Throughout life, immunity develops in distinct stages. The period before age 6 is termed the "physiological immune deficiency state," during which infants have weak resistance and are highly susceptible to illness. What to Do When Young Babies Have Weak Resistance and Catch Colds Easily Before 6 months, breast milk provides immune proteins that confer natural resistance, protecting infants from viral infections.After 6 months, this maternal immunity gradually diminishes. While the baby develops some inherent immunity, it remains weaker than before 6 months. When immunity is low, babies become susceptible to colds and related symptoms. Frequent colds due to weak immunity significantly impact a baby's healthy development.
The common cold is a self-limiting illness characterized clinically by nasal congestion, cough, headache, chills, fever, and general malaise. It can occur year-round but is more prevalent in spring. Common acute infectious respiratory diseases like the cold are clinically classified into the common cold and influenza. If a baby has poor resistance, they may experience frequent colds. Therefore, mothers should help boost their baby's immunity.
Weak immunity in babies can be addressed by enhancing nutrition, particularly through protein-rich foods. Medication may also be considered. Zinc deficiency can weaken immunity, so appropriate zinc supplementation may be beneficial.
When a child's immunity is low, they are more susceptible to colds. Getting preventive vaccinations during seasonal transitions is a good option.Daily care should focus on balanced nutrition, including ample fruits and vegetables to ensure sufficient vitamin C intake. Maintaining healthy habits and regular exercise enhances overall physical condition, reducing susceptibility to colds. When necessary, immune modulators may be considered under medical guidance. Medication for Infant Colds 1. Nasal congestion and runny nose: Use saline solution drops.Consider using saline solution drops to alleviate symptoms. Specifically, use a sterile dropper to place one drop of saline solution into each nostril. This helps keep the nasal passages moist and clean, facilitating breathing. Alternatively, apply saline solution to a sterile cotton swab and gently insert it into the nostril to stimulate sneezing. This can expel nasal congestion and relieve stuffiness.
2. Physical cooling preferred for fevers below 38.5°C (101.3°F)
For babies with fever, parents should avoid rushing to administer fever-reducing medication. Monitor the baby's temperature closely. When the fever is below 38.5°C (101.3°F) and the baby appears alert and active, prioritize physical cooling methods such as using cooling patches or sponging with lukewarm water (ideally 32-34°C/90-93°F).If the temperature exceeds 38.5°C, administer age-appropriate, safe oral fever reducers. During the fever reduction phase, ensure adequate hydration and promptly change any sweat-soaked undergarments.
3. Avoid indiscriminate use of cough suppressants
Coughing is not a disease itself but a symptom caused by various illnesses. Therefore, controlling coughs requires treating the underlying condition rather than relying on cough syrups.When your baby coughs, avoid rushing to use cough suppressants that merely mask symptoms. Instead, prioritize gentle physical therapies first. These include inhaling warm steam to moisten the airways (taking care to avoid burns) and elevating the head of the bed by 30 degrees during sleep to prevent nasal secretions from irritating the throat.