My daughter's first bad cold
Ana Isabel has been an incredibly healthy child. She's had one bout of the sniffles with a runny nose before last week.
We figure since Carrie Ann works from home and watches Ana, my daughter, now two and half, has had limited exposure to other children and germs. So she has been able to avoid a bad cold, up until now.
And now with all the news about cold and cough medicine not being good for you child, I'm not sure what we should do to try and relieve her symptoms. I suggested taking Ana to the doctor. But my wife says that while Ana has a cold she's mostly in good spirits. So a doctors visit may be premature at this point, since we'd rather not start dosing Ana with antibiotics just yet.
She had a slight fever the other day, nothing serious. We gave her Motrin for that and it seemed to work.
I just wonder what else we can do besides trying to find some contraband cough and cold medicine that was taken off the shelves for children. I figure if Ana's cold gets worse or is not getting better by next week, we're off to the pediatrician.
Meanwhile, what works for a stuffy head, cough and runny nose so that Ana can sleep through the night.
Comments
I feel for you! A sick toddler is the worst. I have to say I'm really stunned that they're taking this stuff off the market for toddlers. Infants, yes, it does nothing. But my son, who is a little over 2, has been in daycare since 6 months and has had numerous colds. The children's cough syrup has been a lifesaver. My doctor has even, at times, given us a prescription for something a little stronger. For them to say it does nothing just floors me.
If it were me, I'd take her to the doctor. Antibiotics aren't the only reason to go. Other things that work - a humidifier in the room while she sleeps; elevate her head while she sleeps; give her motrin even if no fever - she might be feeling achy but have no way to tell you or it could help her sleep a little easier for naps, etc; popsicles if you think she has a sore throat; steam up the bathroom and bring her in to loosen congestion. And the final thing, just let it run its course....sick babies are so hard. I sympahtize!
Posted by: Amy | January 17, 2008 10:00 PM
Luis, what about Vicks on her chest at night? That has seemed to work a bit for my boys. Don't forget a humidifier. Medicine does not work, and you're right to try to avoid antibiotics.
Posted by: Nancy Othon | January 18, 2008 4:18 PM