Cold is a very common disease in infants. It affects nose as well as throat of the infants. Other symptoms of infant cold include runny nose, nasal discharge, coughing, difficulty in sleeping, sneezing, irritation and nasal congestion. Most of the infants suffer from around seven colds in their first year of life. They are more susceptible to cold as they still have not developed immunity against infections caused by bacteria and virus.
One should consult the doctor at the very first sign of cold in infants as there’s a risk of developing pneumonia and croup otherwise. There are more than hundred viruses that can cause infection which results in cold. Coronavirus and rhinovirus are some of the common viruses that are responsible behind cold. Contaminated air, direct contact and contaminated surfaces are some of the causes that may lead to cold in infants. Immature immune system is one of the important risk factors behind infant cold.
8 Top Home Remedies For Infant Cold
FluidsÂ
Fluids are beneficial for the treatment of infant cold. This remedy helps in protecting the child from dehydration. Giving these fluids to the infants to drink is recommended. Infants who are younger than six months should be given breast milk. Giving straight water to these infants should be avoided as it can lead to imbalance of electrolyte. Kidneys of these infants can’t process the direct water correctly. Children who are older than twelve months should be given milk, water and juice in diluted form.
HumidifierÂ
Humidifier is good for the treatment of infant cold. Keeping a vaporizer or humidifier in the child’s room would help in adding moisture to the air. It helps to ease the breathing process also. One should keep the machine clean and clear to prevent infection otherwise it can lead to the conditions of infant worst than before.
Hot water should be avoided for using in humidifier as it can lead to burns. Also, one should use the humidifier for short period of time only.
Saline Solution
Saline solution is helpful in the treatment of infant cold. It can be used in the form of nasal drop. This home remedy is useful in providing relief from congestion associated with infant cold. It can be used in the small nasal passages of infants.
To use this method, first put few drops of salt water gently in the nostrils and wait for at least sixty seconds. Then remove the discharge using blue bulb syringe. This remedy would help in making the breathing process easier. Trying this remedy before feeding the infants would be effective.
HoneyÂ
Honey is useful for the infants who are sufferings from cold. Consumption of half teaspoon of honey is recommended to the children from the ages of two to five years to age. It is especially good for treating cough associated with cold.
If cough does not cure with this method, one should seek doctor’s help. Some mix hot water and lemon in honey. Lemon contains vitamin C which is good for health. It should not be given to infants before their first birthday as it may cause fatal illness.
Soft Foods & Vapor RubÂ
If the child feels it difficult to eat usual diet, he or she should be given soft foods. These soft foods include chicken soup, ice cream, pudding etc. This home remedy is good for providing relief from scratchy throat associated with infant cold.
Vapor rub helps in treating infant cold. It is especially good for the infants who are three months old or more. It can be applied to the back, chest and neck of the affected infants. It provides a cooling sensation which then helps in making the breathing process better. Make sure not to apply it over the broken skin and face of baby.
Rest with Elevated Head, Warm Compress & Ice Pack
Taking rest by keeping the heads of the infants elevated would be helpful for the affected infants. It would make the child comfortable by improving the drainage. To raise the head of the child slightly, place a towel underneath the mattress. Do not put pillow or soft bedding for this purpose. This home remedy should be used for the children who are twelve months old or more than that.
Warm compresses are useful in the treatment of infant cold. Take a basin and fill it with warm water. Make sure it is not very hot. Take a flannel and dip it inside the basin. Placing this warm fabric over the affected area would provide big help. Ice pack is helpful for the treatment of infant cold. It cannot be applied directly to the infant’s skin. Take a plastic bag containing ice cubes and close it with rubber band. Another method is to take a commercial ice pack kept in the freezer.
Chicken Soup & ChamomileÂ
Chicken soup is beneficial for the patients suffering from infant cold. It helps in providing a soothing effect and relief from congestion associated with infant cold. Soup should be served as warm and not hot. One can either use canned soup or homemade one.
Chamomile is helpful for the treatment of infant cold. Tea prepared from this herb would be very beneficial. Children who are at least six months old should be given chamomile tea. Lukewarm herbal tea would be beneficial for the affected infants. But before using this remedy, one should consult the doctor. There are other herbs that are found to be safe for the infants which can be used for treating cold.
Coconut Oil & Essential OilsÂ
Coconut oil is useful in the treatment of infant cold. Liquid coconut oil can be rubbed over the infant’s nostrils gently using fingers. Make sure not to use coconut oil in solid form as it would inhibit breathing. Other than nostrils, it can also be rubbed over the infant’s body.
Essential oils are beneficial for the treatment of infant cold. These oils include peppermint, thyme, sandalwood and rosemary oils. These oils are helpful in providing relief from congestion associated with infant cold. These oils provide a relaxing effect to the affected infants.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
