It's usually their way of telling you they need something, rather than being ill. You'll probably soon get to know what the different cries mean, such as whether they're hungry or need a cuddle. In general, babies who are seriously ill are more likely to whimper and moan than to cry loudly.
Babies tend to cry a lot at the best of times, but when they are affected by annoying and uncomfortable conditions like a common cold, they'll cry even more. Crying is simply a baby's way of trying to tell you something, for example that they are hungry or uncomfortable.
Symptoms of a Cold
Most children have a fever at the start. At times, the child may also have a cough and hoarse voice. Sometimes, watery eyes and swollen lymph nodes in the neck also occur.
They aren't very good at breathing through their mouth yet. They don't know how to sniff or blow their nose. When your baby's nose is stuffy, they will act uncomfortable. Your baby may be fussy and have trouble feeding and sleeping.
If your baby has a cold with no complications, it should resolve within 10 to 14 days. Most colds are simply a nuisance. But it's important to take your baby's signs and symptoms seriously. If symptoms don't improve or if they worsen, it's time to talk to your doctor.
Watery eyes are also common in respiratory illnesses such as cold, flu, and the coronavirus. When we have an infection in the body, white blood cells are mobilised to fight the bug. These extra white blood cells can inflame the blood vessels in the eye, which causes the eye ducts to clog, bringing tears.
When your child has a cold, the mucus from the nose and sinuses can drain down the throat and trigger a cough during sleep. This is only a problem if the cough won't let your child sleep. Asthma also can trigger nighttime coughs because the airways tend to be more sensitive and irritable at night.
Is it dangerous for a baby to sleep with a blocked nose? While it might be comfortable for your baby to sleep with a congested nose, it's considered safe for most children.
Breastfed babies tend to get fewer colds and recover faster with less severe symptoms. Breastmilk is chock full of powerful chemicals called antibodies.
If your child has had a cough that's lasted longer than 3 weeks, see a GP. If your child's temperature is very high, or they feel hot and shivery, they may have a chest infection. You should take them to a GP, or you can call 111.
Most cases are mild, but for some children, an ordinary cold or flu can quickly turn into respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), asthma or pneumonia that requires ER treatment or hospitalization.
Stuffy noses and coughs often make it tough for babies to get a good night's sleep. Not only are they uncomfortable but, if a congested baby needs a pacifier to sleep, stuffiness makes that much more difficult.
Babies need to be comfortably warm. If they are just starting to get too warm or too cold they will often get fussy. Keep baby nearby to parents and caregivers, so they may respond and check on baby if baby becomes fussy.
Research shows that the immune system follows a circadian rhythm and that the cells involved in healing and inflammation tend to rev up in the evening. Some evidence suggests that more white blood cells (WBCs) are sent to your tissues to fight off infection during the night compared to the day.
The flu and common cold can make you feel sad because some of the symptoms mimic those of depression. Cope with a mood-boosting activity, like getting sunlight or listening to music. If symptoms and sadness persist, talk with your doctor as it may be post-viral syndrome or post-viral depression.
Most colds go away on their own within seven to 10 days and don't turn into anything more serious. Common cold treatment includes over-the-counter (OTC) medications to help reduce your symptoms and keep you comfortable until you recover.
The best default position for your baby to be in when they have a cold is upright. This helps for congestion to clear and for breathing to become easier. And, most importantly, it helps them get that vital rest they need so much. To achieve this, consider wearing your baby on your chest while they nap.
Colds don't need to be treated. They usually go away on their own after a few days. Antibiotics won't work because they kill bacteria, and in this case, viruses are to blame. You'll naturally want to calm your baby's symptoms.
Medical experts believe that when babies use pacifiers while dealing with a stuffy nose, it causes a damaging pressure in the tube between the nose and the ear, increasing the risk of ear infection.
This is so common there is actually a medical term for it, "nasal congestion of the newborn." Babies have tiny little nasal passages and can sound very congested in the first few weeks of life. They are also "obligate nose breathers," which means they only know how to breathe out of their mouths when they are crying.
Baby nasal congestion or baby “stuffy nose” is typically caused by anything that inflames the nasal tissues - usually a cold, influenza, sinusitis, or allergies. Overall, baby congestion is just extremely annoying and nothing to worry about, but it can really affect sleep and eating habits.