How to treat colds in children under 2 years old?

The treatment of colds in children under 2 years of age is of particular importance in many ways because this age is a sensitive age and any mistake in diagnosing the disease and taking medications may have irreparable consequences. On the other hand, children under 2 years old are not allowed to take many drugs. Therefore, not consuming cold syrups arbitrarily becomes more necessary. Infant cold syrup is contraindicated in children under 24 months of age without a doctor’s prescription. By reading this article, you will learn more about how colds should be treated in children under 2 years old.

Symptoms of colds in children under 2 years

Babies with colds may have excessive nasal discharge that changes to yellow or green over time. This symptom does not necessarily mean that the disease is getting worse, but the natural course of the common cold. Other symptoms of the common cold in children under 2 years of age are as follows:

• Sneeze
• cough
• Unrest and restlessness
• Red eyes
• Decreased appetite
• Sleep disturbance
• Nutritional problems (eg breastfeeding) due to nasal congestion
• Mild fever

Newborns and children under 2 years of age should have a pediatrician for further testing if they have a fever above 38 ° C, as they may have a more dangerous infection than the common cold.

Treatment of colds in children under 2 years

In many cases, children’s colds can be treated at home with home remedies. Colds are a viral illness and are often treated without the need for antibiotics. From birth to 2 years of age, the baby’s immune system is evolving and will eventually be able to better protect itself against pathogens. Doctors do not allow many over-the-counter cold medicines for children under 2 years of age and believe that these medicines may cause serious side effects. Home remedies for treating colds in children under 2 years old include the following:

Home treatment of colds in children under 2 years

Pediatricians recommend a variety of home remedies for children under 2 years of age:

Consume more fluids

As the baby’s body struggles with colds, fever and mucus, which are secreted more often, consume more vital fluids and electrolytes for the body. As a result, the body needs more fluids, especially water. Therefore, parents should try to keep their child hydrated and give him enough water and milk. If the child is old enough to drink fruit juices, using juices such as orange juice can also be very helpful.

Cleaning the baby’s nasal passages

The inability to breathe easily will be very difficult for a child under 2 years old. Colds are usually accompanied by nasal congestion and increased nasal discharge. In these cases, you can use a nasal drop that is suitable for the child, as well as a fin holder and open the child’s nasal passage for better breathing. Treating colds in children under 2 years old is often very simple, you just need to have good information in this field or get help from a doctor to get information.

Use the fumigator

Everyone who has a baby at home is usually advised to have a cold fumigator to help keep the air moist. Using a fumigator, especially when you have a cold, will help your baby breathe better and relieve nasal congestion.

Bath with hot water

Most people believe that you should not take your baby to the bathroom when he has a cold. But if you take some principles seriously, there will be no problem. Keep the baby steamed for 10 to 15 minutes. In this way, the mucus in the nasal passages relaxes and leaves the body more easily. The water should not be so hot as to burn the baby or make breathing more difficult. After taking the baby out of the bath, be sure to dry him well and cover him with warm clothes so that the cold does not get worse.

Get enough rest

One of the most important tips for treating colds in children under 2 years old is enough rest. When your child has a cold, do not take him or her to parties or public places to prevent the transmission of the disease to others and to reduce the duration of the common cold with more rest. Even adults will recover later in the cold if they do not get enough rest.

When should we take a child under 2 years old to the doctor because of a cold?

Your baby’s immune system needs time to develop and become stronger. If your child only has a simple cold, he or she should eventually recover within 10 to 14 days. Most colds, although annoying, are generally considered harmless. The most important thing to consider as a parent is to monitor your child’s cold symptoms, and if they do not improve after this time, be sure to see your pediatrician.

If your child is under 3 months old, it is best to see a doctor immediately as soon as they notice the first symptoms. If your child is 3 months old or older, see your doctor if:

• As always, he does not wet his diaper
• Has a fever of more than 38 degrees Celsius
• He seems to be listening
• He is very restless and restless
• His eyes are red or have a yellow and green discharge
• Has trouble breathing and wheezing
• He is constantly coughing
• His nasal discharge is thick and green or yellow

Also, if you do not eat as usual for a few days or have unusual crying, see a pediatrician as soon as possible.

Important points about treating colds in children under 2 years old

If your child has the following symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible:

• Refrains from breastfeeding and consuming all fluids
• He coughs so much that it causes vomiting or discoloration of the skin
• He has a bloody cough
• Has respiratory problems
• Unusually low energy and drowsy

Prevention of colds in children under 2 years

Viruses that cause colds can be transmitted through the air or through contact with an infected person. Of course, a person who carries the virus may not show any symptoms. There are several factors that increase a baby’s risk of catching a cold, such as contact with children or adults with a cold, and contact with people who smoke. In order to prevent colds in infants, pay attention to the following points:

• Wash hands regularly by people in contact with the child
• Avoid contact with people who have a cold
• Absence from public centers
• Regular cleaning of toys
• Clean surfaces

Breastfed babies have a stronger immune system and are less likely to catch colds than those who are formula-fed.

last word

The treatment of colds in children under 2 years of age should be done with special caution because at this age children are not allowed to consume all cold syrups and medicines. In most cases, home remedies for colds in infants and young children can be easily relieved, but if the symptoms become more severe, the child should be taken to a doctor as soon as possible.