The common cold is one of the most recurrent diseases that people of all ages, including babies, can suffer from. When a newborn has a cold, it can be stressful for the parents, as a baby may have a cough and cold leading to breathing difficulties, sleepless nights, and poor feeding habits. As always, it is always wise to seek the help of a doctor when you have issues with your baby’s health, but here are some home treatments that can be used to help with the common cold among newborns.
1. Saline Nasal Drops and Suction
Using saline nasal drops on your baby is one of the easiest ways to help your baby open their nasal passages. These drops are sterile saltwater and may assist in helping to clear secretions in your baby’s breathing passages. To use saline drops, you should hold your baby down on their back and then instil some drops into the nostrils. After a few moments, you can then use a nasal aspirator or a bulb syringe to gently remove the mucus. This process may be done several times a day depending on the needs of the child.
2. Steam Inhalation
Steam can also assist in breaking down phlegm and easing breathing difficulties. Immerse your baby in steam by running a hot shower then sit in the bathroom for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure that the baby does not come into direct contact with hot water or steam. The warm and humid environment is gentle on the baby’s nasal passages and makes it easier for the baby to breathe. It is also very useful to have a cool-mist humidifier in the baby’s room to ensure that the air is moist and the baby’s nasal passages do not dry up.
3. Breastfeeding
Breast milk is natural and contains nutrients and antibodies that can build up your baby’s immunity against infections. Breastfeeding as often as possible can help maintain your baby’s hydration level and offer comfort.
4. Elevate the Head
To make your baby breathe better during sleep it is advisable to raise the head section of the crib or bassinet slightly. This can be achieved by rolling over a towel or placing a wedge below the mattress. This slight elevation can also assist in unblocking the nasal passage and ease breathing slightly. Make sure the incline is not steep and that your baby is well placed and safe while sleeping.
5. Gentle Massage
It is possible to help a fussy baby through a gentle massage and ease some of the signs of the common cold. Massage the chest, back and feet in a circular clockwise and anti-clockwise manner. Try including a natural, baby-safe oil like coconut oil which has great moisturising and soothing benefits. Make sure that the room where the massage will be done is warm and cosy in order not to make your baby cold again.
6. Adequate Hydration
Making sure your baby stays adequately hydrated is important when they have a cold. If you are breastfeeding, it is advised to feed your child more often. For infants who are on bottle feeding, make sure that they are taking their usual volume of formula. Drinking fluids can assist in thinning of the mucus so that the baby has an easy time to cough it out. It also is beneficial in keeping the throat moist to avoid coughing throughout the day. It’s advisable to give them warm or hot water until they get better.
7. Cold Relief RollOn
Roll on for cold, made from natural essential oils derived from organic sources are considered safe to use to soothe colds in newborns. These roll ons may include a combination of essential oils that fight viral and bacterial infections as well as reduce inflammation.
But getting a roll on for a cold, especially for infants is a pretty difficult task. This is mainly because newborn babies are very sensitive and it is necessary to ensure that mild and natural products are used. That is where the famous natural brand — Baby Organo has a solution. All of their products are made from natural ingredients and especially formulated to suit babies and kids. Baby Organo’s roll on for cold, which is made from organic and essential oils like peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil, chamomile oil, and lavender oil is perfect for babies. It helps with easier and quick relief and is also made from all natural oils and thus would not have side effects. Yet it is necessary to check if your babies have any allergy, hence try it out once in small quantities before using it regularly. The benefits of these oils include-
- Eucalyptus Oil: It is famous for its effectiveness in controlling the blockage of the nostrils and enhancing the breathing process.
- Lavender Oil: Contains properties which make the baby relaxed thus making him/her sleep and allow them to take the necessary rest required for the body.
- Peppermint Oil: This can help to reduce congestion in the nasal passages and provide coolness which can be helpful.
- Chamomile Oil: It can help calm a fussy baby and reduce inflammation associated with colds.
In particular, when you apply a natural roll on, you should ensure that you are using a baby roll on. For best results, choose roll ons that are infused with organic, therapeutic-grade essential oils and do not contain synthetic chemicals and other unhealthy components. To use the roll on, it should be applied on the chest, back or on the foot soles of the baby. Remember to read the instructions on the label of the roll on and ensure that you do not apply it on the face or around the eye region of the baby.
Having a newborn with a cold can be worrisome but there are home remedies that can be useful in easing your baby’s discomfort. The following natural remedies are safe and effective: saline nasal drops, steam inhalation, breastfeeding, head elevation, gentle massage, adequate hydration and roll ons from natural plant extracts with organic essential oils. It is always advisable to speak with your doctor before introducing any new remedies especially if your baby is young or has other illnesses. With some patience and care, your baby will be soon on the way to recovery.
