Introduction

The ‘common cold’ is caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sinuses. Common colds are prevalent in the winter and rainy season as people are indoors and in close contact.

Cold germs or viruses spread quickly, and babies frequently touch things that might have germs on them and then touch their noses, eyes, and mouths. Babies also put toys in their mouths and also feel other babies while they are playing with them. Cold germs or viruses can live on objects for several hours and can be touched by babies’ hands. If a baby feels something having germs on it and then touches its mouth or eyes, or nose, the germs can infect the baby.

Babies mostly catch colds from their parents, siblings or other family members, playmates or maybe their caregivers. Parents and caregivers can also pick up the cold virus and pass the germs to the baby. Some cold viruses can spread through the air when a sick baby sneezes or coughs. Droplets that carry cold germs from the sneeze or cough might reach another baby’s nose or mouth.

Why do babies catch a cold frequently?

There are over 100 different cold viruses in the environment. Babies haven’t built up their immune system to fight all of these germs and viruses. Before they turn two years old, a baby can get around 8 to 10 colds each year. Once the baby had a cold virus, then they become immune to that specific germ. That could be possibly the reason as children get fewer colds as they grow older.

What are the symptoms of the common cold seen in a baby?

The most common symptoms of a cold in a baby are:

• Runny nose or stuffed nose
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Mild Fever (101-102 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Loss of appetite
• Sore throat and difficulty in swallowing
• Very irritable

What are the home remedies to treat common colds in babies?

There is no cure or treatment for the common cold, and most of the chills go away on their own after 7 to 10 days. However, to make your baby feel comfortable, here are few tips for treating their cold.

Keep the baby hydrated.

Give your baby enough fluids. For six months or younger babies, let them drink breast milk or formula feed. Breast milk provides extra protection from cold-causing germs or viruses. Your baby can also have some water above six months.

The baby needs plenty of rest.

Your baby needs more rest and sleep when they’re sick. But with the annoying symptoms of a common cold, it becomes difficult for them to sleep due to congestion of the nose. A comforting bedtime routine like playing music or taking a bath together can help your little one to sleep.

Use saline nose drops and suction.

Most babies cannot blow their nose till the age of 4 years. If your baby is having difficulty breastfeeding due to a stuffed nose, use a suction bulb to clear mucus from their nose. You can also use saline nose drops or saline nose spray if the nasal mucus is very thick. Suction out the mucus 15 minutes before feeding as it will clear the mucus from the baby’s nose and allow the baby to breathe and suck at the same time.

Dab petroleum jelly around the nose

Due to a continuous runny nose or stiffed nose, the bay’s nostrils become very sensitive and irritated. Dab some petroleum jelly on the outside of the baby’s nostrils as it will reduce irritation. Do not put the jelly inside of the baby’s nostrils.

Use a humidifier or vaporizer.

Put a mist humidifier in your baby’s room during naps or night-time to moisten the air in the baby’s room. Keep the humidifier away from your baby’s reach. Fill it with fresh water every day so avoid the risk of contamination with bacteria and mould. The clean mist will help to moisten the air and decrease the drying of the baby’s nasal passages and throat. Do not use hot-water vaporizers due to the risk of burns.

Sit with the baby in a steamy room.

An adult can take the baby into the bathroom and turn on the hot water or shower. Close the door, and sit with the baby together in the steamy bathroom for about 15 minutes. Don’t leave the baby alone in the bathroom. Also, you can give the baby a warm bath.

Washing hands is essential.

Wash your hands after sneezing, coughing or wiping your nose to avoid transmitting to your baby. Also, wash your hands after coming in contact with someone who already has a cold. Wash your own hands along with your child’s hands after wiping his or her nose. If you are travelling and water and soap are not available, you can use pre-moistened hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

Keep wipes and hand sanitisers away from your child’s reach as they may be harmful if swallowed accidentally. Try to avoid sharing your baby’s toys with other children who has a cold. Young children, while playing, can put the toys in their mouths and unknowingly get infected. Please do not give them until they have been cleaned. Also, avoid sharing cups, utensils or towels with others in the home.

Don’t miss the immunization routine.

Make sure that your child receives all the recommended immunizations as recommended by his paediatrician. Though vaccines will not prevent colds, they will help avoid some of the complications, such as bacterial infections of the ears or lungs.

When should you see the doctor?

Babies under the age of 3 months can find it very difficult to breathe because of a stuffed-up nose, making feeding tricky. Take your baby to the doctor if your baby:

• Is having difficulty in breathing.
• Is not eating or is vomiting.
• Has a high-grade fever.