After all the holiday travel and visiting with countless relatives many babies and toddlers end up with a post Christmas cold. It is wonderful to see everyone and have fun with the extended family, however, at this time of year there is always someone in the family who brings the unwanted (and uninvited) cold virus to Christmas dinner. Babies and toddlers are more susceptible to the cold germs because their immune systems haven’t been exposed to as many viruses, not to mention the nature of their play, everything in the mouth.

Unfortunately there isn’t a whole lot you can do when your little one has a cold. There is no magic remedy that will make it go away overnight. However, there are a few things you can do to help ease the discomfort a little bit.

• Use a humidifier in their bedroom at night.
• Put them in a warm bath with a little menthol added, the vapors will be soothing and will help clear up the sinuses. You can also run the shower hot for a few minutes before running the bath to get the air in the bathroom moist and warm.
• If your baby or toddler will tolerate it you can use saline drops in their nose to help break up the congestion.
• Elevate the head of your baby’s or toddler’s mattress at night to help reduce postnasal drip.
• Give your child lots of fluids and health foods. Keeping them hydrated and making sure they eat will keep their strength up and help them fight the cold off.
• If necessary give your child a pain reliever/fever reducer like acetaminophen.
• Lots of extra cuddles

Remember that it is NOT OK to give your baby or toddler any over-the-counter cold medicine. Talk to your doctor if you aren’t sure what is OK and not OK for your child.

Here are a few signs that you may be dealing with more than the common cold and it is time to call your doctor:

• Your child has a fever of 103 degrees or higher.
• Your child takes a turn for the worse instead of getting better after 5-7 days.
• Your child’s cough worsens or he is wheezing or gasping.
• Your child pulls on or rubs his ears a lot.
• Your child acts especially tired or listless.

Always call your doctor if you are unsure about a symptom your child has or you are in anyway concerned about them. It is always better safe than sorry.