small amount of rock sugar to make it more palatable.
6. Maintain Indoor Temperature or Balance Indoor/Outdoor Temperatures
During seasons with sudden temperature drops or spikes, babies are prone to runny noses and colds. Since babies are highly sensitive to environmental and air stimuli, strive to maintain balanced indoor and outdoor temperatures. This prevents babies from feeling overwhelmed when going outside. If staying indoors, maintain a comfortable room temperature to alleviate nasal congestion and runny nose symptoms.
7. Steam facials and moisturizing
If you have a facial steamer at home, turn it on and direct the steam toward your baby's face, allowing them to absorb the moisture and warmth. The steam moistens the nasal passages, facilitating the quick and natural drainage of mucus. However, be careful not to position the steamer too close to your baby to avoid irritating their delicate skin. Also, limit each session to about 3 minutes.