How to keep your little one comfy when they have a cold

Kiindred

Kiindred

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Updated on May 02, 2024 · 4 mins read
How to keep your little one comfy when they have a cold

For new parents, or even seasoned ones, the approaching cold and flu season is a nerve-racking prospect. When your baby is sick, you might assume it means sleepless nights ahead for everyone involved. There’s no doubt about it – knowing your little one is ill but not knowing what to do about it is an awful feeling. So we’ve come up with 8 tips to help your baby feel more comfortable at night when they get a cold. By using these, you (hopefully!) won’t lose too many precious hours of sleep even when your baby falls ill.

Room temperature


It’s extra important to keep your baby’s bedroom at a comfortable temperature when they have a cold. The recommended temperature is around 20-22°C. Any colder might exacerbate their congestion and make it more difficult to breathe. Any warmer might make fevers and dehydration more likely. Uncomfortable temperatures can cause fussy and restless behaviour for babies, which, let’s be real, is the opposite of what you and your little one need tonight.

TOGS


When picking out pajamas or a onesie for your baby when they’re sick, choose something breathable like cotton, which will prevent overheating especially if they have a fever. Additionally, avoid restrictive clothing and opt for looser-fitting ones to maximise baby’s comfort. If your little one is itching at their face, you can put on soft mittens to stop them from further irritating the skin. Always dress your baby for the temperature of the room using a TOG (thermal overall guide).


Extra fluids


When adults get sick, it’s important to keep ourselves hydrated for a speedy recovery. The same is true for babies! Feed your baby extra breastmilk or formula when they get a cold, and this will keep them hydrated and full throughout the night. Hydration will thin mucus and alleviate their congestion, and a full belly will give the baby (and you) a better chance of sleeping through the night.


Soothing bedtime routine


Establishing a relaxing routine for your baby can help smooth out the transition into sleep. Examples to add to your routine could include a gentle massage, giving them a warm bath, singing lullabies, and reading a book. Avoid bright lights, loud noises, or anything else that might overstimulate your baby. Keep them away from screens as the blue light can interfere with the sleep cycle. Finally, avoid changing up the bedtime as much as possible since babies thrive on routine.

Try Euky Bear’s Warm Steam Vaporiser


Keeping a humid bedroom environment is essential, especially when your baby is sick. The Warm Steam Vaporiser from Euky Bear is whisper quiet, perfect for all ages, and humidifies all night. Even better, it’s an Australian owned brand and comes with a 5 year warranty for extra peace of mind. This unit creates a soothing flow of steam to help loosen phlegm and congestion for easier breathing. If your little one is older than 3 months, you can also use the Warm Steam Vaporiser with the Euky Bear Sniffly Nose Inhalant. The blend of Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Menthol soothes nasal and throat passages and provides extra comfort.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Inhalant sold separately.

Cuddles


Although we’re sure you already give your baby plenty of cuddles, it’s always a good idea to give them extra when they’re having a tough time. A reassuring touch from a parent can go a very long way, so spend a few more minutes having a cuddle before they go to bed tonight.

Nasal sprays and aspirators


Saline nasal sprays or drops for babies can loosen nasal congestion, but make sure to be gentle because this could surprise them a bit if they aren’t used to it. You can also try a nasal aspirator to gently suction up any mucus and help them breathe more clearly. When they aren’t struggling to breathe, they’ll surely have a much better sleep. If you notice that your little one keeps waking up, you may have to use it a few times a night.

When to visit the doctor


After about 7-10 days, if you’ve tried everything on this list and still don’t see improvements, visit your doctor. Be sure to monitor your little one’s temperature as well and see your doctor or pediatrician if it’s over 38°C. Additionally, if your baby has a severe cough, persistent vomiting, ear pain, or excessive difficulty breathing, a trip to the docs is recommended.

Remember to trust your instincts and if you have concerns about your baby’s condition, check in with a healthcare professional.

This is a paid partnership between Kiindred and Euky Bear.

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