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Cough, Cold & Flu in Infants 0-24 Months

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Tips for Relief of Your Child’s Cough, Cold and Flu Symptoms

When your baby shows signs of having a cold or flu , you’ll try anything to give them the relief they need. Though there is no cure for the common cold or flu, you can keep your baby comfortable so that they can get the rest and sleep they need to fight the virus that caused it in the first place. Here’s how.

Recommended tips to relieve your baby’s cough, cold and flu symptoms

If your baby is six months old or younger, take them to the doctor at the first sign that they may be ill. If they’re older than six months, try these techniques:

  • Keep your baby home from daycare — it’s best to have them rest at home, and will also prevent the spread of germs to other little ones
  • Give your baby plenty of fluids — especially water.
  • Use a humidifier in their bedroom — to help them breathe easier.
  • Use towels (not pillows) to elevate the head of their mattress — to help relieve your baby’s runny nose.[from http://www.babycenter.ca/baby/health/commoncold/]
  • Apply petroleum jelly to the outside of your baby’s nostrils — to help soothe your baby’s nose and prevent irritation from wiping their nose. [from http://www.babycenter.ca/baby/health/commoncold/]
  • Have an at-home “steam sauna” with your baby — sit in a steamy bathroom with your baby for about 15 minutes. [from http://www.babycenter.ca/baby/health/commoncold/]
  • If your baby is old enough, try to get them to gargle with warm salt water— to soothe their sore throat.
  • Use an over-the-counter (OTC) fever relieving medication that’s specially formulated for infants - to relieve your baby’s fever from colds and flus, like Infants’ TYLENOL® Fever From Colds or Flu Drops.
  • Do not give your baby products containing acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)— ASA may cause a dangerous medical condition called Reye’s Syndrome.

When to call the doctor about your baby’s cough, cold or flu

If your baby is six months old or younger, call your doctor at the first sign of illness. If your baby is older than six months, call your doctor if your baby has:

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References:

BabyCenter®: www.babycenter.ca

  • Infants' TYLENOL® Fever From Colds or Flu

    Infants' TYLENOL® Fever From Colds or Flu

    Trusted relief of your infant’s fever and pain due to colds or flu. Learn More...