We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Last Updated on June 22, 2021 by Samantha Flores
Having a cold at any time of the year is tough. However, when your baby has a cold, now that is a different story! Suddenly, you’re willing to pray to anyone who can give you the sickness instead so that their suffering ends. You’re also willing to try all remedies for babies to help your little one feel better faster.
Recently, my 10-month-old son had back-to-back colds and when I tell you I was exhausted, I truly meant EXHAUSTED.
It started out with just teething symptoms like extra drool and extra snot plus the fussiness of the discomfort. Then it escalated to slight fevers, more discomfort, not sleeping, a nasty cough, and trips to the doctor to determine that he had a cold.
He ended up getting a cold on top of another cold. Let me tell you, when you work full-time and you’re not getting much sleep, it makes for some really, REALLY tough weeks.
With my recent experience with my baby battling colds, I thought I’d share some remedies that we used to help him with his cold. Below is a list of suggestions for remedies to use with a baby’s cold. **These remedies worked for my family and are only suggestions. These are not to be used in lieu of seeking medical attention.**
9 Remedies for Babies with a Cold
1. NoseFrida
I caught a lot of flak from others when I put the NoseFrida on my baby registry because of the concept of the device. Basically, you suck the snot out of your baby’s nose using this device.
And no, the boogies never make it up the tube and into your mouth, contrary to popular belief.
My baby was having difficulty breathing and breastfeeding due to the constant drainage of his nose. Thankfully, I had a NoseFrida! Even if it only provided temporary relief, it was relief nonetheless. At that point, I was grateful that he was able to eat.
The best time that we chose to use the NoseFrida was right after his evening bath. The warm water softened up the mucus which made it easier to remove.
Additionally, it was right before bedtime. This meant there was a chance of a couple of hours of sleep before the boogies built back up again.
2. Little Remedies Saline
In addition to the NoseFrida, the saline drops worked to break up the mucus that built up in my son’s poor nose. If you use the saline with the NoseFrida then you are helping out your baby even more!
The natural saline drops are also safe to use on newborns. When reading the product description, this product is safe to use as needed to help baby’s nose. There are no drugs used in the product. You better believe I had a stock pile of this stuff on hand!
3. Humidifier
When I took my son to see his pediatrician for his cold, his doctor recommended we invest in a humidifier. The humidifier helps keep moisture in the air. This in turn helps baby to breathe better at night. Consequently, it helped him to stop coughing so much while he tried to sleep.
As soon as we left that doctor appointment, I purchased a humidifier. We saw a noticeable difference in his quality of sleep the very same night that we began using it.
The humidifier is easy to use. We made sure to get one that had an auto-shut off so that when the water ran out, the humidifier turned off by itself. One less thing that I needed to worry about!
4. Boogie Wipes
When you’re constantly wiping the running boogies from your baby’s nose and face with tissue, there can be some really painful after effects. Raw skin and crusty boogies that linger can become uncomfortable for your little one.
My son would scream at the sight of a tissue coming towards his face. You could tell the tissues were starting to cause irritation around his face from all the wiping.
Using Boogie Wipes was a game changer! Boogie Wipes are moist wipes that have natural saline in them. This helps make those crusty boogies soft so that you can get them out. Also, they are soft on baby’s skin so no more irritated, raw skin on his nose or face. Plus, they smell great!
I won’t say that my son completely stopped screaming when he saw the wipes coming towards his face because I would be lying. However, these wipes were at least effective in getting the job done compared to just regular tissue.
5. Vicks VapoRub Ointment on Feet
This tip sounded weird to me. However, since my mother recommended it to me, I figured she knew what she was talking about. After giving my son a bath, we lathered up both of his feet with some Vicks. Then we put socks on his feet to help seal it together for a longer lasting effect.
Vicks helps to clear up the sinuses and this was evident when we started putting some on his feet at night.
6. Essential Oil Diffuser
Humidifiers are supposed to be used with water only and nothing else. Therefore, we used a diffuser for the bedroom and added in some eucalyptus essential oil to it. Eucalyptus is recommended to use for aches in muscles as well as for sinus relief.
