6 Month Old with a Cough.

I am kind of natural kind of mom. Taking my kids to the doctor is usually my last resort. For deep coughs try an onion pack. Slice an onion, warm it(be very careful not to get it too hot) and wrap it in a cloth. Make sure that all ends are folded in. Lay this pack on you baby's chest and then slide on his undershirt. Onions have great drawing abilities and this will help to break up his cough. Another remedy, is ravensara (essential oil)It is very safe for babies and children. You place one drop on each foot and massage gently. YOu can do this several times a day while he is sick and then lighten up as he gets better. I have tried this several times on my son and it works. You should be able to get some at a health store. Alsom liquid garlic (kyolic) It is very good and killing off virises and babies and children usually like it. Just give him a squirt twice a day. With home remedies the faster you can get taking care of the problem the better they work. But they do work! I have tried many times. Anyway good luck, I know how stressful it is when you little one is sick.

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Call his doctor, he should be able to tell you what to do.

Follow your gut. If he just has a cough and isn't struggling to breathe with no other serious symptoms, don't take him in. He will be fine. I paid a lot of $ to take my baby to the dr. on a trip b/c she wasn't nursing hardly at all and I was engorged and worried about how tired she was and a small fever. I got into the appt. and she suddenly smiles a big smile and b/c she still had a wet mouth and tears later, they said she is fine. I felt lame b/c deep down I felt she was okay, I was uncomfortable w/out a breast pump but they said if the baby will smile, she is fine. good luck.

At his age I wouldn't fool around...head for the ER if you have to. This time of year it could be RSV, which is not good. Better safe than sorry.

H1N1 presents with a dry cough and chills and fever. He would not be breathing very well. He would be VERY sick. I would watch and see. If you are heading back home in the next day or so then treat the symptoms and follow up with his doctor on Monday providing he does not get any worse before then. Steam, baby vicks rub, extra fluids and some extra TLC. If he isn't fevered or in pain, hold off on the tylenol, it does nothing for a cough anyway.

If the cough is his only symptom you can probably wait and see. But if he develops fever or any other flu symptoms, or if he seems at all short of breath, take him in right away. I do know that most urgent care facilities are taking precautions to avoid spreading the flu. People who come in with flu-like symptoms are given a mask to wear, and there is extra use of hand-sanitizer etc.

I would also suggest calling your pediatrician. Even if you're out of town, the doc on call should be able to give you more advice on what to do.

If I were you, I would not take him in. Chances are, if he has a normal, healthy immune system, he will fight whatever he has just fine. In thinking of my own kids, I would just watch them for other symptoms and avoid exposing them to other stuff going around at the hospital/urgent care facilities. To loosen the cough, go into the bathroom with him and turn the shower on hot water. Sitting in the steam for a few minutes will help to loosen things up. Also, being positive helps! Give him positive thoughts of being healthy, encouraging his immune system to fight! Good luck!

deep breath,
watch for a fever and do what you can to keep it down. also encourage fluids. watch how active your baby is. if he's sick it's naturally going to be less than normal, but less than lethargic is worrysome. also, listen to the cough, if it sounds like a seal barking take him to the first clinic/hospital ER you see. my son got croup at a year and it was the scariest experience of motherhood i've ever had. watch his fingernails and lips, it they turn a bluish color he's not getting enough oxyen. if his fever gets higher or doesn't respond to the tylenol take him to the doc. i hope this helps

Did you give him Tylenol because he had a fever? I may be too late in advising you, but if possible, try to hold off on any other meds until you can get the advice of a nurse. Most local hospitals have a nurse advice line you can access to get professional advice on where to go from this point. Please be very careful with Tylenol and/or any of the multi-symptom medications, especially in a baby so young. I agree that you should seek help from a professional as soon as possible, even if it starts with a phone call to a nurse help line. Best wishes that all turns out fine.