How to Get Rid of a Baby's Cold

Colds are very common, especially in infants and they are not usually reason for serious concern. While colds cannot be cured overnight, parents can provide proper care and support to ensure that their baby is comfortable during periods of illness. Prolonged colds can lead to spreading of the cold to other children or adults, ear infections, or pneumonia, so parents should always consult with the family doctor to ensure that they are doing everything possible to help their baby get the proper care needed for recovery. Signs of colds in infants include nasal congestion, runny nose, coughing, fussiness and sneezing.

Instructions

1

Remove nasal congestion with a nasal aspirator. This involves sitting the baby in a semi-reclined position in a car seat, squeezing the bulb of a nasal aspirator and placing it gently into the baby's nostril. Then release the bulb slowly to suck mucous out of the infant's nostril.

2

Offer plenty of liquids and food. If the baby is under six months of age, provide her with lots of opportunities to breastfeed or bottle feed. If she is over six months, offer her breast milk or formula along with small amounts of water and gentle foods, such as toast or infant cereal.

3

Ensure that the baby sleeps frequently during a period of illness. Sleep helps the body to rest and repair itself, leading to a smooth recovery from colds. Parents can rock their baby, wear him in a carrier, sing to him or breastfeed to comfort him during the illness and soothe him to sleep.

4

Visit the family doctor to ask what is recommended for getting rid of colds in infants. The doctor may recommend giving your baby some infant Tylenol or Motrin until she is feeling more comfortable.