Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are typically not recommended for babies, owing to their delicate nature. Treating a baby’s cold with home remedies is often the safest and most effective approach.
Instead, consider trying natural home remedies like suctioning mucus from your baby’s nose, using moisture to loosen phlegm, humidifying the air in their room, keeping them hydrated, and ensuring they get plenty of rest.
Read on as we delve deeper into the best home remedies for cold and cough for babies that can help ease discomfort.
Home Remedies to Treat Your Baby's Cold
The following are some newborn baby cold home remedies that can supply relief from the symptoms of a cold:
1. Suction Your Baby's Nose to Clear Mucus
Babies 6 months and younger often suffer from frequent nasal congestion. However, a nasal aspirator or bulb syringe can help suction and clear out mucus, easing the baby's breathing.
2. Use Moisture to Loosen Phlegm
Babies lack the muscle strength to cough effectively, making it difficult to clear phlegm. The best home remedy is to take the infant to the bathroom and turn on the hot shower to steam the surrounding air.
When a baby breathes in warm, moist air, it makes its nose run and loosens the mucus trapped in its throat.
3. Moisten the Air in Your Home and Baby's Room
If the air in your home surroundings tends to be dry, it can worsen your baby's cold. This is because dry air tends to thicken nasal mucus. However, running a cool-water humidifier in your home and child's room during nighttime or when the baby naps can remedy this.
4. Keep Your Baby Hydrated
Babies may lose their appetite when unwell. You should offer the child plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Try feeding your baby breast milk or formula as often as possible.
5. Use Saline Nasal Spray Solution
According to the FDA, it's not appropriate to give decongestants to babies and children below 4 years old. Instead, you can use a saline nasal spray solution to clear your baby's nostril and loosen the congestion. Simply lay the child on their back and spray some nasal drops into each nose.
6. Allow Your Baby to Have Enough Rest
To boost recovery, allow your baby long periods of rest. Resting helps your baby's immune system fight infections by relieving pain and inflammation.
Conclusion
Home remedies tend to be safer, inexpensive, and more effective than OTC medication. If your baby exhibits persistent fever, irritability, wheezing, coughing fits, or rapid or strained breathing, it could indicate a more serious condition such as pneumonia or a viral infection. In such cases, it’s crucial to consult your paediatrician or a general medical practitioner immediately. Having a reliable mediclaim policy can offer invaluable financial protection, covering medical expenses and ensuring you can focus on your child’s recovery without the added stress of hefty bills.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.