Parents, we know how hard it is to see your baby under the weather and not quite themselves. And while we all get a cold from time to time, take a cough sweet and think nothing of it, it’s understandable to worry about your baby’s health and general wellbeing during this time. After all, their immune systems are still much less mature, and they won’t be used to feeling unwell.

So, let’s explore what the causes of a cold are.

What are the causes of a cold?

A cold is an infection of the throat and nose, or the upper respiratory tract, a condition that is much more common in the winter than in the summer. In general, colds are caused by a virus that is passed from person to person through sneezes or coughs. However, they can also be spread via hand-to-hand contact. A baby is particularly vulnerable to getting many colds, as their immune systems are still immature.

Now, let’s look at the warning signs of a cold in a baby.

What are the warning signs of a cold in a baby?

If your baby has a cold, then you may find that they exhibit some of the following:

A fever.

Coughing.

Sneezing.

General restlessness.

Irritability.

A runny or stuffy nose (congestion).

Having understood the common warning signs you may see when your baby has a cold, let’s talk about what you can do to ease these symptoms.

What can I do to ease my baby’s cold symptoms?

Give them saline nasal drops. Using saline nasal drops with a bulb syringe is a great way to help your baby to clear their nasal passages, and will provide them with some relief.

Use a cool-mist humidifier. A humidifier allows your baby’s nasal passages to stay moist, allowing the mucous to stay thin, and overall, make breathing a whole lot easier.

Expose them to the steam in the bathroom. Running the hot water in the bathroom and letting it steam up, and then taking your baby in there to breathe in the steam can be very helpful for clearing stuffy nasal passages.

Give them a warm bath. This is another way to expose them to warmth and heat and will be helpful for easing uncomfortable symptoms and providing a general sense of comfort.

Give them a spoonful of honey (if they are over 1 year old). Although it’s really important not to give your baby honey if they are under 1 year old (as this may cause a serious condition known as botulism), if they are over 1 year, then a small spoonful can be soothing for a cough.

Give them painkillers. While you should always consult your doctor for advice on dosage before giving your baby painkillers, paracetamol or ibuprofen can be helpful for any fever or sore throat symptoms. However, never give your baby aspirin, and if you want to give them ibuprofen, remember this is not recommended for babies under 6 months old.

Keep them well hydrated and rested. Keeping your baby well hydrated and giving them lots of time to rest will help them get better sooner.

What to do if my baby has a cold?

From Unii’s Baby Health Journey, we share what to do if your baby has a cold.