Cold relieving tips - please can I have them!

[makedoandmend]

DD 9m is in the phlegmy stage of a cold (we've been through a rattly rib-cage stage). She's reeeeeally bunged up at night when she lies down. Last night was hideous - she didn't get to sleep until 4 and fed on and off for hours. Today she's sneezing and coughing a bit so I'm hoping we're on the last stretch.

Sooo - for tonight and future reference what are your tips for relieving the symptoms? I've got some nasal drops - but not sure how to use them. Was thinking of buying a humidifier to see if that would work? Should I raise the cot? How do I do it safely.

Any tips gratefully recieved [sleepy grin emoticon]

[makedoandmend]

any? She's now missed morning nap even though I've put towels under her mattress to raise it.

No temp so I'm not sure Calpol would help would it?

[BornToFolk]

Raise the cot by putting books under the top feet.

We've got one of those plug in vaporisers that works quite well. Or you can put Olbas Oil on a hanky and leave near the cot.

A good lot of Vicks (baby version) on the chest, back and feet is also good.

[nappyaddict]

When I have a cold I get vitamin C and Zinc Lozenges from a health shop but they might do something in liquid form or you could melt them down with hot water? Echinacea and Goldenseal tea is also very good and obviously lemon, ginger, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, warm ribena etc

Fruit smoothies are very good for fighting off colds aswell. The best things to use are orange, pineapple, grapes, banana, pink grapefruit, cantaloupe, pears and apple cider vinegar.

My nan swears by chicken soup with garlic, basil, thyme, oregano and rosemary.

Get a vapouriser and make a mixture of olbas oil, lavender, tea tree, peppermint, spearmint and eucalpytus oil. You can also use the mixture in the bath.

Apparently you shouldn't have anything sugary including juice as it reduces the immune function but I've always used honey in cold rememedies and also blackberry jam (honestly it does make you feel better) so think I will ignore that.

Also prop up the end of her cot with some books or bricks. It will make it easier for her to breath.

[makedoandmend]

Thanks - she just had a quick nap on my lap but is sweating buckets (cold sweat no temp). Hoping this is the last bit as we both need sleep (haven't felt this tired since she was a newborn - how quickly you forget)!