Treatment of Colds

To clear the stuffy nose, if your child cannot blow his nose, use a rubber suction bulb to gently suck mucous out of the nostrils. Nose drops may be used if stuffy nose is blocked by dry mucous. Mix ¼ teaspoonful table salt with eight ounces of warm water and place three drops in each nostril. Let it absorb for at least one minute, then gently suction out the loosened mucous with a rubber suction bulb. Use a cool mist vaporizer at the baby’s bedside (cool, versus hot mist vaporizer, will prevent burns in case your child tips it over). Fluid intake should be increased to thin nasal mucous and also to help keep the fever down. Encourage (do not force) small amounts of favorite fluid at regular intervals (one to two ounces every one to two hours or 32 ounces in 24 hours I is appropriate). Plain water and fruit juices are encouraged. You may give PediaCare infant drops if nasal congestion interferes with breathing, feeding or sleeping.

Treatment of fever

Use Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Children’s Motrin (Ibuprofen) if the temperature is over 101 F. Do not give aspirin due to the risk of Reye’s Syndrome. Do not give medication for a low grade fever of 99-100 F; the body is fighting the infection. If the temperature is over 103 F, sponge your baby with warm water or put him in tepid (warm-98.6 F) bath water for 10 minutes or more. Reduce the amount of clothing to diaper and sheet. If fever persists then see your doctor.

Treatment of Diarrhea/Vomiting

If severe stop solids for eight hours and give clear liquids (no milk) in small amounts-start with one teaspoon to one tablespoon every 10 minutes and increase gradually. Electrol, Pedialyte or some good electrolyte rehydration solutions are recommended. Avoid fruit juices. Do not give milk or dairy products such as cheese.

You may begin a bland diet if there is no vomiting or diarrhea in eight hours. If your baby has started solid foods, try strained bananas, rice cereal (mixed with water), apple sauce or mashed potatoes. If your infant is breast feeding only or only taking formula, give smaller amounts then usual per feeding (one to two ounces less of formula or limit breast feeding time to ten minutes). If vomiting or diarrhea is severe and does not improve after three days on regular formula, change to a soy formula. Usually your baby can return to a normal diet 24 hours after diarrhea and vomiting is gone.