So how does having a cold affect your baby's sleep?
Well, its's your baby's first cold and his nose is stuffy and bunged up, he can't feed properly (especially when he’s breastfed and his little nose is pressed up against your breast!)
This means your baby is very likely to be hungry and will wake more often in the night to feed. And this new night-time waking pattern could well become a habit – long after the cold is gone.
Even daytime naps are affected as your baby may be grizzly and can't settle if his little nose is stuffy and blocked. So to help settle him, you end up holding him upright against your chest which might well help in the short term – but not when that is the only place your baby will sleep!
And what happens next? Everyone in the house is tired and irritable...
When babies have a blocked or runny nose I always recommend the 4little1 Baby nose-clear products as these can be used right from birth to clear little noses. The nasal aspirator has won awards and it’s easy to see why as it lets you physically suction the nose to clear the baby’s airways. .. ideal before a feed, either breast or bottle.
At bedtime, I would always recommend the Baby nose-clear bedtime routine to help babies sleep better. The 4little1 products are a must for any nursery and as they are all made from natural ingredients, you can rest assured that you are doing everything you can to help your baby’s wellbeing.
Other Tips:
Make sure your baby's room is at a comfortable temperature, warm but not too hot. Add moisture to the air to ease breathing. Simply place a damp towel or hankie over a radiator or place a bowl of warm water in the room. You can also use a humidifier.
You can then add a few drops of Baby nose-clear Room Vapour to help ease breathing. There are a number of other brands that can be used in a similar way but check the directions as very young babies should not be exposed to some eucalyptus and menthol oils until they are three months old. Baby nose-clear Room Vapour is suitable from birth.
Using a vaporiser or humidifier can moisten the air to loosen congestion and make the throat feel better. A vaporiser works by heating water until it turns into hot steam and a humidifier creates a cool mist. Aim the mist away from your baby's crib to keep the bedding from becoming damp. Ensure you keep your device clean to prevent the build-up of germs.
Raise one end of the cot, as sleeping at an incline helps the mucus run out of the nose rather than down the back of the throat. Either put a couple of towels under the mattress at the head of the cot or some books under the feet of the cot to raise it by around three inches. Don’t put a pillow in the crib or cot. Alternatively some mums have had success with letting their baby sleep in a car seat whilst the symptoms are at their most severe.
Sweet dreams and I hope your little one is feeling better soon.
