When your little one has a cold, it's always a worry as the symptoms can vary. All that coughing and sneezing - and don't forget the dreaded stuffy noses! Yep, nasal congestion is almost always an issue.
For many parents, a stuffy nose is more worrisome than one that keeps running and this can be because congestion can appear to affect how easily your child can breathe. That stuffed up feeling can be distressing for babies in particular as children can blow their noses to help clear their nasal passages, but babies won't be able to do this at all.
Infants breathe exclusively through the nose, and in general, children do not know how to clear their noises until they reach the age of three.
A cold will seriously impede a child’s breathing and cause difficulties in sleeping and feeding too, so it stands to reason that they will need an extra helping hand with this.
Below are four things you can do to help - soon they'll be feeling themselves again!
1. Sit them in steam
Having your baby breathe moist air can help loosen all the mucus causing their congestion. Try using a humidifier, vaporiser, or just having your child sit in a steamy bathroom.
2. Use Saline drops
What if we told you that you could get rid of those sniffs and snuffs with just one simple product? Preventative nasal hygiene is important for avoiding that stuffed-up feeling of discomfort. Clonmel Healthcare has just the product, aptly titled Clear Little Noses. So, what makes this so effective? Clear Little Noses are paediatric aqua baby drops (or an Isotonic Nasal Cleaning Solution). The Aqua Baby Drops gently cleanse the nose and preserves the natural balance of the nasal musosa of the infant, which helps prevent colds and other ENT complications. They are 100% natural and free of preservatives and have a moisturising effect - meaning they are extra gentle on those sensitive nostrils. And did you know you can also use them to prevent colds? If your baby is showing any early signs of getting under the weather, keep the drops to hand.
And for the bigger kids, they have a similar product for children aged three and up; an Isotonic Nasal Cleansing Spray which cleanses and moisturisers to prevent colds and infections.
3. Give them lots of fluids
Dehydration is always an issue when they have a cold. Having your child sip liquids will also help thin nasal secretions and reduce congestion. For older infants and children, water is ideal. Alternatively, smoothies and frozen juice ice-pops made just from juice can be good options to soothe sore throats and help your little one stay hydrated.
4. Be sure they get plenty of rest
When they are ill, they tire easier because their body is working hard to fight off their cold. Encourage your little one to rest and nap as much as possible so they can heal.
