Am I doing all that I can for my baby?

Question

My 5 week old baby has had a slightly/moderately stuffy nose for 2 days now. He also coughs a couple of times a day. These symptoms have been paired with a temperature of 99-100.2 (rectal temp.). I bought saline drops and have been using them and the aspirator to clear his nasal passages. I use a luke-warm cloth on his forehead to sort of "take the steam off" and it has been working to lower his fever. He just saw the doctor 2 days ago and she said not to worry about a fever until it reaches 102. Is there anything else I can do to make him feel better.

She said his lungs, nose, throat, and ears were fine at the checkup.

Answer 1

Breastfeed him as often as possible to keep him hydrated and to keep feeding him those antibodies! Also, you can probably use infant tylenol for his fever (check with your doctor to make sure and to get the correct dosage if you're not sure). My kids recently got a nasty cold with a miserable cough, and the nurse at the doctor's office advised me to keep a humidifier running, elevate the heads of their bed (or crib), and keep the fluids coming. As always, let him sleep when he wants to sleep and don't wake him if you don't have to -- he needs his rest to heal! Another tip I got from other breastfeeding moms (I haven't had the opportunity to try it yet) -- I've heard that a little breastmilk in each nostril can actually help to clear up the congestion. Try just a couple of drops, it certainly can't hurt to try. And remember that when he has a stuffy nose, it might interfere with his ability to nurse and he might have to come up for a gulp of air every once in a while, or even be a little fussy when eating. His appetite might be a little off, but as long as he doesn't lose weight or stop wetting lots of diapers, he should be okay. Try not to expose him to too many germs until he's at least three months old and better able to handle it (not that you did already, I know these colds can come from anywhere -- I just mean in general). Good luck and I hope your little guy feels better soon!

Answer 2

Just make sure he stays hydrated by breastfeeding him as often as possible. Keep him lightly dressed, and don't let him cry. Crying will just heat him up, stress him out, and make him use energy on something other than getting-better.
A cool mist humidifier can also help with the stuffy nose and the cough, especially if you live in a cooler climate.
Good luck, I hope everything turns out well for you and your little one!

Answer 3

Unfortunately babies do get colds, some more often than others. It sounds to me like you are doing the best that you can. You can check web md. You can use Tylenol infant drops to help lower the temperature as well. I used a baby wedge to help my infant stay on her side to help with the cough. It's two triangular pieces of foam with a velcro strap between them to adjust for the size of the baby. Good luck to you.

Answer 4

Thats all you can really do for a baby that little Just make sure you use the asperater especially right before naps and bedtime, and if she gets worse or after another couple of days she still has it, It wouldn't hurt to take her back just to be on the safe side.

Answer 5

make sure he is drinking plenty and wetting diapers. Go to ER for any major changes such change in color of skin, rash, listlessness, color of eyeballs, unable to wake him. But it really sounds like you are doing a great job and he'll be well by tomorrow.

Answer 6

Sounds like you're doing about all you can right now. I would maybe put a humidifier in his room...well, I live in Minnesota and that's what I was recommended to do for my son.