congested and horrible cough in 12 week old- how can I help him?

[megthedog]

My wee ds has had a cold for the past week - I took him to the doctor on Wednesday and predictably he wasn't given any medicine, apart from ointment for his conjuntivitis..

Anyway, he's now got this dreadful cough, mostlty through the night - I can hear how congested his chest is and am willing him to cough up the mucus but if he does he swallows it again!

I don't think it's croup as the cough is not really 'barking'. He's not especially unwell either, although he is a wee bit hot today.

Any ideas to help him? He's just so bunged up!

same here, although they say ds has bronchilitis, he is not bunged up as such like yours, but the cough is really awful especially at night. you could try getting some saline drops from the doctor, they really help to unblock the nose so that they can feed. i don't know if you can get them from the chemist, worth a try.

some sort of vapur rub to go on his chest - Vicks baby or something. The other thing I found good when DS3 was that age and very bunged up was to let him sleep in his little chair, rather than his cot, so he was more upright

thanks - have ben doing the Vicks rub which he seems to like but not sure how much it actually helps him!

With saline drops, do I just drip them into his nose?

Like Tommy says, helping him to sleep in a more upright position may help. We still put magazines under the cot feet when DS is bunged up.

Also, try the plug in vaporisors (e.g. Karvol) but check you can use these for a 12 week old. Same with Childrens Olbas Oil.

How about a humidifier? You can make one yourself by putting a jar of water on top of the radiator - but make sure it is heatproof! This makes the air less dry when they breath it.

I hope your poor wee love is feeling better soon.

Aw, thanks! We co-sleep so I've been propping him up on a flattish pillow beside me, but the coughing is waking him up often.

he's still full of gummy smiles though so I'm not too worried about him, just want to make him more comfy.

yes sorry for late reply, drop a few drops of the saline into each nostril