Colds
Colds are very common in young children, especially those who are prone to put their fingers and toys in their mouths. And although they can be annoying, most colds are minor and will clear up on their own with rest and good nutrition.
For many years, parents used decongestants and antihistamines to treat their baby's colds. But the common thinking now is that these medications do nothing to ease the congestion, runny nose, and sneezing that accompany the colds, and they can in fact cause dangerous side effects instead. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over-the-counter cold and cough medications are no more effective than a placebo in reducing cold symptoms in children younger than two.
A safer remedy for colds is to try saline nose drops that will loosen the mucous in your baby's nose so that it can be easily removed with a bulb syringe or a tissue. It is also a good idea to help your baby rest in a slightly elevated position so that the mucous will flow out of her nostrils naturally. And a vaporizer or humidifier may be helpful in thinning mucous and soothing a dry, sore throat.
Is it a cold or allergies?
It can be tricky to tell a cold from allergies. In general, colds are marked by a runny nose with clear mucus that may thicken and turn gray or yellow or green over several days. A cold may also be accompanied by a cough or low-grade fever. Allergies, on the other hand, are characterized by itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose that only runs clear.
It can be difficult for a baby with a congested nose to eat, as both breastfeeding and bottles block her only source of air. So try feeding her immediately after using the saline nose drops and take frequent breaks if necessary for her to catch her breath.
