Recognizing cold symptoms in babies
Identifying cold symptoms in babies, especially newborns up to 12 months old, is not easy. Babies cannot show which part of their body hurts, so as parents, we must recognize unusual changes in their bodies. Here are some observable symptoms if your baby has a cold:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Nasal mucus that can appear clear, yellow, green, or gray
- Fever
- Cough or hoarseness
- Watery eyes
- Difficulty sleeping
- Irritability
- Decreased appetite, etc.
Tips for relieving a baby's cold
It is normal for children to catch colds. When you start to notice cold symptoms in your child, you can increase their fluid intake by providing more breast milk or formula.
Avoid giving cough medicine to babies under six years old. For example, if your baby has a fever, you can apply warm compresses to their armpits, groin, and forehead. Avoid using fever reducers and pain relievers like ibuprofen for babies under six months old. Do not give antibiotics before consulting a doctor. Not all colds are caused by bacteria.
To help mucus in their nose or throat come out easily, you can prepare a steaming bath or a large bowl of hot water. This step can make it easier for mucus to come out, and when they cough, the mucus can be expelled. You can do this before the baby sleeps. Babies should also get enough sleep when they are sick.
Tips to prevent baby colds during holidays
Parents can help prevent colds in their babies during the holidays. This approach provides a win-win solution, allowing you and your baby to enjoy the holiday moments happily.
- Make sure to wash your hands before holding or preparing anything for the baby.
- Use hand sanitizer before touching the baby if there is no access to water and soap at the holiday destination.
- Avoid crowded places or places with poor ventilation.
- Breastfeed as often as possible to boost their immune system.
- Keep the baby away from sick people.
- Regularly clean the baby's toys and utensils.
When should you take your baby to the Doctor?
Although a cold is not a dangerous illness, you need to take your baby to the doctor if you notice any of the following signs:
- Difficulty breathing or is short of breath.
- Fever lasts more than three days or the temperature is ≥ 40 °C.
- Wheezing sounds when the baby breathes.
- Appears weak.
- The baby has difficulty breastfeeding
- A runny nose lasts more than two weeks, and the cough lasts more than three weeks.
- Under six months old and has a fever.
Do not delay going to the doctor if your baby experiences the symptoms above.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr Hanifa Rahma
