Poor Sick Baby!

It's horrible to be sick. It's even worse for a baby. He can't blow his nose and doesn't understand why he feels so crumby. It's enough to break a momma's heart. My son has been struggling with a cold for the past week or so and in my attempts to make him more comfortable, I've learned a lot:

*Sometimes early naps can help. My little guy has gone down about 15 minutes early and still slept until when he normally would have woken up. It helps keep him from getting too grouchy to get a little extra sleep.

*Solids before nursing has helped too. When he feels icky, Baby may not be up for solid foods much at all. It's OK to ease off a little if that's all new and a little stressful for Baby. You do want to make sure he gets enough to grow on, though. Since hunger is a good seasoning, solids before nursing can help.

*Suction the nose before and after naps. My son hates the process, but it does help him to breathe better while playing and sleeping. Giving him a rattle to play with while I work on his nose can help distract.

*Babies can cough in their sleep, so don't rush in at every noise. We recently got a video baby monitor and I'm glad to see he can sleep through the coughing because I know he needs his rest.

*Vicks Baby Rub before nap or bed time also eases breathing.

*Infant Tylenol Drops can help reduce swelling in the nasal passages and can also reduce fever.

*Raising Baby's crib mattress by putting a book under the head can help Baby breathe better too.

*Watch for high temps and pulling at the ears as a cold can develop into an ear infection. Call your doctor if things seem serious.

*I do a little extra cuddling with my little guy when he seems fussy for no reason. We also have a bit of a longer wind-down before naps and bed for some cuddling. It is a blessing to be someone's primary source of comfort in that way. "This too shall pass," and someday I'll miss the snuggling.

RESOURCES

Video Baby Monitor
Vicks Baby Rub