Colds in newborns require caution due to their developing immune systems, making them vulnerable to viral infections. Symptoms often include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, fussiness, and sometimes a cough or a slight fever. Recognizing these signs early and understanding their unique needs is crucial for appropriate care.
Medications to Avoid
Administering over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medications to newborns is unsafe, as these products are not approved for infants and can pose serious health risks. Children under four years old should not be given cough and cold medicines due to potential severe side effects.
Specific medications pose various risks:
- Decongestants can cause increased heart rate, agitation, and seizures.
- Antihistamines may cause drowsiness or excitability, and can thicken mucus.
- Cough suppressants do not effectively alleviate coughing and carry the risk of respiratory depression.
- Expectorants have no proven benefit in newborns and can cause adverse effects.
- Aspirin is dangerous due to its association with Reye’s syndrome.
Always consult a pediatrician before giving any medication to a newborn.
Gentle Relief Strategies
When a newborn has a cold, the goal is to provide comfort and ease symptoms through safe, non-pharmacological methods. These measures help manage congestion and discomfort without medication risks.
Nasal saline drops or spray, followed by a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator, effectively clear stuffy noses. Saline moistens and loosens thick mucus for easier removal. To use, place a few drops into each nostril, allow it to work, then gently suction out mucus. Repeat as needed, especially before feedings and sleep, but do not exceed four times a day to avoid irritating the nasal lining.
Using a cool-mist humidifier in the baby’s room adds moisture to the air, soothing irritated nasal passages and easing breathing. Position the humidifier near the crib but out of reach, ensuring regular cleaning to prevent mold. Elevating the baby’s head slightly during sleep also assists with mucus drainage and makes breathing more comfortable. Achieve this by placing a rolled towel or firm pillow under the mattress at the head of the crib, never directly inside the crib with the baby, to avoid suffocation risks.
Adequate hydration through frequent feedings of breast milk or formula is important, as fluids thin mucus and prevent dehydration. Gentle pats on the baby’s back also help loosen mucus.
When to Call the Doctor
Newborns are susceptible to complications from minor illnesses, so recognize when a cold warrants medical attention. A fever in a newborn under three months of age is a significant concern requiring immediate medical evaluation. A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in this age group is considered an emergency.
Difficulty breathing is another symptom requiring prompt medical attention. This may manifest as rapid breathing (more than 60 breaths per minute), flaring nostrils, chest retractions, grunting, or wheezing. Changes in skin color, such as bluish lips or skin, indicate a lack of oxygen and require immediate care.
Poor feeding, decreased wet diapers (fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours), or other signs of dehydration like sunken eyes or a sunken soft spot are serious indicators. Any significant change in the baby’s behavior, such as unusual lethargy, extreme fussiness, or unresponsiveness, should prompt a call to the pediatrician. Persistent coughing or worsening cold symptoms over several days also warrant professional medical advice.