You are a new parent. Your baby is safely home, and all is right with the world. You soon fall into a comfortable routine of feedings, diaper changes, soothing tears and naps. Just as soon as you feel you have the hang of this parenting thing, your little one sneezes. The sneeze spirals into a full-blown cold. Nothing strikes fear into a new parent’s heart like watching your precious little one suffer through the common cold, seasonal virus or the slew of other winter ailments that can strike. Learning how to handle your baby’s first cold is just one more tool in your parenting toolbox that will help you continue to provide the love and care your child needs at all stages of life.
Babies and the Common Cold
Babies and the common cold go together like peas and carrots. Keeping a cool head and being a calming source will go a long way to getting you both through it. Although you may be tempted to call your doctor demanding antibiotics and instructing them to call in a specialist, there is no cure for the common cold other than the passage of time. However, there are things you can do to provide comfort to your infant:
- Provide plenty of fluids, including breast milk or formula.
- Use a suction bulb and saline drops to clear mucous.
- Keep the air moist with a humidifier.
When to Call Your Pediatrician at Pediatric Partners
It is very important to have your baby checked by a pediatrician if they are under 2 or 3 months old and have a cold. This is extremely important, especially if they have other symptoms or are running a high fever. Still, don’t ever hesitate to give us a call. Pediatric Partners is always here to help navigate the challenges new parents face when dealing with babies and the common cold. We love what we do!
Pediatric Partners has three locations to better serve our patients. The Evans office is at 411 Town Park Blvd.; the downtown Augusta office is at 1303 D’Antignac St., Suite 2600; and the new Grovetown office is at 5135 Wrightsboro Road. For more information about Pediatric Partners, call the office at 706-854-2500, visit PedPartners.com, or follow the Pediatric Partners of Augusta Facebook page.
