#asktheexpert mam my 12days baby is having cold how to reduce it.

Question

Accepted Answer

For a 12-day-old baby with a cold, it's important to proceed with caution and prioritize gentle, safe methods to alleviate symptoms. Here are some steps you can take:

### 1. **Saline Drops and Suction**
- Use saline nasal drops to help loosen mucus. Administer a few drops into each nostril.
- Use a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator to gently suction out the mucus, especially before feedings and sleep.

### 2. **Humidifier**
- Use a cool-mist humidifier in the baby's room to add moisture to the air. This can help ease congestion and make breathing more comfortable.

### 3. **Elevate the Head**
- Elevate the baby's head slightly by placing a rolled towel under the mattress. Ensure the baby is still on their back to sleep and the elevation is minimal and safe.

### 4. **Keep the Baby Hydrated**
- Ensure the baby is feeding well. Frequent feedings can help keep the baby hydrated and help thin mucus.

### 5. **Steam**
- Sit with your baby in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes. Run a hot shower and let the bathroom fill with steam. The steam can help loosen mucus in the baby's nasal passages.

### 6. **Limit Exposure to Irritants**
- Keep the baby away from smoke, strong odors, and other irritants that can worsen congestion.

### 7. **Monitor Symptoms**
- Keep a close eye on the baby’s symptoms. If there is a fever, difficulty breathing, poor feeding, or if the cold lasts more than a few days, contact your pediatrician immediately.

### 8. **Avoid Over-the-Counter Medications**
- Do not give over-the-counter cold medications to a newborn unless directed by a pediatrician. Most of these medications are not safe for infants.

### When to Seek Medical Help
- If the baby has a fever (especially in newborns under 3 months), is having trouble breathing, shows signs of dehydration (such as fewer wet diapers), or if the cold symptoms seem to worsen, seek medical advice promptly.

Newborns have delicate immune systems, so it’s important to handle illnesses with care and always consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns.

Answer

give nasal saline drops every few hourly to the child in the nasal cavity.
try to prevent temperature variations around the child
you can go for indirect steam inhalation which will again help in decreasing both cough and cold
continue the regular diet of the child
if there is no improvement in few days then meet your doctorx
for fever and pain give paracetamol.
anti-cold medicines at this age have got side effects so can be given only after medical consultation.