Baby, it’s cold outside

Coughs, cold and fever are bound to return with the colder months. Here’s how to keep those nasty bugs at bay
By Emma Deane

As winter approaches, your baby’s immature immune system will be tested with any number of viruses and bugs. The average baby gets six to eight colds a year for the first couple of years of her life and, whilst they can and do occur in the summer, they are a more common occurrence in the colder months. It is very difficult to be blasé if your baby is ill. What you have to remember is that no matter how distressing and stressful, minor sickness and infections are a perfectly natural part of childhood, and are essential in the development of your baby’s immune system. The best way to cope is to be prepared, know what to look out for and be confident enough to trust your instincts. Above all, if you need reassurance or advice, never be afraid to consult your GP.

Is it a cold?
If your child has a blocked or runny nose, generally seems unwell and has a temperature over 37˚C/98.6˚F, chances have it that she has a cold. With newborns, the best way to approach a cold is with lots of fluids, as you don’t want her to become dehydrated. If breastfeeding, give your baby smaller feeds at more regular intervals. If bottlefeeding, you might also offer her extra drinks of cooled, boiled water. For older babies and toddlers, you can ease symptoms with the correct dose of infant paracetamol, if over 3 months of age.

Does she have flu?
Flu symptoms present very much like the common cold but are more severe. They can include listlessness, aching limbs and a temperature over 38˚C/100˚F. If your baby has any of these symptoms, you should seek your GPs advice immediately. Once again, give him plenty of fluids, and if over 3 months the correct dose of infant paracetamol.

How can I tell if she has a fever?
Any temperature above or beyond 37.5˚C/99.5˚F is considered a fever. Should your child have a fever of 40˚C/104˚F or over, you should call your doctor immediately. You can spot a fever, as your baby will have flushed cheeks, her skin will feel hot to the touch, and she will be irritable and depressed. The easiest place to check a fever is the back of her neck or chest. Ease a fever by stripping her down to her nappy and sponging her face with tepid water to cool him down. Fluids are very important, as replacing lost fluids can bring down a temperature rapidly. If old enough, you can give her infant paracetamol or ibuprofen. Make sure you always check correct dosages and age requirements on packs.

What about a cough?
Coughing and wheezing is a terrifying sound for most parents, but chest infections are actually common in young babies and children. Most coughs indicate a cold. They can be dry and rasping or chesty and phlegmy. Young babies can get coughs due to feeding difficulties or a chest or respiratory infection. Give your baby plenty of fluids, ban any form of smoking in your home and, if over 12 months of age, you can ask your pharmacist’s advice for a suitable cough medicine. If your child’s breathing is laboured or you have any concerns about his breathing at all, you should call your doctor immediately.

Creche test
Babies in crèche may get sick more often as they are exposed to a greater number of germs from other children. Don’t panic though. This isn’t all bad, as some experts believe that this early exposure can actually boost your baby immune system. Still, you don’t want your baby to be constantly sick so it is always wise to take a few precautions with hygiene practice.
• Don’t allow your baby to attend crèche if she has signs of illness such as diarrhoea, coughing, eye discharge or fever.
• Make sure bottles and soothers are labelled and that they are washed after every use.
• Ask your crèche to sanitise toys each day.
• Ask your crèche to ensure that employees wear surgical gloves for nappy changes.

When should I call my GP?
• Listlessness or lack of energy.
• Fever that doesn’t go down after taking all the correct steps.
• Any sudden, unexplained rash.
• Vomiting.
• Headaches.
• Refusing to take fluids.
• Pale, dull complexion.
• If symptoms persist with no obvious sign of improvement.

Did You Know?
You can use a little breastmilk to soften the mucus in your baby’s nose, helping her to breathe more easily.