No one likes catching a cold.
But it can be downright heart-wrenching when it’s your baby who isn’t feeling well!
Don’t worry, Mama. There are a few things that you can do to help your little one feel better as soon as possible.
Here are all of my favorite cold remedies and supplies to make your baby as comfortable as possible, and get them back to their old giggly self in no time.
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that if you choose to click through and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Baby cold remedies
1. Cool mist humidifier
You can use a cool mist humidifier (like this one) next to your baby’s crib at night to help him or her breath easier.
2. Saline drops
Saline drops help break up mucus in a baby’s nose. You can squeeze the drops into your baby’s nose, then use a bulb syringe or NoseFrida to suck everything out. (Gross, but will help your baby feel so much better!)
3. Bulb syringe and/or NoseFrida
You can clear a baby’s nose with a bulb syringe after using your saline drops. This one can twist apart so that you can clean it. Otherwise, they tend to grow mold. (Yuck.)
Or, you can go with the NoseFrida. The NoseFrida has a cult following among moms who swear that it is way more effective than a bulb syringe. I find that it does the job, but what I really like about it is that it’s so easy to clean.
Preview | Product | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
Frida Baby NoseFrida SnotSucker Nasal… | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon | |
Innovo Hospital Grade Silicone Twister… | $16.99 | Buy on Amazon |
4. Thermometer and Vaseline
I have two thermometers. The one I use most often is an ear/forehead thermometer like this one. It’s really easy to use.
However, if I’m in a situation where I really need an accurate temperature (because my baby is still really little, or the temperature is high enough to worry me) then I’ll use a rectal thermometer like this one. Don’t forget the Vaseline!
Preview | Product | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
Rectal Thermometer Baby Thermometer for… | Buy on Amazon | ||
Wohlman Touchless Thermometer, Ear and… | Buy on Amazon |
5. For older babies: Tylenol, Ibuprofen
Make sure to follow your doctor’s directions, but if they say your baby is old enough, these medicines can really help your little one feel more comfortable. Just make sure to measure carefully, write down the time given so you don’t forget, and communicate clearly with anyone else who might also be administering medicine.
6. Medicine dispenser
There are a few handy dandy medicine dispensers that can make giving medicine easier for you and for your baby.
Preview | Product | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
Frida Baby Medicine Pacifier, Medi Frida… | $12.84 | Buy on Amazon |
Helpful tips for your baby’s first cold
Follow your doctor’s instructions and advice.
Know when to seek medical help: be familiar with serious symptoms.
Seek help if something doesn’t seem right.
Follow your intuition. If something is “off,” call your doctor. The worst they can do is tell you that everything is fine!
Keep your baby hydrated.
Offer breastmilk or formula often. You can tell if your baby is staying hydrated by checking for wet diapers.
Use a rectal thermometer to get the most accurate temperature reading.
If you really want an accurate reading… sorry. You have to use the rectal thermometer.
Run a cool mist humidifier next to your baby’s crib.
This will help your baby breath easier.
Or give your baby some steam.
Run a warm shower and hold your baby outside the open shower door where he or she can breath in the steam without getting wet.
Encourage your baby to rest.
Reassure your baby by holding and cuddling them. This isn’t a good time to start a strict sleep training regiment.
Clear mucus from your baby’s nose.
Use a bulb syringe or NoseFrida, along with saline drops.
Slightly elevate a sleeping baby’s head by putting a towel under one end of their mattress.
The key word here is slightly. You don’t want to create an unsafe sleeping environment. But everything will drain a little bit easier if your baby’s head is slightly elevated.
Use Vaseline to soothe chapped skin.
If your baby gets sore skin around the nose or mouth, Vaseline will help.
Follow your doctor’s guidelines for safely administering medicine such as Tylenol or ibuprofen.
Track times and amounts carefully. Communicate clearly with other caregivers.
Printable checklist
If you have mom brain, like I do, then you’ll definitely want to download and print this one-page checklist. It has everything above in an easy list for those moments when you can’t even remember where you left your coffee, let alone what baby cold remedies to add to your shopping list. 😉
Click here to download your checklist now.
That’s it for cold remedies! I hope you and your baby stay safe and healthy. But if you ever do need it, I hope that this supply list helps your little one feel better again as soon as possible. 😉
-Laura
You might also like:
Baby bath time supplies [printable checklist]
How to organize and store outgrown baby clothes [printable labels]
Newborn diaper bag essentials [printable checklist]
Leave a Reply