Completely normal for such a small one to struggle. This is what I have always done for DD:
- Run hot water into bath and sit in bathroom for steam inhalation even during feeds if really bad.
- Saline drops, then suck out mucus (I do it myself, but you can buy bulb nasal aspirators to do it for you).
- Damp towels or mug of water on radiator to increase humidity in the air in bedroom (dry mouth often due to mouth breathing whilst nose blocked with mucus).
- Increase feeds (baby gets more watery foremilk to reduce dehydration).
- Feed baby with their heads elevated higher than usual to allow sinuses to drain whilst feeding. Also rub gently from bridge of nose out across cheekbones to help clear sinuses.
6)Raise mattress by putting pillows/blankets under it to help with breathing whilst they sleep.
- 12 weeks onwards - vapour rub and/or Karvol diffuser plug as they are not advised before this age by manafacturer.
- As another poster has said be aware of symptoms of bronchiolitis, DD (17 months) had this recently as did her baby cousin (8.5 months but premie baby so 6 months corrected age)who was hospitalised for 3 days, they both woke up screaming as if in pain in the late evening one night. This is a different cry to the one for frustration due to snuffly breathing so trust your instincts and if you are at all worried about breathing phone NHS Direct/GP/999 depending on severity of symptoms to get advice/help.
Check signs of dehydration:
Symptoms of Minimal Dehydration
Most children who are sick, either with a cold or mild stomach bug, will have minimal or no dehydration. These children are alert and appear well and have:
* normal thirst or may refuse some liquids
* a moist mouth and tongue
* normal to slightly decreased urine output
* less than 3 percent weight loss
* normal heart rate, pulses, breathing, and warm extremities
* capillary refill less than 2 seconds
* instant recoil on skin turgor test
* eyes not sunken (and/or fontanel in a baby)
Symptoms of Mild to Moderate Dehydration
Once their dehydration worsens, children may begin to feel tired, restless, and irritable, which makes it difficult to get them to drink more fluids. Other signs and symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration, for which you should usually call your Pediatrician, include:
* increased thirst
* a dry mouth and tongue
* decreased urine output
* 3 to 9 percent weight loss
* normal to increased heart rate and pulses, normal to fast breathing, and cool extremities
* capillary refill greater than 2 seconds
* recoil on skin turgor test in less than 2 seconds
* slightly sunken eyes (and/or fontanel in a baby)
Symptoms of Severe Dehydration
Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and you should seek immediate medical attention. These children appear lethargic (meaning they are difficult to keep awake) or may be unconscious. They also may have:
* poor drinking or may be unable to drink
* a parched mouth and tongue
* minimal or no urine output
* greater than 9 percent weight loss
* increased heart rate, weak pulses, deep breathing, and cool, mottled extremities
* capillary refill that is very prolonged or minimal
* recoil on skin turgor test in more than 2 seconds
* deeply sunken eyes (and/or fontanel in a baby)