The leaves are starting to change and the temperatures are starting to drop, which means that in addition to worrying about COVID-19, it's also time to start thinking about the annual cold and flu season. Even with good handwashing practices and social distancing, it can still be all too easy to catch a cold, especially for families with kids or babies at home. One of the tough realities of having a baby is that all infants get colds eventually and that dealing with a sick infant can be really hard.
A baby with a cold is a super pitiful sight to behold. Sadly, because they can't talk yet, it can be hard to know how they really feel and what might make them feel better. Infant colds can mean congestion, trouble sleeping, irritability, fever, and coughing. All these things can be challenging to deal with, so we turned to 15 experienced moms to find out their best tips for dealing with an infant with a cold. The tips might just be a sanity saver this winter!
Advice for Nursing
"When my baby has congestion, she sometimes has a hard time nursing in our normal position, so I mix it up and try some side nursing so she can take breaks more often. I also know that she'll likely want to nurse more but for shorter times because she's tired. Mentally, it helps to know I need to expect nursing might be a little tougher while she's sick." — Mallory O., Loveland, Colorado
Take a Bath
"I'm on my fourth baby and I can say that so far I'm four-for-four about having babies who seem to feel better when they are in the tub. When my baby has a cold, I'll often take a bath with them so that we can be in some warm, steamy water (which helps with congestion) and they can nurse on demand, which they might want to do if they can breathe a little better." — Emily L., Portland, Oregon
Be a Team
"If you are lucky enough to have a partner, make sure he or she steps up too! Make sure you get some sleep and trade off shifts of cuddling or caring for the sickie. You're much more likely to get sick too if you get worn down." — Zia K., Baltimore, Maryland
Nose Suction
"Real talk: get a nose sucker that you feel confident about using. No shaky hands, mama! Most babies don't love having their nose sucked, but it can really help, especially if you can get it done quickly." — Katie B., Santa Fe, New Mexico
Crib Help
"One of the things I always do when my baby has a cold is to gently prop up her mattress. Laying flat isn't great for congestion, so having them on a little bit on an angle can help, I think. Anything that helps with sleep is great!" — Olivia D., Rochester, Minnesota
Know When To Get Help
"Baby colds are no fun for anyone, but for the most part there isn't a lot a doctor can do for them. But don't be afraid to call the doctor for reassurance or advice, especially if the baby has a fever that isn't getting better or if they are beyond fussy and more in the inconsolable phase." — Jess B., Grimes, Iowa
Skin to Skin
"Babies with a cold really just want comfort, I think. I do a lot of skin-to-skin contact and baby wearing when my baby is sick. I think they just want to be near me when they feel bad." — Irene G., San Diego, California
Avoid Dry Air
"My daughter's coughs always seem to get worse if the air is dry, which is most of the time where I live. Sometimes she coughs so hard she spits up, so I want to avoid that please! I do a lot of steamy bathroom time and also set up a cool mist humidifier in her room for naps and night time." — Jody F., Scottsdale, Arizona
Nap Help
"For me, getting my baby to sleep as much as possible is key. So I'm fine with doing a lot of holding, especially for naps. Either I or my husband will hold him on our chest or shoulder so he can breathe a little easier and get a little more sleep."— Amy R., Boise, Idaho
Stay Hydrated
"My doctor suggested that I give my baby a bottle or syringe (like the one that comes with infant medicine) of water when my son has a cold since he doesn't want to nurse as much. Maybe check with your doctor first, but it can help keep them hydrated." — Diana S., Roseville, Minnesota
Soft Comfort
"My baby has really sensitive skin and her nose gets so raw when I have to wipe it a lot. I switched to using super soft hankies instead of tissues, and I think that helps. Soft flannel for baby boogers is great!" — Claire R., Houston, Texas
Divide and Conquer
"My tip might be a little controversial. But my husband and I have five kids under the age of 8, so the last thing I want is all the kids getting sick or both of us getting sick and having to parent. So when the baby is sick, I take on all the care giving for her and my husband is in charge of the other four. We stick to the guest room and try to keep the germ exposure to just one parent." — Elisha T., Grand Rapids, Michigan
Comfort and Time
"My advice, especially for first time moms, is to know that all babies get colds and that the two biggest things they need are comfort and time. They mostly just need to be cuddled and let the virus run its course." — Rachael D., Blaine, Minnesota
Temperature Schedule
"I get anxious about baby fevers, so I keep a log of temperatures and take his temperature every few hours just so I can see if there is a pattern to the fever, like that he gets hotter at night. Seeing something predictable and tracking the temperature makes me feel less nervous." — Melissa H., St. Paul, Minnesota
Fresh Air
"If the weather is okay, I almost always try to take a walk with a sick baby. I'm old school, I guess, and think fresh air is always a good idea. Plus the stroller time might help them catch a nap." — Erin H., Des Moines, Iowa
*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
