For parents soothing a sick, irritated and tired infant is frustratingly difficult. Here are some home remedies which provide infants relief from common cold symptoms – Archana N.

Common cold symptoms of fever, nasal congestion and headache are difficult for adults to manage. For infants, suffering a cold infection is even more arduous, making the task of soothing a sick, irritated and tired infant frustratingly difficult. Especially in these Covid-19 times, parents should carefully tend infants complaining of common cold symptoms. Most important, don’t self-prescribe and use over-the-counter cough and cold medicines unless prescribed by a qualified paediatrician.

Usually common colds subside naturally in infants and don’t require medication. However there are some time-tested home remedies which provide reliable and safe relief.

Saline drops

“One or two drops of saline solution will decongest the nose. It is simple, sterile and safe to use for infants,” advises paediatrician Dr. Basavaraju B.S. of the Rohit Children’s Clinic, Bengaluru.

Saline solutions can be made at home. Mix half tea spoon of salt with one cup of warm water. Boil the water for 10-15 minutes. Store the solution in a clean, dry container and use within 24 hours. You can use a clean dropper to administer one or two drops per nostril and later use a bulb syringe to draw out mucus if necessary. Saline drops are especially useful if your infant is having trouble breastfeeding or sleeping because of a stuffy nose.

Gentle steaming

Adults often use steam inhalation to ease nasal congestion. But it’s not advisable to expose infants to high heat. However milder forms of steam provide relief to children.

Turn on a hot shower with the bathroom door shut, until the room fills with steam. Then sit with your infant inside the room for ten minutes. Breathing in the warm, moist air will clear nasal blockages.

You could also try using a vaporiser or a bucketful of steaming water kept at a distance to enable her to inhale steam without getting too hot.

Ambient room temperature

Check if the room temperature is too hot or cold and ensure your little one is comfortable. She shouldn’t be shivering or sweating. Dress her according to the weather to ensure that she is snug and comfortable.

Fluids and sleep

Administering fluids including breastmilk will rid cold symptoms expeditiously. Breastmilk plays an important role in providing antibodies. Getting sound sleep will also heal the body. Use a folded towel to elevate the head; this will help your infant sleep peacefully.

Also read: 5 reasons why your infant cries out loud