Senior Care News

A Little TLC for Colds and Flu – Try These Techniques to Bring Some Relief

Pediatric Home Health Care near Plainview, NY

The first instinct for a parent when baby is feeling sick is to give comfort – hugs, favorite stuffed animal, warm blanket, something to drink. You may even have a few favorite simple home remedies for colds and flu that have been passed down in your family. If your child is under 4 years old, don’t give over the counter cough and cold remedies. For children between age 4 and 6 it’s best to talk to your doctor first.

When your child with fragile health due to other medical challenges becomes sick with a cold or flu, then you have more to be concerned about. Always consult with the doctor if you have worries or concerns.

Pediatric home health care is here to help you out. A caregiver nurse can look after the medical needs of your child and make sure they are cared for when you can’t be there.

Sick babies need lots of rest, and so do you. Runny noses and coughing can keep the entire family awake. Here are some techniques you can use to bring some relief to your sick baby:

Using a humidifier – a cool mist vaporizer in the baby’s bedroom provides needed moisture. This helps keep his nasal passages from drying out and can really help to reduce the coughing that happens at night. The vaporizer or humidifier should be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid the growth of mold.

Raise the baby’s head – lying flat worsens a cough. You can roll up a towel and place it under the top of the mattress. According to Wendy Sue Swanson, MD, pediatrician and spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, “This keeps the mucus draining in the right direction and helps ease coughing.”

Give plenty of fluids – just like adults, babies need lots of liquids when they are sick. It helps in thinning out the mucus and makes it easier to clear out of sinuses and nasal passages. When less than 6 months old, breast milk and formula are the best choices. For older babies, they can also have water and real fruit juice.

Help ease coughing – older babies can be given small amounts of warm clear fluids to help ease a cough. You can try 1-3 teaspoons of apple juice or water warmed up and offer it 4 times daily. For coughing spasms, sit with your baby in a steamy bathroom.

Lots of love – when baby doesn’t feel good, he wants to be held and comforted. This will help both of you feel better because he will probably sleep better in an upright position over your shoulder. You can get a comfy spot in the living room and relax while watching a favorite movie.

If you or an aging loved one are in need of Pediatric Home Health care services near Plainview, NY or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Star Multi Care Services today at (631)956-8835. We are the Right Choice for Home Health Care Services!

Providing Services to Floral Park, Great Neck, Manhasset, Rockville Center, Plainview, Huntington, Massapequa, Dix Hills, Northport, and Stonybrook

Stephen Sternbach

Recent Posts

Categories

Contact Us About Home Care

Skip to content