Spending time at home with my little while he gets over a cold.Photo Credit: LaJoy Photography — Spending time at home with my little while he gets over a cold.
**Photo Credit**: LaJoy Photography

If you’re a first time mama like me, any and everything going on with your baby consumes you. You probably do everything with stringency because you’re just scared and want the best for your little one - which is expected! The first time my son got a cold I called off work and went immediately to the doctor, only to find out there wasn’t really anything wrong at all LOL!

Now that my son is 8 months old and has had the sniffles a couple of times already, I’m more aware of the things to look for and I know exactly what I need to take care of him when he’s a bit under the weather. I’m going to give you my list of must haves to care for your sick baby, and some tips on when to know to head to the Pediatrician.

Keep a Thermometer on Hand

One of the most important items you’ll need when your baby gets sick is a thermometer. I have a temporal thermometer that I was gifted before I had my son, and it comes in handy! All I have to do is run it across his forehead to get an accurate reading. If you want to keep it low tech, a quick digital thermometer that will cost you just a few dollars will also work just fine. If you’ve taken your baby’s temperature and you don’t feel comfortable with it, trust your gut, mama, and call the doctor immediately!

Stock up on Fever Reducers

If your baby is brand new and you haven’t experienced fever yet, don’t panic. Though I’m not doctor, I understand fevers are common occurrences for babies, for various reasons. The first time little David got a fever my first instinct was to rush to the emergency room, but after speaking with an advise nurse on our health plan, I was told to just watch it and give him Infants’ Tylenol. It always helps to break the fever QUICK, and essentially saves me time from an unnecessary doctor’s visit. Be aware that if you’ve got a newborn, they really can’t take anything, so make sure you consult with your Pediatrician first. Even once your baby hits the 2-3 month mark when they can take meds, the instructions are very specific, regimented, and based on weight. Therefore, I’d strongly recommend you talk to your doctor if you’re not 100 percent sure of the correct dosage for your little one.

Keep Cold Packs Ready in the Freezer

This is something that is important for me just for the comfort of my baby. I remember my son having a fever once while he had a minor cold. He was just hot and miserable! In those times when he gets a fever I completely undress him down to his diaper, make the room a tad bit cooler, and place a wrapped cold pack on him. After only about 15 minutes, I can instantly tell the relief he feels, and he seems a lot more relaxed. Just think about yourself. I know I can’t stand being hot, and any kind of cool relief I can get is a savior!

A few of my favorite things to use while caring for David when he is sick are Zarbee’s Naturals cough syrup, Boogie Wipes, and a temporal thermometer.

Run a Humidifier

When my son has a cold, it’s always related to congestion and some form of a runny nose. Having a cold-mist humidifier on in the room where he sleeps helps to keep the air moist and eases his congestion. I can immediately tell a difference in the way he breathes once I lay him down to sleep. I grew up as a child having a warm mist humidifier, but now there are recommendations to go with cool mist because of the cautions around potential child injury from the heat of the warm mist. I would suggest going with a humidifier that is easy to disassemble and clean. You’ll want to have fresh water in it daily and clean it often so to not allow mold and mildew to set up. That can cause other major health and respiratory issues for your little.

Try a Natural Cough Syrup

One of the many symptoms that accompany my little one’s colds is a lingering cough, which is lots of times pretty abrasive. To help relieve David’s cough, I use a natural, drug and alcohol free cough syrup - Zarbee’s Naturals. It’s good to use for babies that are 2+ months old. I’ve loved it from the very start. Not only is it a great product since it’s artificial sweetener and artificial flavor free, it actually works! Within minutes of taking it my sonshine’s cough is soothed. There are also other options for natural, over the counter cough syrups that babies can use. Give your local drug store a visit and take a look at what they have in stock. As always, just make sure you check with your Pediatrician to confirm they’re ok for your little one.

Keep a Keen Eye for Appetite and Hydration

This is important because you know your child. For my son, he’s got a big appetite. When it looks like it’s curbed, I know something is wrong. Also, I make sure he’s getting enough breast milk, or either formula if he’s not eating as much, and I keep track of his wet diapers. He’s old enough for water now, so every once in awhile I may let him sip that too. I’ve never had a problem with him being dehydrated, but I do know if he’s not having the same number of wet diapers as usual I need to contact the Pediatrician immediately. You know your baby, mama. If something is off, don’t be afraid to get him/her checked out. It’s always best to be safe!

Stash a Congestion Kit!

This is huge, especially if your baby is too young to take anything. When David has a cold, like I said before, he’s always congested. The best way to help soothe this is the old school way - using saline solution, suction, and keeping his nose clean. I do this by making sure I have a saline nasal spray and wipes, as well as a tool for suctioning. There are many brands that you can use, but for my saline nasal spray and wipes, I use the Boogie Wipes brand - Boogie Drops and Boogie Wipes. They’re made using natural saline solution (if you can’t tell, I’m really into using whole, natural ingredients with my munchkin), and work really well to help clear and moisturize stuffy noses. It’s even one of the few things safe for a newborn. Now, for suction, I use the NoseFrida. I know lots of folks swear by the old school bulbs, but I say the NoseFrida is the way to go. You don't have to insert it into your little one’s nose, and you actually suck all the inkiness from their nose into a tube (no, you’re not sucking down snot). It’s probably one of the best things I was gifted when my husband and I were expecting and we’ve used it A LOT! I’d also say to really pay attention to your little one’s breathing. Being stuffy is one thing, but if you think you hear wheezing it’s time to head to the doctor pronto!

Bonus First Time Mom Tip: Use Vaseline, or some other moisturizer, on your babies nose when it’s constantly running. You don’t want them to end up with a nose that’s dry and sore!

Give Lots and Lots of L-O-V-E!

If your baby is anything like my David, when he’s sick he’s extra irritable and wants to be comforted more than anything. Think of yourself - if you’re sick, you’d probably like your partner to make you some warm soup, bring your meds, and just cuddle with you to keep you comfy. I know that’s what I like! Your baby is the same. He or she may be fussy, but they just don’t feel well. There won’t be anything better to them than just snuggling with mommy for a day or two until they feel better. Give it to them!