Typically, products like Vicks or shower bombs have eucalyptus in them because of the relief it provides. When I’ve been sick, I would spend time in a eucalyptus steam room to open up everything and I felt better faster than if I hadn’t used it.
I wanted to create this kind of environment for my son. Therefore, I made sure the diffuser was ready to go at bedtime to help him breathe better which equaled better sleep!
7. Baby Thermometer
Another baby registry must have! You never know when you will need a baby thermometer. Therefore, it is always best to have one on hand from the very beginning.
When my son was first born, we used the thermometer to see what his normal temperature range was. That way, when he did get sick, we knew for reference what a fever was considered for him. Some babies just run a little warmer than others. Knowing my son’s normal temperature helped us notice if a fever was on its way.
Not only is it good to record this information at the beginning, but knowing your baby’s temperature when consulting a doctor is good to have. That was always one of the first questions I was asked when making his appointments; “What is his temperature?”
The temperature lets medical professionals know the urgency of medical attention needed. This is why you always get your temperature taken as soon as you arrive for your own doctor’s visits.
8. Zarbee’s Naturals Baby Cough Syrup
This natural cough syrup is great to use for baby. I asked my son’s pediatrician about it and she said there wasn’t much else out there we could use that would be safe other than Zarbee’s.
It really works to suppress the coughing with mucus relief. Best of all, my son loves taking it so apparently it has a great taste. I’m not one of those moms who tastes or tries my baby’s stuff so I’ll take his reaction for face value!
9. Coffee for Mama
The most important remedy of all: coffee, coffee, COFFEE for Mama! Keeping your little one happy while sick is no easy task and taking care of your own needs while trying to take care of your baby is next to impossible.
Most nights with a sick baby means lack of sleep or interrupted sleep so coffee is your best friend. My very thoughtful co-worker saw me one morning and just knew it had been a rough night. The next thing I knew, she had brought me an extra coffee to help get me through my day. At that point, I had considered hooking up a caffeine IV drip to myself!
In the End…
The best remedies for babies always include lots of love and snuggles. As hard as it is to get through the cold season, take comfort in knowing that you are the best remedy for baby’s healing. Sometimes all we need are extra hugs to make everything better. Make sure your supply of hugs and kisses is always stocked!
Which Remedies for Babies Have You Tried?
Each baby is different and some remedies won’t work for all babies. Have you found other remedies that were helpful to you when you had a sick baby? Which of these remedies for babies are you going to try? Help other parents learn of the best remedies for babies by sharing your experiences in the comments below!
Always,
Samantha <3
Pin It!
Puja
October 1, 2019 at 8:27 amVery helpful. Another thing that can be done is massage the baby feet with warm oil and put socks on.
Sanjota Purohit
September 30, 2019 at 9:51 pmWhen kids get sick it is very difficult for parents. You have got some of the great remedies here.
mainak biswas
September 29, 2019 at 2:26 pmTotally agree with you, especially the Humidifier.. it helps a lot !!
Sadia Munir
September 28, 2019 at 1:38 pmGreat ideas! I’ve tried a few of them.
bluebox2310
September 28, 2019 at 7:39 amGreat post! I will definitely share it with my friends who have children.
amandacroaff
September 28, 2019 at 2:35 amThis is super helpful for all the moms out there! I’m not a mom, but I will remember these tips. Thank you!
amandacroaff
September 28, 2019 at 2:34 amThis is super helpful for all the moms out there! I’m no
Glam2Greatness
September 27, 2019 at 12:49 pmVicks on the feet plus socks! It is effective. I also use Zarbees products.
Mariyam
September 27, 2019 at 5:34 amWinter is about to come and parents of little babies around us need these hacks to keep them warm. 🙂
Kimmy Mason
September 27, 2019 at 4:19 amThese are great tips, its so tough when your little one is sick, and tips like these are so helpful.
aisasami
September 26, 2019 at 4:28 pmWhat great tips to relieve a cold for a baby. So helpful for moms out there!
stephsocial.com
September 26, 2019 at 2:04 pmMy little one was always catching a cold! I used the boogie wipes and a warm bath! I also diffused some eucalyptus oil in her room!
trijit28613
September 26, 2019 at 6:42 amI am not married. But this blog will surely help my elder sister for her little 8 months old son.
