COLDS

• Runny nose (watery at first, then opaque to sometimes yellow or green-tinted)
• Nasal congestion or stuffiness
• Sneezing
• Mild fever (sometimes)
• Dry Cough
• Sore or scratchy throat
• Fatigue or crankiness
• Appetite loss

 Colds, otherwise known as upper-respiratory infections, are caused by viruses. These viruses are spread through skin-to-skin contact, droplet transmission from coughs or sneezes, and contact with an object that’s been contaminated.

That means touching, kissing, picking up toys, cuddling — all the delightful things that go on when an adorable baby is around — can spread the cold virus. And there are more than 200 viruses known to cause colds, which explains why they’re so common.

 The common cold usually lasts seven to 10 days (day three is often the worst), though a residual cough may linger for longer.

The incubation period for a cold is between one and four days. It’s typically most contagious a day or two before symptoms appear but can be passed along when the cold is already under way. Once the really runny nose dries up, it’s less contagious.

•  Monitor mucus. A stuffed-up nose can be uncomfortable for your baby, making it difficult for her to breathe and for both of you to sleep. Use a suction bulb to gently extract the excess mucus. Over-the-counter saline nose drops can soften mucus before suctioning.
• Heighten humidity. Use a cool-mist humidifier in your baby's room. Moist air can reduce congestion and make breathing easier.
  
• Apply moisturizing ointment. A light dab of petroleum jelly under your baby's nose can help prevent red skin, chapping, and soreness.
• Fight back with fluids. Increase your baby's fluid intake to replace those lost through fever or runny nose — especially warm ones (chicken broth, once the ingredients have been introduced, is particularly effective; it can be served strained and slightly warmed in a sippy cup). Feed your baby plenty of nutritious foods, too, including those rich in vitamin C. If your baby isn’t eating solids yet, keep up breastfeeding or bottles.
• Know which medications are safe to give and when. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe for babies ages 2 months and older, while ibuprofen is safe for babies 6 months and up. Always check with your doctor first before giving your child medications.

 Unfortunately there’s no way to entirely protect your little one from cold viruses. The number one way to prevent a cold is to wash your baby’s (and everyone else's) hands regularly, especially after diaper changes. 

Can’t get to a sink? Hand-sanitizing gels or wipes will do in a pinch, though they’re not as effective as soap and water in washing away germs.

Other helpful strategies: Try to keep your baby away from anyone with a cold when possible. Use a disinfectant solution to clean surfaces that may be contaminated with cold germs. While breastfeeding can reduce susceptibility to colds, it’s not foolproof.

• Is experiencing her very first cold
• Seems to be especially out of sorts (very restless during the night, or has pain that causes night waking, which can be hard to detect in very small babies)
• Is lethargic
• Refuses to eat or drink
• Develops a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher on a rectal thermometer and is under 3 months old
• Has a fever of over 100.4 F and is 3 months or older (the normal threshold is between 101.5 and 102 degrees F for babies this age, but a temp higher than 100.4 degrees F may require her to be tested for COVID-19).
• Has a cough that’s getting worse or continues during the day after other symptoms are gone
• Breathes significantly more rapidly than usual
• Has greenish-yellow, foul-smelling nasal discharge from the nose or from coughing
• Has swollen glands in the neck
• Pulls on her ear
• Has symptoms lasting longer than 10 days