Baby’s first year: how to prepare for and prevent illnesses

Even if babies are born with their parents' immunity to illness, that doesn't completely protect them against the multiple viruses that cause infections like the common cold. However, colds aren't always bad news, as it helps them build their immunity. So, what does a baby's cold look like? To start, there are three stages.

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First three days -

During the first three days, when your child is contagious, they'll have a slightly decreased appetite and run a fever. During this stage, the mucus is clear and thin and runs constantly. If they're under three months, call your pediatrician.

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The middle -

During the middle phase of a cold, the fever usually goes away, and your baby may eat better. The mucus will thicken a bit and may turn light yellow. They may then develop a cough.

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Final three days -

A baby's cold may last around nine days. In the final three days, the mucus thickens even more and becomes crusty. Babies will generally be eating well and resume to normal.

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How to prevent a cold in babies -

While colds are generally not severe, many parents do worry about it developing into something more serious.

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How to prevent a cold in babies -

And while you can't always prevent viral infections, there are ways to lessen the chances that your baby will get seriously sick.

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Mind the company -

Ask guests who have been sick to not visit until they no longer have symptoms, and have been fever-free for at least 24 hours. When it comes to older kids, don't let them touch the baby, especially near places like their face and hands.

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Wash your hands often -

A lot of germs are carried on your hands. Make sure to scrub them for at least 20 seconds every time you've been out, use the bathroom, eat, or change a diaper.

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Keep your baby well-nourished -

Research shows that serious cold and ear and throat infections are reduced by 63% in babies who breastfeed exclusively for six months. But if you don't breastfeed, make sure to keep your baby hydrated and well-fed.

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Use a hand sanitizer -

If you can't wash your hands with soap and water, remember to keep alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you. Ask others to use it before touching your baby. It will cut down the number of germs your child comes into contact with.

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Use disposable tissues -

Throwing away tissues helps to reduce the risk of infections on surfaces. Use a new tissue each time you need to wipe your baby’s nose or eyes. Also, don't use the same tissue on different parts of their face, to avoid infection spreading.

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Keep your baby close -

When you're out, stay six feet (two meters) from anyone showing signs of illness, like coughing or sneezing. Consider keeping your baby close to you, in a carrier or in a stroller with a light, breathable blanket covering them.

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Don't delay or skip any of your baby's vaccines -

Following the vaccine schedule is the best way to prevent illnesses like measles, meningitis, and chicken pox. Remember: it's safe to give so many shots close together.

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Get your shots, too -

Parents and parents-to-be should get the flu and pertussis vaccines. Also, getting the flu shot when pregnant passes antibodies on to your fetus, which should last for about six months.

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Avoid public places for a while -

Depending on the weather, going outside for some fresh air is good for both you and your baby. But going out in public where a lot of other people and germs are is a different story. Pediatricians recommend keeping your infant away from crowds for at least the first couple of months of life.

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Stock up on your medicine -

It’s a good idea to stock your medicine cabinet in advance to cover common illnesses. For example, make sure you have a thermometer, colic medication, teething gel, liquid pain medication for babies, and a cream for rashes.

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Don't bath them too often -

If the diaper area is properly cleaned during diaper changes, babies only need a bath three times a week. Frequent baths can result in dry, itchy skin, which allows easier access for germs.

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Disinfect surfaces -

Germs can live for hours on surfaces, so make sure to often disinfect doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. When you're out, keep a package of sanitizing wipes in your diaper bag.

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Take precautions at the pediatrician's office -

The truth is that waiting rooms are full of germs. Consider requesting the first or last slot of the day, when you're less likely to be met with a bunch of coughing kids.

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Boost your immunity -

It's hard to rest when you have a newborn waking up every two hours. But do what you can to get some shut-eye, even if that means napping for 20 minutes. Also, make sure you eat well in order to fight off illnesses you could pass on to your little one.

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Go smoke-free -

We all know that smoking is bad for the health of the smoker and those around them. If your baby is at a higher risk of infection, quitting smoking will help reduce their risk of illness and ease their symptoms.

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Careful with pets -

Infants are at increased risk of getting diseases from animals because their hands, toys, or pacifiers may touch contaminated surfaces with feces. Parents should always wash their hands after touching pets.

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When to call the doctor -

It's important to get professional help when needed. Whether your baby has a cold or another illness, there are certain scenarios where you should call your pediatrician.

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When they don't react much -

You need to contact your pediatrician if your baby is listless, not reacting to you, has poor color, or if you feel something isn't right.

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They're crying more than usual -

Babies communicate their discomfort by crying. But if your baby is crying more than usual, tugging on their ears, refusing the breast or bottle, seek medical help.

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Excessive coughing -

Coughing is a normal stage towards the end of a cold. But if their cough is worsening or your baby is having difficulty breathing, don't hesitate to seek help.

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High fever -

Pay attention if your infant has the flu, especially if they have a high fever and a cough that persists for more than three days.

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If they're under three months old -

Call your pediatrician immediately if your infant is under three months old and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or greater.

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If your baby is over three months old -

If your infant is older than three months, seek help if they have a high fever for more than five days, a worsening cough, chest pain, or headache.

Sources: (Parents.com) (Verywell Health)

Baby’s first year: how to prepare for and prevent illnesses

Get ready for your baby's first flu season with these tips

09/04/24 | StarsInsider

HEALTH Parenting

Babies, especially in their first few months of life, may get very sick from otherwise minor illnesses like colds and the flu. This is because they don't have the antibodies to fight most infections, making them more likely than older kids and adults to get sick. For this reason, it's important that parents do what they can to protect their infants from unnecessary exposure.