Mum from Down Under
September 26, 2019 at 12:05 amGreat tips! Thanks for a great read!
jalenhamilton
September 25, 2019 at 6:05 pmAwesome post keep up your great work!
You, Me and Benny
September 25, 2019 at 5:46 pmI will definitely have to send this to my mom friends!
Sick Day Activities for Toddlers: 7 Ways to Entertain -
July 11, 2019 at 4:26 am[…] are little super humans; they get sick and nothing seems to phase them! They are still running at full steam ahead regardless of that […]
Budget Friendly Spring Activities with Children: Painting -
April 23, 2019 at 7:39 pm[…] 9 Remedies for Toddlers with a Cold […]
Budget Friendly Spring Activities with Children: Sensory Paint -
April 14, 2019 at 11:08 pm[…] 9 Remedies for Babies with a Cold […]
janna
January 30, 2019 at 7:05 pmnose frieda was a waste for us- it just didn’t do much. did use Vicks vapo rub and a humidifier religiously for my son!
Samantha Flores
January 30, 2019 at 9:19 pmSorry to hear it didn’t work for you guys.???? It’s been great for us! And the Vicks and humidifier are certainly a household favorite too! Thanks for reading!
Blythe Alpern
January 29, 2019 at 4:50 pmSo many great tools to help little ones with a cold, especially those boogie wipes. Trying to wipe baby noses is a huge challenge.
Samantha Flores
January 30, 2019 at 9:17 pmYes! Those boogie wipes work wonders.
geekydaddydave
January 29, 2019 at 2:05 amAs disgusting as the Nose Frida is (and it is disgusting), I can tell you from personal experience, it does work! I have to give that my endorsement.
Samantha Flores
January 29, 2019 at 5:51 amYes! It looks so gross, but has worked for us as well! Thanks for reading.
Gloria Grossi
November 17, 2018 at 12:06 pmThis is really informative. Mums have a look to learn from this post.
Samantha Flores
November 25, 2018 at 2:44 amThank you for reading, Gloria!
TheKitchenDoc
November 16, 2018 at 9:37 pmHumidifier definitely helps. And of course, coffee for mama and daddy..<3
Samantha Flores
November 17, 2018 at 5:27 amCoffee probably should have been #1 on the list haha.. thanks for reading!
Arriaga Adventures
November 15, 2018 at 8:26 pmWe used a very similar thing as a nose Frida. Works so well!
Samantha Flores
November 17, 2018 at 5:26 amIt totally does! I’m glad to hear others have found relief with the likes of a NoseFrida. Thanks for reading!
tpokornacz
November 15, 2018 at 8:05 amI have to send this post to my friend, her kid always has a cold
Good tips, not for me, cause I do not have kids, but for moms out there it can be helpful ????
Samantha Flores
November 17, 2018 at 5:24 amThanks for reading and sharing with others who could benefit from the advice!????
tennismom miami
November 14, 2018 at 6:21 pmNose Frida is awesome!!! It is great especially during the first year of the baby. Oh and coffee for mama is a MUST if you have a sick kid!
Samantha Flores
November 17, 2018 at 5:23 amI’m so glad you agree with me! Thanks for reading.????
Rel
November 14, 2018 at 6:16 amCoffee for momma is the best and most important!!! These are great advice. I will keep them in mind once the time comes ???? Vicks Vaporub is handy even for adults though. Love the smell of it!!! Thank you for sharing ????
Samantha Flores
November 17, 2018 at 5:22 amCoffee has gotten me through some really tough nights/days with my baby. Thanks for reading!????
Miranda
November 13, 2018 at 11:43 pmGreat info! Passing along to a friend!
Samantha Flores
November 17, 2018 at 5:21 amThanks for reading and sharing, Miranda!❤
Neil Alvin Nicerio
November 13, 2018 at 10:36 pmWow. Very informative article. Thank you so much for sharing these. Would surely try one out in case my daughter catches a cold.
