How To Prevent Common Cold In Babies

It is very painful for the parents to see their baby in any trouble. Since baby’s immune system is undeveloped they are very sensitive and can get common cold infection very easily.

In their first year, babies may develop common cold 5 to 6 times. Since there is no cure for common cold, prevention is regarded as the best measure to keep it away from your baby. Some useful tips on how to prevent common cold in babies are given below.

Colds are extremely contagious during the first 2-4 days after the emergence of the symptoms. Your baby can get infected by the cold virus on coming in direct contact with a person suffering from the common cold.

Hence, do not allow your baby to go into the room of the infected person. Always try to keep away your baby from the probable sources of cold viruses. If an infected person coughs or sneezes near your baby, he or she may also catch cold easily on breathing the air containing the virus.

You should avoid smoking in your baby’s room and should not allow others to smoke in your baby’s presence. This precaution is necessary because second hand smoke can make your baby more prone to illnesses.

Babies have the habit of touching their mouth and nose frequently. Viruses can be alive for 2-3 hours externally and can be found on the surface of your baby’s toys, bed, pillows, etc.

So when your baby touches these items and then touches his or her mouth and nose then he or she can fall prey to the common cold virus. Hence, you must keep your baby’s room clean. You should also keep your hands clean by washing them regularly.

You should avoid using the same utensils and towel of the person infected with common cold. You must keep your baby’s room warm particularly during the rainy season and should prevent your baby from any kind of contact with infections.

You should cover your baby’s mouth and nose when he/she coughs or sneezes. Do not allow your baby to sneeze or cough into his/her hands. This will help to prevent the spread of germs.

If you observe the early symptoms of cold in your baby, you can make use of some natural and herbal remedies for cold and keep him warm and comfortable. Do not stop breastfeeding your baby.