9 month old struggling to breastfeed with a cold

[Alice4875]

My 9 month (nearly10 month old) has a rotten cold and for the last 2 days has really struggled to breastfeed due to being so congested. Have been trying saline spray and snot sucker although he hates it and feeding upright. Have also tried some breast compressions but it doesn’t seem to be working.

He is taking small sips of water from a sippy cup every hour or so and has had a small yoghurt and about 8 tea spoons of fruit puree but won’t take any more solids.

He won’t entertain formula from a bottle/cup/syringe etc and in fact getting anything in him via syringe is difficult. I’m also useless at pumping.

He is having wet nappies but no where near as wet as usual and has had a dirty nappy today but not yesterday.

He looks pretty miserable except for the odd 10 mins or so when he will play. GP seen who was not concerned and thinks it is a viral cold.

Any advice welcome regarding the feeding, main concern is the fluid intake and if he will return to wanting to breastfeed afterwards.

The only thing that works for my LO of a similar age is steam. I have the shower running in the smallest bathroom and then sit in there with him for about 20 mins. He will usually be clear enough after this to have a good feed both sides and then I’ll do the same again a few hours later. The calpol plug ins are also very good

Thank you. I did try in the bathroom with the shower running but maybe need to give the shower longer to run.

Few drops of Olbas oil on the collar of his T-shirt/pyjamas and also a good amount in a diffuser in his bedroom at night. Few drops of Olbas oil on the tiles while he's in a steamy shower with you.

I've not tried this but our pediatrician (not UK) recommended, as a last resort, to cut an onion in half and put it by their bed. I suppose the compound that makes our eyes stream when cutting it would help clear the pipes. Olbas oil is a much pleasanter suggestion though, but in case that doesn't work might be worth a try 🤭 hope your baby feels better soon!

I remember one really rotten cold where we had a bath together in a steamy bathroom. DD nursed well in the bath while I cuddled her, I think the steam and warmth eased the snotters

Thanks all, I have been trying olbas oil. Might get in the bath with him later and try that. He is very miserable this morning.

I would try a joint bath, and also let him play with / try to eat the sponge or flannel. That gets the crusted snot wet and then it comes off without scrubbing and is less sore, as well as unblocking the front bit of nose. I hope it works for you!