Baby cold: you need to know this

These are the symptoms

Babies can catch a cold up to ten times in their first year of life. This is because their immune system is not yet optimally developed. As a result, the mucous membrane in the nose and throat becomes inflamed more quickly. You can recognize a cold in your baby by the same complaints that you have when you have caught a cold: sneezing, watery eyes and a stuffy or runny nose. Babies may also cry more. They can also suffer from snot eyes: then there is yellow pus in the corners of the eyes, so that the eyes are glued shut. You clean this with a clean cotton ball with tap water.

How long does a cold last in a baby?

An average of two weeks, but it may just be that your child suffers from it for longer – or shorter. One thing is certain: it will pass. If your child drinks enough, is not drowsy or short of breath and the fever does not last longer than three days, you do not need to see a doctor.

Baby cold: these are useful tips

A baby can suffer a lot from the cold, also because he is not yet able to blow his nose for (temporary) relief. You can help your little one by giving them a little more air. Buy a nasal spray that is especially suitable for babies. You can also use saline, but not homemade. It is also nice if you ensure that your baby does not lie flat but can lie with its head slightly higher. Babies are not yet allowed to sleep on pillows due to the risk of suffocation. What you can do: place a pillow at the head end under the mattress.

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Feeding during a cold

A baby with a cold often has trouble drinking. Before feeding, you can drip your baby’s nose with a special saline solution or nasal spray for babies. This will allow the snot to come off and be sneezed out or swallowed by your baby. The road is then cleared again for a drink.

When to go to the doctor

Usually a cold is harmless and you do not need to see a doctor. This is the case if your child is younger than three months and develops a fever. Also in case of drowsiness, shortness of breath and if your older baby has a fever for more than three days or if the cold lasts longer than two weeks, it is advised to call the doctor.