What could I do to help my sick 9 month old feel more comfortable and to help him sleep?

Question

He has a running nose and a slight cough. It started last night, we were up with him at 2-4am then 6am and 7am. I did not take him to the doctor because the last time he had this the doctor told me to ride it out for a week and just give him cough meds. So I started that this time thinking we would get some sleep tonight but everytime we get him to sleep he wakes up shortly after crying. Almost like it is hard for him to breath. Any ideas?

Answer 1

If you have a humidifier, run it in his room to help moisten the air he's breathing. (Just make sure it's a cool-touch/mist humidifier or it's kept out of his reach).
Also, if he is stuffed up, give him some saline drops to help loosen up the mucous and place a rolled up towel under the head of his mattress. This will help keep his head elevated and help him drain any mucous.
Try to limit any dairy products close to bedtime as it increases phlegm/mucous production. And he may do better sleeping on his side.
Beware of some of those cough suppressants. They tend to dry you up but that can cause a dry cough and limits how well the body can get rid of the infection. Runny noses happen for a reason.

If all else fails, get comfy in a cozy chair or couch and lay him on your chest (tummy to tummy?) and try to get some sleep.
Both my son's would sleep better this way when they were sick and I would actually get some sleep knowing they were comfy and content.

Answer 2

Warm bath, maybe some Vicks, clean jammies. Fold a blanket for a "pillow" so he's not laying flat. It will help keep him from getting too congested. If he's having a hard time breathing, the doctor needs to see him again. Could be asthma / bronchitis. My kids get that with colds (I've got four, ages 1 to 9). A little benadryl would help, but there's no dosing for such a little one. I've given my 1 yr old 1/2 tsp (appx 4mg) based on what my pediatrician told me... Good luck!

Answer 3

Do you have a humidifier? Or a wedge you could place under the mattress to elevate his head. Less milk/formula and try a bit of pedialyte to hydrate without adding to the mucus problem. My kids always slept better on my chest. It was comforting for them and I was there to rock them back to sleep. Was there any fever? That could indicate an infection. If you are concerned never listen to the doctor. Listen to your own instints. That is why God chose you to be Mommy!

Answer 4

the humidifier, vicks, cough, and congestion relief are all good things... also lift one end of his bed about 3 or 4 inches. (you can use a couple of towels folded..or a thin pillows under the matress) just make sure it's not so high that he slides to the bottom.
hope this helps...i hate it when the little boogers can't get any relief!!!

Answer 5

A good way to help them sleep better is for you to cuddle them. Yea you'll have to be up for most of the night, but he will feel better.
My aunt had the same problem with my little cousin, she wasnt able to sleep at night for like a week, she would just sleep during the day.

Answer 6

Alternate infants Tylenol and infants Motrin every 4-6 hours, a good warm bath, a humidifier and a warm bottle. It worked for my 9 month old.

Answer 7

Cough is caused by a number of ailments.
It can be treated by over the counter medicines
or home remedies. More information available
at http://ailments.in/cough.html

Answer 8

Vicks baby rub. A humidifier. Tylenol. Make sure the cough medicine isn't already equiped with tylenol in it.. Prop him up slightly so he isn't lying flat...

Answer 9

Poor little guy. Have you tried using a vaporizer or humidifier in his room? Helps mine to breathe and to sleep easier when they are sick.

Answer 10

I would have taken him to the doctor. It could be something totally different than the last time.