A cold is as common as it is annoying; in the adult it generally resolves spontaneously without complicating itself; in children, however, especially in the newborn, complications are more frequent.
The airways and nasal cavities of the newborn, in fact, are tiny and this is the main reason why a cold neglected in the newborn can be more easily complicated in a bronchiolitis, bronchitis, otitis, tracheitis
What to do then, against the cold in the newborn?
Cold in the newborn, how to prevent it
It would be better, as far as possible, to protect a newborn baby from a few days of cold contagion, trying not to take it to crowded places, especially indoors.
If a cold is already circulating in the home, it is important to follow some hygienic precautions, that is to say, to wash your hands often and avoid leaving around the tissues with which you blew your nose.
For adults it is simpler, but if there are older children it is important to teach these good rules to them too.
And what if the baby still gets a cold?
Essential oils for babies and children: which ones to use?
Cold in the newborn, the importance of nasal washes
A very simple but effective remedy is represented by nasal washes, useful for both preventive and therapeutic purposes.
During the cold season, nasal washes should be performed usually, for example every other day, even when the cold is not present. The best time is in the evening, before going to sleep.
If the newborn is already cooled, we should instead do them at least once a day, better two. This simple remedy for colds simply requires a syringe and a common saline solution : take 3 or 4 ml of saline with the syringe, remove the needle and spray the liquid first in one nostril and then in the other, holding the head of the child slightly inclined, first on one side and then on the other.
There are ready-to-use single-use vials, in that case there is no need for a syringe and it is sufficient to spray the saline directly in one nostril and then in the other.
Discover natural products for babies
Cold in the newborn, other useful remedies
In addition to nasal washes it can be useful, both to prevent and to treat colds:
- Humidify the environment in which one lives;
- Keep the room temperature neither too hot nor too cold;
- Be careful of temperature changes;
- Do not cover the baby too much or too little.
And the drugs? Are there colds for newborns?
In general, a cold is not a disorder to be treated with drugs, unless complications arise that make it necessary.
In the newborn, then, the use of drugs in the event of a cold is absolutely contraindicated and, should any complication arise, it is very important to contact the pediatrician, avoiding DIY in the most absolute way.
Even the best known natural remedies can be dangerous for a newborn; honey, for example, should not be administered before the age of one year .
Beware also topical cold remedies; in fact, under the age of three, medicines containing camphor or menthol should not be used, including those to be spread on the chest. As for mucolytics, they should never be administered before two years of age and even later it is better to pay attention.
And in case of doubt, of course, contact the pediatrician.
