Why Do Babies Get Colds: Symptoms and Remedies

Writer：MAKUKURelease time：2022-01-14

Babies tend to sneeze a lot and at times, even get colds in their little noses. As moms, we cannot help but get worried every time they sneeze or get the sniffles. So what do millennial moms do to cope with their anxiety? Research and arm ourselves with the knowledge to better cope with the situation. In this case, how to alleviate our baby’s discomfort over his colds and whether we need to schedule that pedia checkup ASAP.

Why do babies get colds?

Babies do tend to get colds because their immune system is still developing, so they are not capable yet to fight off viruses that can cause colds or other infections. Viruses, including those that can cause common colds, can spread through the air or droplets in surfaces when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Babies then get infected when they touch these surfaces then put their hands in their mouths as they are prone to do.

What are the common symptoms of colds in babies

Babies can start to manifest symptoms around 1 to 3 days after they get infected. Their symptoms can include:

●      Stuffy nose

●      Runny nose — their mucus could start as clear but could soon turn yellow or green

●      Sneezing

●      Coughs

●      Fussiness

●      Fatigue

●      Reduced appetite

●      Trouble sleeping

●      Fever

●      Vomiting or diarrhea

What first aid remedies can be done to manage my baby’s colds?

Colds don’t need treatment and go away on their own after a few days. Antibiotics are not a treatment option as it’s used to treat bacteria and not viruses.However, moms can also manage their baby’s discomfort from colds by doing the following:

1.    Clear the mucus. You can suck out the mucus from your baby’s nose using an infant nasal bulb or aspirator.

2.    Add moisture. You can also use saline spray (as recommended by your pediatrician) to moisten and clear your baby’s nasal passages before suctioning.

3.    Give more fluids. Breastfeed your baby as much as possible. Hydration can help loosen your baby’s mucus.

4.    Manage fever and pain. You can manage or treat your baby’s fever if you think that it’s making your child uncomfortable. You can do so by giving your baby fever medication as prescribed by your pediatrician.

One of the most important things to remember when your baby’s sick is DO NOT PANIC. Doing so can affect your decision-making process, which can then adversely affect how you handle the situation. Remember, your baby needs you and relies on you to make the right decisions when it comes to his health. So don’t fret much, mama. You got this.