My poor Jaden has a really bad cold. This is like is 3rd cold of his life =/ but this one is like the worst he's ever had. With the other 2 colds he's had I would give him infants Tylenol and Motrin, but it just seemed not to work. A family friend told me that giving him those meds isn't too healthy, that I should take a more natural route. She didn't go into detail, cuz she was in a hurry to get back to work. Anyways I was just wondering if anyone out there knows what natural things I can give my 18-month-old to help get better?
-Thanks-
2007-10-01 05:03:30 · 7 answers · asked by Spaz11405 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
No medicine will make a virus go away faster, but you can help your baby feel better and prevent the infection from getting worse by making sure he gets plenty of rest and liquids.
Since most children can't master nose blowing until about age 4, here are a few ways to help ease your baby's congestion:
• Tip your baby's head back and squeeze over-the-counter saline (salt water) drops into his nostrils to loosen up the mucus. Then suction out the liquid and mucus a few minutes later with a rubber bulb syringe. He'll then be able to breathe better. Apply petroleum jelly to the outside of your baby's nostrils to reduce irritation. (Don't use nasal sprays on your baby unless his doctor says it's okay. They may work temporarily but can cause a rebound effect in which the congestion gets worse with continued use.)
• Use a humidifier or a cool-mist vaporizer to moisten the air in your baby's room. Or take your baby into the bathroom with you, turn on the hot water, close the door, and sit in the steamy room for about 15 minutes. A warm bath can accomplish the same thing.
• Elevate the head of your baby's mattress by placing a couple of towels between the head of the mattress and the crib springs. Sleeping at a slight incline may help relieve his postnasal drip, but don't overdo it. If your baby is a restless sleeper, he could end up flipping around so his feet are higher than his head, defeating the purpose of the elevation. (Never use pillows to prop up your baby as they could suffocate him. And don't put anything under the legs of the crib because that could make it unstable.) You might even consider letting your baby snooze in his car seat in a semi-upright position.
Also wanted to comment on the "vicks vapor rub" from someone elses comment..
just be careful to NOT get him out of the house after putting that on until he has a bath to get it off. Dont know where you live or what the weathers like, but here its freezing, and they say that can make you have pnemonia if you go out with that stuff on.
Good luck. I hope your son gets better soon. I'll keep him in my prayers
2007-10-01 05:20:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
check with your pediatrician to see if you can give him echinacea and goldenseal root. You could also just try lots of fluids.
something that isn't harmful, but helps clear out nasal passages is pure saline that can be administered through the nose, then you suction it back out with a bulb, which works really well for temporary relief.
Also baby vicks mentholatum works well too, rubbed gently on the chest where the vapors can be inhaled.
I have a boy who gets asthma symptoms every time he gets a cold, and having to administer medication isn't always the worst thing in the world for a child.
2007-10-01 05:09:44 · answer #2 · answered by Halo Rayn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest putting a humidifier in his bed room at night that can really help. And also put pillows under his crib mattress to prop the bed up. Also before he goes to be it would be helpful to clean his nose out with one of those syringes. And giving him Tylenol cold or Motrin cold before bed time wouldn't be a bad thing. This is what I do with my 4 boys and it seems to help them sleep at night. Best of luck to you.
2007-10-01 05:10:23 · answer #3 · answered by Lovemykids 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tylenol and Motrin are just fine when used in moderation.
If he has a fever, try tylenol first.
If you want to try a more natural path, try using a warm bath and vapor rub to clear his sinuses.
2007-10-01 05:08:31 · answer #4 · answered by Kaci 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Infant saline drops help w/ congestion and you could use a humidifier.
2007-10-02 02:59:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vicks vapour rub for babies ....
rub on chest, back, and feet
Dimmetapp for infants
Panadol
Good luck
2007-10-01 05:06:44 · answer #6 · answered by a k 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe you should speak to you family doctor via phone.
2007-10-01 05:11:38 · answer #7 · answered by jon_mac_usa_007 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