There is a good chance your infant will months. Most illnesses are caused by viruses and usually resolve on their own, but you can help to make your baby more comfortable along the way. Tips on how to soothe your ailing child follow.
Colds For nasal congestion, put one to two saline drops in each side of the nose to help clear it — you can also use a nasal suction bulb two to three times a day or a Over-the-counter cold medications are not recommended for babies. Be prepared: Some cough and congestion can last up to three weeks. Call your healthcare provider if your
• Is working hard to breathe (nostrils - bone, below the rib cage or between the ribs).
baby:
• Develops a fever several days after the onset of a cold.
• Has blue/dark lips or tongue.
• Shows signs of dehydration (cries with- out tears, has a sticky instead of a wet
Vomiting & Diarrhea Babies with vomiting and diarrhea need than once, give him frequent small sips of a rehydrating solution. Once the vomiting has stopped for a few hours, try re-introducing milk or formula. Diarrhea often (but not always) follows vomiting and may last for days or even weeks. Call your provider if your baby:
mouth, has fewer than three wet diapers in a 24-hour period).
www.youandyourfamily.com
• Has vomiting that lasts more than one day without improvement.
• • Has blood in the stool. • Has diarrhea for more than two weeks.
• Is under three months old and has a temperature above 100.3° F.
fever for longer than 24 hours.
Fever infection, and can go hand-in-hand with colds, and other common viruses. Fever itself is rarely harmful, but it can make your baby uncomfortable. Make sure to Your provider can teach you how to use a thermometer and can tell you the correct dose of acetaminophen, a fever reducer, also. Do not use ibuprofen for babies with alcohol or cold water to try to bring down a fever. Call your provider if your baby:
• temperature above 102.2° F or has had a
• Shows signs of dehydration. • Has a seizure. For any illness, if your baby seems very
sick or fussy and does not improve with your interventions, call your provider.
to be scary if you know what to do. A little TLC can make both your baby (and you) feel a lot better.
Pediatrician Elizabeth Shashaty, MD, is on - ter and Medstar Georgetown University Hospital, both in Washington, DC.
For more info, go to:
youandyourfamily.com. 71
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