The doc doesn't want to give him anything because he's so little (5 months) - but he's up all night coughing. Any tips on how to quiet his cough and help him sleep? I've tried a vaporizor already.
2007-11-05 00:34:40 · 12 answers · asked by cfisher4234 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Get some nasal saline solution. Squirt it- not spray- in his nose and then use an aspirator to suck it back out.
It'll flush out the virus, slow down mucus production, and nearly stop the post nasal drip thats causing the cough.
He'll fuss and fight and not want you to do it, but it honestly will cut that cold out. My son's never had a cold that lasted more than 3 days because I always do this for him. It works for you too, except you can blow your nose instead of suck it out.
Dont give him anything but tylenol for pain and fever.
I know it sounds really pointless, but I promise the regular saline solution will work better than any medication there is. Beyond that, you NEVER want to stop a cough in an infant, their lungs are not fully developed yet and if they sit with that mucus in their lungs because their cough is supressed they'll get pnuemonia.
2007-11-05 00:43:13 · answer #1 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Did you say 3 weeks? I would definitely go to another doctor. If your child has had a cold/cough for that long, there is more going on than just a simple cold. Most colds clear up in 7 to 10 days. A second opinion is a must. Your child's immunity is probably so run down, he cannot fight it off. A cold mist humidifier will help. Use it all day, not just at night. Make an appointment asap. Insist on action, your child's life may very well depend on it. Good luck!
2007-11-05 00:47:28 · answer #2 · answered by Jana 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would also recommend a second opinion...your baby could also be having allergies along with getting over a head cold. If he's up all night coughing, then the doc should prescribe something for at least the night. My son(2) has had a head cold/cough for like a month and as soon as the doc put him on an allergy medication, he isn't up all night coughing. It's the postnasal drip that makes them cough at night which happens when they are stuffed up during the day...so you need some sort of antihistamine to dry up his nose(like Benadryl). I also used a cool mist humidifier...the cool mist is the best as opposed to the heat humidifier. Heat is good for stuffed up, but cool air is best for coughing....that's what pediatricians recommend. That's about all you can do, coughing is the worst! Definitely try and get a second opinion...some pediatricians are just more conservative than others.
P.S. Saline/suction is also a good thing to do.
2007-11-05 00:57:40 · answer #3 · answered by emrobs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with the person who mentioned the steam. Also, you can roll up a blanket and place it under the head of the crib mattress to slightly elevate the mattress which might make it easier for the baby to sleep.
Is the baby bottle fed? You may wish to ask about formula changes. My son had many respiratory problems as a baby and it took us 14 formulas before we found one which didn't aggravate his condition. He was adopted or I would have nursed him.
I spent many a night on the floor of the bathroom with the shower full blast hot and the sink running full blast hot until the room filled with steam. I don't know how the wallpaper didn't all peel off! However, the steam helped open his little passages. We'd sit there and sing to him to calm him down. He'd suck on a bottle with water in it and finally fall asleep. I'd have a heating pad warming his crib (which I'd remove before putting him back in) and with the head slightly elevated he was able to sleep a few hours at a time. And to be hones, I often just slept sitting up in a recliner holding him close to my chest.
If this has been going on for three weeks I think you need to consult with another ped. if you don't feel comfortable (Doctors are not Gods) or even seek help from a ped. allergist.
Good luck!
2007-11-05 00:49:26 · answer #4 · answered by dddanse 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could try taking him into the bathroom and run a hot shower. Let him breathe the steam for about 10 minutes. That might help clear the crud. They make special vicks rub for babies and also a medicated bath for colds. I'd ask your doc if it's ok to use those and give him some tylenol.
2007-11-05 00:40:55 · answer #5 · answered by Kat H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the coughing at night is usually due to the drainage. You can try propping him up a bit at night. make sure you put anything used to prop him up UNDER the mattress so he doesnt suffocate on it. That may help keep the drainage from being so bad and get him some sleep.
So sorry to hear he is feeling ill. I agree that you may want to follow up again with the doctor with very specific information on how much sleep he is getting, length of coughing fits, etc.
Poor little guy...
2007-11-05 00:46:57 · answer #6 · answered by newmom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a second opinion. There are lots of peditritians out there and 3 weeks is too long with out a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Good luck!
2007-11-05 00:40:15 · answer #7 · answered by wrkey 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Haha, no! You look fine! I had my son 6 months ago and I still look pregnant! I lost *some* weight but my stomach has kept that pregnant round shape. If it is the stretch marks you are worried about just keep in mind they fade with time. You can always use coco butter!
2016-03-13 23:34:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Im so sick of hearing the "vicks vapor rub on feet" thing!!!! Its a myth. a crazy e-mail that was sent around, probibly someone who works for Vicks. A MYTH
2007-11-05 00:42:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I gave my son infant tylenol in the same dose as regular tylenol. So many moms did the same for their babies, and they were just fine. I refuse to watch my baby suffer if I dont have to.
2007-11-05 01:52:08 · answer #10 · answered by RedVengeance 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