Infant Cold Medications
When one of my babies had a cold, it involved some extra care, some clinginess and regular doses of infant cold medicines. The cold medicines were easy to use and helped to keep congestion at bay. Of course, infant cold medicines are no more. They have all been recalled because some parents used too much and caused serious health problems for their babies. Because those parents didn?t read the directions, all babies are now deprived of these medications.
Babies with stuffy noses who are having trouble nursing and breathing at the same time simply have to do without the relief that cold medicines provided. But, there are a few other things that can bring some relief. Keeping the baby in the bathroom while a hot shower runs will allow the steam to loosen up some of the mucus. This can provide a temporarily clear nose long enough for the baby to have her milk comfortably.
A humidifier can help loosen a lot of the mucus at night and help baby to get a better night?s sleep. The latest humidifiers let out cool vapor instead of hot, eliminating the burn risk with some of the older models. Some new humidifiers are also made into fun shapes like elephants. We have a full-house humidifier, which runs anytime the heat is running. This eliminates, or at least reduces, the dry air in the house in the winter and keeps sinuses running.
Vicks Vapor Rub is an effective, non-medicinal alternative to the recalled medications. It helps to clear symptoms for while, helping kids to rest more comfortably. There are also baby saline drops that can help baby?s nose to start running again. There may not be any more Baby Tylenol Cold, but a parent?s cold arsenal can still be stocked full of supplies.
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Theda K. says...
Hi, although the infant drops are gone, the medications are still available. Just talk to a doctor to get the proper dosing for your child’s weight.
Science-mom says...
Some cold rubs, including Vicks, contain camphor which has been linked to serious side effects in children.
http://blogs.babiesonline.com/2008/01/22/warning-against-camphor-intoxication/
Saline spray seems to work well, according to a recent study:
http://blogs.babiesonline.com/2008/02/17/seawater-nasal-sprays-against-cold/
Muchtodo says...
I was wondering why anyone felt the need to WARN anyone about the Camphor that is in Vicks Vapor Rub! Vicks contains 4.8% Camphor which is not a high enough level to cause harm to children, unless you plan on feeding them the Vicks. Vicks could irratate the airways of small children and infants if used too liberally, but it certainly will not poison them.
Vicks Vapor Rub has been around for over 100 years and to this point no deaths have attributed to the product. Used as instructed and with common sense there is no problem with Vicks Vapor Rub. You can always check with your Pedatrician if you have a question about using. There is really enough to worry about out there.