4 month old got a cold - GP or not?

[ScaredToBeHonest]

My PFB 4 month old baby has caught my cold. He has been really bunged up over the weekend but seems happy enough and is eating well. He has slept a lot today which is quite unusual for him and his breathing is quite audible whilst he is asleep. He doesn't have a temperature.

Should I take him to the doctor to be checked out or not? I don't want to waste the GP's time and appear like an over anxious mother if it's just a cold and one of those things.

If he's feeding well, sleeping well and otherwise happy and bright, albeit snotty, then I would just keep an eye for now. Sleeping is a good thing for him. However, if you're worried in any way, then do get him looked at.

I wouldn't bother going to the GP - there's nothing they can give you for a cold.

We put a big bowl of boiling water with loads of drops of eucalyptus oil in it, on the floor by the cot so it helps to keep them unblocked when they are sleeping, plus some Vicks on their chest.

If he's easy to rouse, has good colour and is otherwise ok then no.

BUT - if he starts sucking in his chest, getting a blue tinge, is abnormally sleepy and can't feed then get him seen.

Most likely a cold but bronchiolitis is around this time of yr and it can be serious.

Also, keep him propped up. Lying flat makes it harder to breathe. Put some books or rolled up towels under mattress

I agree with the others, as long as he's happy, feeding and his breathing isn't in trouble then probably no need for the GP. Things that have worked for us are: Calpol decongestant plug in (lifesaver), saline spray and nose bulb/aspirator to clear airways and avoid infection, hot water in the room to stop coughs and clear nose (damp towel on radiator is quite good too). Actually, we used the bowl do steamy water for a few days after as everything was drying up which helped his throat. Propping the cot up at one end was also helpful, we still do this for him now if he's a bit bunged up. Hope he's feeling better soon.

Thanks everyone. DS is still very bunged up today but seems OK. His sleeping us awful and he is feeding small amounts frequently which are both to be expected.

I'm having to cuddle or feed him to sleep which isn't great as I'm worried this will continue once he's better but we'll deal with that then. Right now he's feeling grotty and needs me to help him sleep any way I can

My DD was so stuffed up with a cold that she wouldn't feed. The gp gave me some nose drops which worked instantly and meant that she could take a full feed and then could sleep better too. I also thought there was nothing they could do for a cold but I am glad I went at the time.

Hope your baby is better soon - it is horrible when they are ill.

I went when DD had a cold because her chest was very crackly. GP said her chest sounded fine and if she wasn't struggling to breathe there wasn't much she could give her.

We ended up using saline sprays up her nose which she loves us for, Albas oil on a tissue in her room at night, Baby Vicks on her chest and feet at night and Calpol when needed.

Its shit when they're sick isn't it? I'm sorry you're going through it... :(