Sick Baby, Sad Mama - Tips to help them out

Lowe is in daycare, so he is perpetually sick.  They are mostly pretty harmless colds, but the stomach bugs are the worst.  One night I just stripped us both down and got in the bath tub for him to vomit on me.  It was not my favorite day as a mother, but it was all I could do to prevent him from getting it all over the nursery.  He also just wanted to be held, so I felt that I was at least making him feel a little better.  The love of a parent really is amazing.  I just held him and was so sad for him.  It didn't make me sick too (well, until a few days later), which is amazing.  I have a very weak stomach.  Here are some ideas for helping the little ones out when they are feeling blue. 

RUNNY/STUFFY NOSE:
The nose frieda is amazing.  If you can get past the fact you are literally sucking snot out of your baby's nose, trust me - it works and is much more gentle than a bulb syringe.  This is very helpful in getting them to be able to sleep with little colds.  http://www.fridababy.com/shop/nosefrida/



HELPING SLEEP WITH COLDS:
Prop the crib up with some hardbound books that are of equal height.  This helps with drainage during the night.  Put Baby Vick's vapor rub on the soles of their feet and chest before bed.  Run a humidifier during the night.  For some reason, the Vick's really helps with coughing and stuffy nose.  Saline nose spray is also a big help. 

It is very important to keep the babies hydrated when they are sick.  Feed them bottles of formula or breastmilk in smaller doses more frequently.  Also, sometimes when babies cough it can cause them to spitup or vomit their milk back up.  If you give them smaller amounts of food (both fluid and baby food) more frequently, it helps keep it down. 

The good news is that cold season is moving past us now!  Be well!

DISCLAIMER: This is not intended to be a replacement for your physician's examination or advice.  It is simply at-home remedies that have worked for me.  Always consult your pediatrian.