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Original poster

Inhaler and mask for baby

19 replies

Meredithgrey1 · 09/04/2020 23:39

9 month old DD has had a cough for about 8 weeks now. The dr won't see her due to coronavirus.

She's had a course of antibiotics which didn't really help, and has now been given an inhaler with a spacer and a mask to use.

How on earth do you get a baby to do this?? It takes both DH and I, with me holding the inhaler and mask and DH holding DD and pinning her arms. She thrashes around, pulls her head back, vigorously shakes her head, pushes her chin to her chest and holds her breath. The box says get her to do several breaths in the mask but we're lucky if we get one before she wriggles enough that the mask comes away.

I don't know what to do. Her cough is still awful, the dr won't see her and I can't get her to tolerate the mask.

OP posts:
FortunesFave · 09/04/2020 23:45

Have you tried putting something on tv or maybe even hanging up a load of fairy lights and putting them on just as you're about to do the mask?

Aquamarine1029 · 09/04/2020 23:48

Try showing her animal videos on your phone or tablet. Anything to make it work.

pleasestoprainingplease · 09/04/2020 23:52

We were always told to keep it over our child's mouth & nose even when screaming & thrashing around (easier with two people) as they will probably get some really good deep inhalation whilst crying & screaming.

We always did some when asleep too as he was less likely to move as unaware. Hope your child feels better soon. Now I don't even have to tell my child to use his inhaler he does it every morning & night. But I do remember the first few times. I hope it gets easier for you all.

INeedNewShoes · 09/04/2020 23:55

Did you do it first to show her?

I’m sure it’s not a great suggestion hygiene wise but I took the view that any lurgy either DD or I have that the other will get it.

When DD was prescribed her inhaler I set it up in front of her and talked about it then held the mask (loosely) over my face and smiled inanely to try and show that it’s ok.

Embracelife · 09/04/2020 23:57

At that age just hold securely a bit like this

images.app.goo.gl/21wiGf9FJt464aS39

Embracelife · 09/04/2020 23:59

At that age that should secure her head in crook of your arm against your body. Second person holds mask.
With ds when had severe croup had to do this.

Embracelife · 09/04/2020 23:59

And also when sleeping

jellyjellyinmybelly · 10/04/2020 00:05

I can't find a pic online but if you sit in a lotus pose with the kid under your legs and their face between your knees /by your perineum, then you can properly pin them down and even as a solo person you can give the inhaler.

Goldwispa · 10/04/2020 00:05

Have you got a spacer for children with a teddy bear on? Only reason I ask is when my little one got her first inhaler they gave us a bog standard spacer and it made it difficult. I then found out about the other spacer and it made life a lot easier.

Embracelife · 10/04/2020 00:06

In the image one hand of child behind you. Legs are held in your legs. Then you can control free hand and head securely

jellyjellyinmybelly · 10/04/2020 00:06

Forgot to say, kid should be lying flat on their back on the floor

Trying2310 · 10/04/2020 12:27

Wrap her in a blanket with arms inside and cuddle her in the crook of your arm. It was a genius tip that the nurses showed us when Dd used to fight against the nebuliser in hospital. We then used it at home when giving her inhalers if she was fighting x

Trying2310 · 10/04/2020 12:30

We were also told when they were screaming or crying they would actually inhale more. Although it distressing to watch. Doing it while sleeping is also good.

Original poster
Meredithgrey1 · 10/04/2020 16:29

Thanks for all the suggestions! It was easier today having her lie between my legs with her arms under them. Although she still cried.

When we first got it I tried to make it fun, popping it on my face, popping it on hers for a second gently bopping her on the nose with it, grinning away etc. and she didn't seem to mind the playing part but now she's learned that it's something she really doesn't like she reacts as soon as she sees it.

OP posts:
PragmaticWench · 10/04/2020 16:34

As well as the technique you're using with her laying between your legs, I'd keep up the play element with her. We did the grinning-stupidly games, and played with a teddy using the spacer, lots and lots of times each day. It adds up and they should gradually tolerate it.

SheldonSaysSo1 · 10/04/2020 18:58

Try doing it when she's asleep, just make sure you hold it there for long enough. If not I'd swaddle her in a large towel or blanket in your arms, whilst your partner uses the spacer. As others have said its better if they scream as it ensures they deeply inhale the medication and it gets where it needs to go.

negomi90 · 10/04/2020 19:01

If she's 9 months don't stress about it. Salbutamol (the blue inhaler) rarely works in that age group as the receptors in the lungs for salbutamol don't start appearing until 1-2 years of life.
Its not a battle you need to fight.

nocoolnamesleft · 10/04/2020 22:54

No, the beta receptors start appearing between 6 and 12 months. So at 9 months it's worth a try, but only stick with it if it makes a difference.

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