7wk old baby with shocking cold - how can I help him feel better?

[BusyCee]

DS1 (3yrs) and I had it last week and both felt awful for about 7days; very sore throat leading to laryngitis, mucus-y coughs that hurt after a while, headaches and generally feeling grim. DS2 now has the same symptoms (hacking cough, raspy throat and highly snotty) but of course can't complain as bitterly as DS1 and I did. What can I do for him to help feel less grotty and soothe him? How awful is it to give him Calpol so early?

Poor little thing!

My DC1 had a cold at 4weeks old and the advice from NHS Direct was:

• no Calpol before 2mo (but you can make the judgement call on that)
• raise the head of the cot to ease breathing
• hold her in a steamy bathroom to clear nose

I hope he gets well soon!

Thanks Poppy - I'll bear the steaming in mind (his Moses basket is already elevated at the head end as he has a tendency for sick!). And just hope the milk soothes his poor throat. X

I think you can already use saline drops/spray (Sterimar from Boots for example) for a young baby. I would use it before feeds and sleeping and after sleeping. If it is very bad I would see if he wants to sleep upright.

When my dd had a very very bad cold as a baby I just had her sleeping in my arms as upright as possible against my shoulder whilst I was propped up in bed.

Lots of drinking also helps to thin the mucus. There are also things to help clear the nose (extract snot), not sure what they are called but Mothercare or JoJoMamanBebe may have them.

Hope she feels better soon.

I'd definitely recommend saline drops or spray they make feeding much easier ime.

Also maybe bathe his eyes because they might be sore?

Ds had calpol before 2 months but was in te kids ward. However, if you think your ds is hot or really suffering I'd probably want to give him something but would check with the doctor first.

How is he feeding?

Given his age I would probably get him checked out tbh

you can get nasal spray in a little bottle.
we gave that to dd when she was tiny and had a cold, and it did make her breathe easier.

other than that, lots of cuddles and try to sleep him more upright (if not co-sleeping, then head of cot raised underneath the mattress (rolled towel or book) and lots of milk.

dd had to sleep on me, as i slept sitting up (in bed and propped with pillows) when she had her cold when she was about that age.

(not totally sitting up - slouching, i suppose - not up enough to worry about dropping forward)

A steamer is useful if it's a dry cough. Tricky with a 3 yo about though as it's like having a constantly boiling kettle on the floor. Some of them come with a spot for olbas oil or similar.
Definitely watch the feeding, he'll probably want to comfort feed all the time anyway; but if you're not happy take him in. At 7 weeks, you'll be seen promptly and get some advice on the paracetamol.