With the brisk fall weather that hit New York this weekend, the upcoming cold season is on my mind because Charlie had back to back colds pretty much the entire winter season last year. I don’t know if it was coincidence that he got sick for the first time shortly after I weaned him (breastmilk is supposed to provide immune boosting properties), because it also happened to be just when the cold season began. Since Charlie was sick so often, including a bout with bronchiolitis that required us to use a nebulizer on him, we tried just about every cold treatment out there. Hopefully these tips we learned will help keep your baby as cold-free and comfortable as possible this upcoming cold season!
I think the most effective treatments for us was using a humidifier, sitting in a steamy bathroom, and applying Vicks Baby Rub on Charlie’s feet. Even through some of his worst nights, Charlie still slept through the night like a little trooper. We were also big fans of Cleanwell’s Hand Sanitizer Spray, Boogie Wipes, Dapple’s Toy Wipes, and good old vinegar to clean anything and everything (including the humidifier).
What measures do you take to prevent and treat your little one’s colds?
*The information on this site is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and is for education purposes only. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Treating Colds part 2 of 6
1. Ultimate Guide to Treating a Cold and Cough by Mrs. Bee2. Tips for Preventing and Treating Colds by Checklists
3. Sick Toddler Essentials by Mrs. High Heels
4. My Sick Baby Checklist by Mrs. Pen
5. Caring for a Sick Baby Toolkit by Mrs. Marbles
6. Surviving the Cold/Flu Season: Our Favorites by Mrs. Carrot
honeydew / 7917 posts
My LO was born in the Spring, and I am becoming overly paranoid for this upcoming Winter. I love your treatment tips and will definitely be using them soon. I have a feeling my LO might be coming down with a cold soon. He seems a bit under the weather with the quick change of temperatures.
cherry / 182 posts
I’m not sure exactly why, but my Claire (who was born right as flu season started) has never been sick her entire first year. We formula-feed, and we’re not that strict when it comes to keeping her toys, pacifiers, or even our hands (or others who hold her) clean either. I also know babies whose moms did everything included in the preventative list above — and more! — and their babies got sick constantly. So as much as we all try, sometimes I really do think that it’s the luck of the draw.
That being said, with another baby on the way soon, and with the upcoming cold months fast approaching, I will be keeping this list handy!
admin / watermelon / 14210 posts
@geekinheels – yah i do think it’s luck of the draw. i have friends whose babies in daycare never get sick, while charlie was with a nanny and was sick all winter. i think he was actually exposed to more germs from going to indoor playspaces all the time than he would have been had he been in daycare. but hopefully he’s built up some immunity from all the colds he had last year!
wonderful pear / 26210 posts
We are in the midst of our first cold. DH brought it home from work, so the two of them are fighting through it. Hands down, best thing is the NoseFrieda. It puts bulb aspirators to shame!
hostess / eggplant / 11068 posts
LO has her first cold now. I’m beside myself! This checklist totally helps, though! Vicks Vapo Rub…Gotta get some!