When baby is sick

Home care for fever, sniffles and tummy troubles

Cathie Kryczka,

Originally published in Today's Parent December 2006

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Colds. Vomiting. Diarrhea. Nobody likes dealing with these nasties, especially in babies. Luckily most of these illnesses are caused by viruses and are self-limiting; they will go away on their own. In the meantime, your tender loving care will see your baby through minor sniffles and tummy upsets. But if you feel worried about her, or unsure of what to do, don’t hesitate to check with your doctor.

Cold comforts
When a cold attacks, the swelling and increased mucus in the baby’s narrow nasal passages make it difficult to breathe through the nose, so sleeping may be disturbed. Your baby’s eyes may be puffy, dull or teary; he may have less energy than usual or lose his appetite; he may have a fever. He feels like you do when you have a cold — miserable.

Giving extra fluids really does help. Breastfed babies can simply be nursed more often. Older breastfed babies may also be offered clear fluids that are already part of their diet, like diluted apple juice. Formula-fed babies should be offered extra clear fluids.

Nursing may be awkward because of a plugged nose: If your baby is having trouble sucking, it may help to keep him upright while he nurses. Other fluids may be given by spoon or eyedropper. Saline nose drops, given 15 minutes before feeding or bedtime, may allow him to breathe more easily. He may also sleep better with a cool-mist humidifier in his room. To help the mucus drain, some parents raise the head of the crib mattress (put a pillow or folded towel under the mattress, not under the baby’s head).

Suppressing a cough can be harmful so cough medicine is not recommended. If your baby’s cough is severe enough to worry you, check with your doctor.

And do not, advises Ottawa paediatrician William James, give decongestants to babies under one year of age.

Call the doctor if:
• your baby’s breathing is very rapid, noisy or wheezy
• she develops a barking cough (croup)
• she is short of breath or struggling to breathe (you may see her chest “sucking in” when she draws a breath
• her colour is pale or mottled
• she is lethargic or weak
• she refuses to drink
• she seems quite sick, or in pain