Soothe Infant Cold Symptoms Without Medication

Colds and flus are a natural part of childhood, and many babies can come down with several of them before their second birthday. More and more parents are opting for natural relief for such illnesses, especially as over-the-counter cold medications have dealt with much controversy when it comes to giving them to infants. They have been deemed to be too dangerous and ineffective for children under two years of age. Knowing that, as a parent you are probably definitely looking for other, natural ways to alleviate your baby's symptoms.

One of the most important things for not only the symptoms of a cold or flu, but the immune system itself, is to make sure your baby is drinking plenty of fluids. This will help thin secretions and mucus in both the nose and the lungs, as well as prevent dehydration which can easily make an appearance if your baby has diarrhea. Drinks like water and an electrolyte solution, such as Pedialyte, are great choices. Milk products aren't as great, because they can actually thicken mucus instead of fight it.

Try to keep your baby in an upright position throughout the day. Hold baby sitting up, and him in a swing or bouncer when you're not holding him. It's a good idea to place a pillow underneath the head of the baby's crib mattress, so there is a slight elevation for when it's bedtime. However, remember to never leave an actual pillow inside the crib with the baby.

Keep a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier in the room with the baby while he is trying to sleep. This will keep moisture in the air, and thus makes it easier for baby to breathe during rest.

If your baby still has trouble breathing due to congestion, you might want to try some saline drops. They are natural, simply a mixture of salt and water, and there are forms made just for infants. Follow the package indication on how to use them, but generally you just have to let a few drops of the liquid fall into each of the baby's nostrils. This helps clear the nasal passages and also keeps the inside of the nose moist to prevent it from becoming uncomfortably sore.

You can also try running a very hot shower, and sitting in the bathroom with your baby. Close the door, and the room should quickly turn warm and steamy. This will also help the baby breathe easier, clearing up congestion in both the nose and chest. Afterwards, you may want to take this opportunity to use a bulb syringe to clear out any remaining mucus from the nose.

Chances are your baby will experience some aches on the body over the duration of his illness. A warm bath with a calming agent such as a baby lavender wash will help your infant relax and sleep easier afterwards.

If the baby happens to get a fever, which can happen in both colds and flus, first make sure you don't need to contact the doctor. Fevers can be serious, and if your baby is under 4 months old and has a fever higher than 101, you should call the doctor right away. If he is over 4 months and has a fever over 101 degrees that lasts longer than a day, you should also see a doctor. For milder fevers, try giving baby a lukewarm bath or treat him to a slightly cool compress. Never put baby in very cold water or put anything cold on his body, as this can shock the body when it has a high temperature.

To help prevent future colds and flus, make sure everyone in your household washes their hands constantly, keep the baby away from second-hand smoke at all times, and breastfeed as long as you can. But sometimes illness is just unavoidable, and all of the above tips are perfectly natural ways to treat it when it comes.