Fluid intake reduced due to cold and cough

[Janealison]

Hi, my 13 week old has managed to pick up a cold and cough. Her milk/fluid intake has reduced by at least 2 full bottles a day. Is this normal? I have used saline drops and actually the congestion in her nose isnt too bad now, but she still seems off her food. Have tried everything to get her back up to her normal feed, but she's not interested. Just worried about her getting dehydrated. Any advice would be very welcome! She's still getting typically between 600-700 ml a day.

Try little feeds more often, the cold will probably mean her nose is blocked so will be hard for her to suck and breath at the same time, as long as she is still having some fluids, you should be fine. I used to put little drops of Olbas Oil on tissues and stuff them around the bassinet / cot, also, rubbing vicks baby rum on her chest, back and feet will help...Goodluck!!

It's very normal, the main aim in a cold is to have at least 50% of normal before it's a concern. It's still more than my 6 month old eats in an average day so don't panic, he has gone as low as 300ml a day.

I just make sure I offer milk often (just make a few oz if you want to avoid waste). As they doze off is a good time to squeeze a few in. Offer water is milk is totally refused (maybe if her belly is sore), it's better than nothing.

Signs of dehydration: depressed fontanella ( soft spot - it's very obvious is this happens), little to no wee, dry mouth/ eyes/ lips or being listless.

Thank you for your replies. Still no huge improvement, but I feel relieved knowing that it is normal behaviour.