10 weeks old with cough and cold

[rabster]

What can I do to make my DS more comfortable? i think he is too young for any medicine, but he has a blocked nose (mostly at night) and a cough. Do I need to see the doctors, as he is otherwise ok?

you can get saline drops from the chemist to clear a babies nose.

My ds slept a little easier if his head was raised - put a rolled towel or something under his mattress for example.

You can get Karvol capsules which are suitable from birth. They're a bit like Vicks (which isn't suitable before 6 months iirc) and you can break them open onto a muslin or something and tie it to the cot railing to help him breathe more easily.

My mum also recommended a damp towel over a radiator in the bedroom to make the air more humid. We didn't try this as we don't have a suitable radiator but it might be worth a shot.

I would take him to the doctors if it's not cleared up within a week just for peace of mind and to check for ear/chest infections.

Sorry - forget the Karvol. It's for 3 months and up.

Thanks everyone - I will try the damp towel and the saline, as he is worse at night when it is dry and cool.

The cough is a bit worrying (probably as it's his first!)- Mine always develop into chest infections (I'm asthmatic), so I don't want his to.

Can I give him anything for it at his young age? I just don't want it to get worse.

If it's a virus then it'll just have to work its way through his system unfortunately.

It sounds like you're worried though. How about making an appointment with your gp - they'll be able to listen to his chest and reassure you hopefully.

Ds had a terrible cough which made him vomit as it was so bad (still has it actually which is really wearing me down, as much the extra washing as anything since otherwise he's back to normal!). His chest was clear though so it doesn't necessarily follow they'll have an infection.

The doctor will be happy to see a baby with a cold like this just to be on the safe side