As any parent knows, infants can get sick a lot. On average, little ones get between 6 and 10 colds each year, twice as many as adults.
And there is little more distressing than seeing your baby feeling sick. While most of the colds your little one gets will actually build their immunity, it can be difficult on your part to see your baby feeling less than a hundred percent.
When your baby is showing signs of a cold, you want to make them feel better and quickly. And since they’re too young for over-the-counter cold medicines, you might wonder what to give a 6-month-old for a cold. Well, luckily, there are tools like an infant nasal aspirator that you can use for your sick baby. When this device is paired with saline drops, it can help clear your baby’s nose and make breathing easier.
The Golden Rule: Avoiding Over-the-Counter Cold Medicines
You may be tempted to give your baby some medicine from the store. But is this the right answer, though? Are cold medicines safe for babies?
The truth is, you shouldn’t give your baby cold medicine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends avoiding any over-the-counter cold medicines until your child is at least 4 years old.
Cold medicines can have serious side effects, like slowed breathing, which can be especially dangerous for young children and infants.
Many cold medicines also include more than one ingredient. This combination of ingredients can interfere with or prevent the use of other medications in young children.
Even if you could give your baby cold medicine, there are no medications that will cure a cold. Medications, like decongestants, available over the counter will only treat cold symptoms, and for children under 6, they have not even been shown to do that.
Fortunately, there are some non-medication remedies you can try at home to alleviate symptoms, like formula, breast milk, and water.
Prioritizing Hydration with Formula, Breast Milk, and Water
Keeping your baby hydrated is crucial when they have colds, since mucus and fever can use up vital liquids and electrolytes.
- If your baby is formula-fed, you can give them smaller, more frequent feeds to make it easier for them to eat without being tired.
- If your baby is breastfed, give them more breast mlik. Breast milk not only keeps them hydrated but also provides antibodies that strengthen immunity.
- Keep your baby hydrated by giving them more water, since it keeps the mucus of your child’s nose and respiratory tract thin, and makes it easier to flush out the virus.
Watch out for signs of dehydration, like fewer wet diapers, dry lips, or lethargy. Being hydrated helps thin their mucus and helps them recover faster.
The Essential Role of Saline Drops and Nasal Suction
When your baby has a cold, their nose can get stuffed up and full of mucus. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it makes it hard for them to breathe. Because your baby can’t blow their nose, you need to help them, and you only need two tools: the saline drops and an infant nasal aspirator.
- Put the nasal aspirator together and insert a new filter.
- Put saline drops into one of your baby’s nostrils.
- Put the mouthpiece into your mouth, place the nasal tip around your baby’s nostril to form a seal, and suck in.
- Repeat the steps if there is still mucus blocking your baby’s nostrils.
- Then repeat the steps for the other nostril.
- When you’re done, take the nasal aspirator apart and throw out the filter.
- Clean the other parts with hot, soapy water, and let them dry.
Moistening the Air: Utilizing Humidifiers and Steam
Dry air can make the congestion worse, specifically during colder months or in air-conditioned rooms. Adding moisture to the air can soothe irritated nasal passages and loosen mucus.
- Use a humidifier
Place a gentle cool-mist humidifier near your baby’s crib, but make sure they won’t reach it. This will moisten the area around your baby’s area to help them breathe better and relieve congestion.
- Try a steamy bathroom session
Hold your baby in a steamy bathroom with the hot water running for 10-15 minutes to loosen mucus and unblock congestion.
Safe Positioning to Ease Congestion and Promote Rest
When your baby suffers from a cold, safe positioning can affect how comfortably they sleep and breathe. Since 6-month-olds can’t clear mucus on their own, certain positions can help reduce congestion and support better rest.
- Keep your baby upright when awake: When you hold your baby upright, gravity helps drain mucus and opens their nasal passages. You can hold your baby against your chest, carry them in a baby carrier, or let them sit on your lap while gently massaging their back.
- Use an inclined position only when supervised: You may let your baby rest on your shoulder or sit slightly propped up while you’re watching them closely. This will reduce nasal blockage and make it easier for them to breathe through their nose.
- Keep sleep surfaces flat and safe: Even during a cold, babies should always sleep on a flat, firm surface, like their cribs, a bassinet, or a playpen. Avoid placing pillows or wedges under the mattress or under your baby, as these are unsafe and do not reduce congestion effectively.
Managing Discomfort: When to Use Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen
A 6-month-old with a cold may become fussy, or may feel uncomfortable from congestion and mild fever. This is where medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen come in. These can help, but only when used correctly and when really needed.
Acetaminophen or paracetamol is usually the first option for infants because it is safe for young babies and gentle on the stomach. Use it if your baby has:
- Low-grade fever that makes them uncomfortable
- Irritability that doesn’t improve with comfort measures
- Body aches or discomfort due to a cold
You don’t need to worry since acetaminophen is approved for infants from birth; however, you need to always follow the recommended dose based on your baby’s current weight, and use the infant liquid formulation.
On the other hand, an ibuprofen, can reduce fever and pain but is suitable only for babies 6 months and older. You can use ibuprofen if your baby:
- Has a fever that isn’t improving with comfort measures
- Seems uncomfortable during teething and illness
- Needs longer-lasting relief
However, ibuprofen should be avoided if your baby is:
- Dehydrated
- Vomiting frequently
- Not drinking well
- Under 6 months old
Ensuring Rest: Creating a Conducive Sleep Environment
Quality sleep is one of the best ways to help your baby recover faster from a cold. A sleeping environment that is calm and comfortable enough can make their breathing easier and support better sleep patterns.
- Keep the room cool and comfortable
- Use a cool-mist humidifier
- Maintain a calm and dark environment
- Keep sleep surfaces flat and safe
- Establish a gentle bedtime routine
- Encourage frequent daytime naps
- Clear the nose before sleep
When to Contact Your Pediatrician for Cold Symptoms
Colds usually clear up on their own, but there are some crucial symptoms to keep an eye on. These symptoms may be a sign of a more dangerous illness, such as respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, which can be dangerous for babies.
Contact your pediatrician if your baby experiences any of the following symptoms along with the cold:
- Fewer than normal wet diapers
- Temperature goes above 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit
- Pulling at ears or more irritable than usual
- Red eyes or yellow or green discharge from the eyes
- Persistent cough
- Trouble breathing
- Thick, nasal discharge for several days