Cough And Cold Medicine For 8 Month Old
As a parent, seeing your 8-month-old baby suffer from cough and cold can be distressing. These common illnesses can cause discomfort and distress, making it difficult for your baby to sleep or eat. Fortunately, there are cough and cold medicines that can help ease the symptoms.
However, it's essential to understand that not all cough and cold medicines are safe for infants. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends against giving any over-the-counter cough and cold medicine to children under 4 years old due to the risk of serious side effects.
Why Are Cough and Cold Medicines Unsafe for Infants?
The main reason why cough and cold medicines are unsafe for infants is that they can cause serious side effects, such as breathing difficulties, seizures, and even death. This is because young children's bodies process medications differently from adults, which means that they are more susceptible to these side effects.
Additionally, cough and cold medicines can mask the symptoms of underlying illnesses, making it difficult for doctors to diagnose them accurately. This can delay proper treatment and potentially lead to more severe health issues.
What Are the Best Ways to Treat Cough and Cold Symptoms in Infants?
Although cough and cold medicines are not recommended for infants, there are several ways to ease the symptoms and help your baby feel more comfortable. Here are some of the best ways to treat cough and cold symptoms in infants:
1. Keep Your Baby Hydrated
One of the most important things you can do to help your baby recover from a cough or cold is to keep them hydrated. Offer breast milk or formula more frequently than usual, or give them small sips of water if they are over 6 months old.
Hydration can help thin out mucus and make it easier for your baby to cough or sneeze it out, which can relieve congestion and coughing. Additionally, it can prevent dehydration, which is a common concern during illnesses.
2. Use a Humidifier
A humidifier can help add moisture to the air, which can relieve dry cough and congestion. Place a cool-mist humidifier in your baby's room and run it during naps and bedtime.
Be sure to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, which can worsen your baby's symptoms and lead to other health issues.
3. Use Saline Drops and Suction
Saline drops can help loosen mucus and make it easier to remove from your baby's nose. Place a few drops of saline solution in each nostril and wait for a few minutes before using a bulb syringe to suction out the mucus.
Be gentle and careful when suctioning your baby's nose to avoid causing irritation or injury. Also, use saline drops and suction only as needed, as overuse can cause nasal dryness and irritation.
4. Elevate Your Baby's Head
Elevating your baby's head can help relieve cough and congestion. Use a wedge or pillow to elevate the head of your baby's crib or bassinet, or hold your baby in an upright position as much as possible.
However, be sure to avoid using soft bedding or pillows, which can pose a suffocation risk and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
When Should You Call a Doctor?
Although cough and cold symptoms are common in infants, they can sometimes indicate a more severe health issue. Call your baby's doctor if:
- Your baby is under 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4°F or higher
- Your baby is between 3 and 6 months old and has a fever of 101°F or higher
- Your baby has difficulty breathing, is breathing rapidly, or has wheezing
- Your baby is not eating, drinking, or sleeping well
- Your baby has symptoms that last more than a week or get worse over time
Your baby's doctor can examine your baby and recommend the best course of treatment, which may include prescription medications or further tests.
Conclusion
Cough and cold medicines are not safe for infants, and the best way to treat cough and cold symptoms in babies is to use home remedies such as keeping them hydrated, using a humidifier, using saline drops and suction, and elevating their head. However, if your baby's symptoms are severe or last longer than a week, it's essential to seek medical attention to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.