Samantha Flores
November 17, 2018 at 5:20 amThanks for reading, Neil! I hope your daughter has healthy days ahead of her.❤
halfpintpartydesign
November 13, 2018 at 10:10 pmI used ALL of these things. The NoseFrida wounds disgusting but works SO well. We have a humidifier running all the time and I definitely use EO when they need an extra boost. Thank you for this great advice!
Samantha Flores
November 17, 2018 at 5:19 amThank you for reading! I’m glad to hear others have had success with the same methods I’ve used.
Ben Chaulet
November 13, 2018 at 7:35 pmI saw some infos that baby’s wipes are extremely bad for kids since it wash-up the natural oil of the skin. But interesting list indeed!
Ben – http://www.nutrition-newage.com
Samantha Flores
November 17, 2018 at 5:18 amThanks for reading!
Aakanksha
November 13, 2018 at 4:55 pmIn such cases, I usually use some ayurvedic medicine but this is a great list as well.
Samantha Flores
November 17, 2018 at 5:17 amGreat tip!???? Thanks for reading.
Jill Nagle
November 13, 2018 at 4:39 pmAhh, wish I had had this when my little one was still little!
Samantha Flores
November 17, 2018 at 5:16 amThanks for reading, Jill!❤
Courtney Bouchard
November 13, 2018 at 4:05 pmI’ve used everything on your list besides the Nose Frida on my babes. I always wanted to try it haha. But this is an awesome list, and I totally agree these make a babies cold a little easier. Especially the coffee haha!
Samantha Flores
November 17, 2018 at 5:16 amThe coffee is key to survival of the cold haha.. thanks for reading, Courtney!❤
Tina Basu
November 12, 2018 at 10:21 amThese are very god ideas. I always keep vapourubs and saline sprays handy.
Samantha Flores
November 17, 2018 at 5:15 amIt’s always good to have a stock pile just in case!
New Coupon Diva
November 12, 2018 at 6:46 amThese are all very awesome tips, another thing you can do in terms of massaging the feet, is to use 1 to 2 drops of Oregano oil in a carrier oil to massage onto the soles of feet and the spine. This can be used on babies 3 + months old. Feel free to do a little research, but, it is definitely an effective and perfect alternative to a chemical based product.
Samantha Flores
November 17, 2018 at 5:14 amAwesome advice! Thank you so much, New Coupon Diva. I did not know this, but I’m grateful you shared.❤
With Love Moni
November 11, 2018 at 6:25 pmThin the mucus. Your baby’s doctor may recommend saline nose drops to loosen thick nasal mucus. …
Samantha Flores
November 11, 2018 at 6:34 pmYes, saline drops were part of the recommendations listed as I saw huge relief with my son when using them.
Andrea Warren
November 11, 2018 at 6:24 pmThis is a wonderful list! I second the essential oil diffuser it has helped my kiddos and me when we have been hit with colds
Samantha Flores
November 11, 2018 at 6:33 pmThank you for reading, Andrea! I’m glad to know essential oils have helped other families as well.
Mary
November 11, 2018 at 5:27 pmI’ve always had the hardest time figuring out if my baby is teething or really sick.
Samantha Flores
November 11, 2018 at 6:32 pmI struggle with this as well! It’s so hard especially in that first year when everything is changing/growing so fast in their little bodies.
Renee Theresa
September 25, 2019 at 6:24 pmI’m a pharmacist and I totally agree with everything you said here. There’s not a lot you can do for kids with cold except for what you listed here
Adventures with Shelby
October 1, 2019 at 2:49 amThese are good to know!
Alysa Kelley
November 11, 2018 at 5:19 pmPerfect love this especially since its cold season so helpful !
Samantha Flores
November 11, 2018 at 6:31 pmThank you for reading, Alysa!
Holistic Fish
November 11, 2018 at 5:09 pmNice ideas! I don’t have kids yet but should I be trusted to look after one ever I feel like I have some great resources here..thanks!
Samantha Flores
November 11, 2018 at 6:30 pmThank you for reading! I hope this is handy in your future.