A baby’s cough can be concerning, especially at night when it can disrupt their sleep. However, there are a number of things you can do to help your baby feel better and get some rest.
Here are some tips:
- Elevate your baby’s head. This can help to reduce drainage and make it easier for your baby to breathe. Place an extra pillow under your baby’s head or use a wedge pillow.
- Use a humidifier. A humidifier can add moisture to the air, which can help to loosen mucus and make it easier for your baby to breathe. You can use a cool-mist humidifier or a warm-mist humidifier.
- Suction your baby’s nose. If your baby has a stuffy nose, suction it out with a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator. This will help to clear the airways and make it easier for your baby to breathe.
- Give your baby warm fluids. Warm fluids, such as breast milk, formula, or water, can help to loosen mucus and make it easier for your baby to cough it up.
- Soothe your baby’s throat. A warm bath or shower can help to soothe your baby’s throat and loosen mucus. You can also give your baby a warm compress to place on their throat.
- Use over-the-counter medications. Over-the-counter medications, such as saline nasal drops and saline nasal spray, can help to clear your baby’s nose. You can also give your baby over-the-counter cough and cold medications, but be sure to talk to your doctor first.
Here are some additional tips that may help your baby’s cough at night:
- Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. Smoking can irritate your baby’s throat and make their cough worse.
- Keep your baby’s room cool and humid. A cool, humid environment can help to loosen mucus and make it easier for your baby to breathe.
- Get your baby vaccinated. The flu vaccine can help to protect your baby from the flu, which can cause a cough.
- Manage stress. Stress can weaken your baby’s immune system and make them more susceptible to infection. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and spending time with loved ones.
If you have tried these home remedies and your baby’s cough is still bothersome, you may need to see a doctor. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help relieve your baby’s symptoms and treat the underlying cause of their cough.
Here are some signs that you may need to take your baby to the doctor for their cough:
- Your baby’s cough is severe or does not improve after a few days.
- Your baby has other symptoms, such as fever, shortness of breath, or wheezing.
- Your baby is under 3 months old.
- Your baby has a chronic medical condition, such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.
If you have any concerns about your baby’s cough, be sure to talk to your doctor.
