Cold vs. Flu

• Baby cold symptoms usually begin with a runny nose, with the fluid first appearing clear but progressing to yellow, gray or green mucous within a week or so. During this time, a cough and low fever may develop. Newborns with colds will usually play and eat quite normally when their fever drops. The flu and other more serious illnesses set in more rapidly than colds and are usually accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting. Babies suffering from allergies will not have a fever and tend to have drainage that is clear, accompanied by sneezing and itchy, watery eyes.
  
  

Treatments

• Because colds are usually caused by a virus, medication will not make the cold go away faster. Instead your pediatrician will likely prescribe decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants and/or antibiotics to lessen symptoms and prevent further infection for the duration of the cold. Saline drops are also excellent for easing congestion and assisting mucous removal from the nose with a rubber bulb syringe. Vaporizers and humidifiers placed in your baby's room will provide moisture in the air, which helps loosen and reduce congestion. Raising the head of your baby's mattress may also help relieve postnasal drip.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Unfortunately you cannot prevent every cold, but you can boost babies' defenses and minimize their exposure to cold viruses. The best means of defense is making sure that all family members and anyone who comes in contact with your baby washes or sanitizes their hands. Try keeping your baby away from anyone who is possibly sick. Make sure your baby is well hydrated, wetting five to six wet diapers a day. Breastfeed as long as possible to ensure your baby receives all the germ-fighting antibodies and health benefits breast milk provides.
  
  

Misconceptions

• Newborns tend to get more colds during the fall and winter months than during warmer weather. That's partly because of the increase in colds amongst adults and children during those seasons, when people tend to be cooped up together indoors, and partly because indoor heating and the cold outdoor air dry their nasal membranes, making it easier for cold viruses to thrive within their bodies.
  
  

Considerations

• According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies regularly exposed to cigarette smoke have more colds than those who aren't, and their colds last significantly longer. In addition, babies exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to develop upper respiratory problems.
  
  

Warning

• Babies under the age of three months should see a pediatrician at the first sign of a cold or illness, especially those with a cough or fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Call your pediatrician immediately if your newborn's cold symptoms do not improve in five to seven days or if the baby begins crying when sucking and feeding, or tugging at the ears. That may signify an ear infection. Wheezing, gasping for air and increased coughing should also be addressed immediately and could be signs of RSV, also known as respiratory syncytial virus, or even pnumonia.