A.G. asks from Orlando, FL on February 26, 2009
Congested 1 Month Old
My 1 month old has been congested for a few weeks. Doctor says it's normal but it's so hard to hear him at night struggling to breathe. Does anyone have any suggestions? Most med's say baby has to be at least 3 months so I'm not sure what I can do. I've tried a humidifier and saline drops so far.
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J.C. answers from Miami on February 27, 2009
S.T. answers from Orlando on February 27, 2009
When my kids were young anytime they were congested, I would tilt up their crip mattress. I would put a telephone book and a couple if needed. This will tilt them up just enough that they are not lying flat on their back. This will allow them to breath better. Even at age 7 & 10 if they are congested I place a pillow just above the back & then another one to tilt their head up more so they don't sleep in a silly position. Now my 10 year old does it on her own when she is congested b/c she knows it works & so do I!
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K.C. answers from Orlando on February 26, 2009
A.,
I totally understand how you feel, my 10 mo. old just got over being really congested. We finally took her to the doctor after two weeks of her feeling miserable. They gave her an antibiotic, which I usually don't like but I knew she had something. It is very frustrating cause there is really nothing you can give them. What I do is the classic suction, with bulb. I use "Little Remedies" saline drops for noses. I also would prop her crib mattress up with a small pillow. I just found a new "Little Remedies" nasal cleaner thing. It has a nozzle on it and it will squirt the saline solution in the nostrils cleaning them out. Of course the baby does not like it but it seems to work. Hopefully it will pass soon, just hang in there.
K.T. answers from Orlando on February 27, 2009
I would take him to a chiropractor and have him checked. Many people don't know this, but spinal misalignments begin with the birthing process. Not only is it traumatic for us moms but also our babies. It's very safe and if he has any misaglinments putting pressure on nerves it could easily cause him to be congested or many other symptoms could appear. If you'd like more informations just email me and I would be happy to help. Good luck.
A.M. answers from Daytona Beach on February 27, 2009
Turn shower on full heat and sit in bathroom with. Humidifier worked great for my son. Make sure you keep warm when getting in and out of baths because that will keep congestion from getting worse.
J.B. answers from Port St. Lucie on February 27, 2009
I dont know if someone already suggested this,,but ask your doctor for a nebulizer. When my first son was 4 months he was really sick. They gave me a nebulizer to take home and prescription for the medicine to put in it. Now that I have one Im so thankful. I have since had 2 more boys and they each have used it at some point. Especially now not being able to give babies under 2 cold medicine, I use it on my one year old when he has a really bad cough & cold and cant breath easily.
H.H. answers from Orlando on February 27, 2009
I know how that feels. When my little one was about 6 months, she had an awful cold- wheezing, congestion, coughing... It was horrible. My pediatrician was wonderful. He told me to sit in a steamed bathroom with her for a while. Then, go to the freezer and have her breath in the cold air for a few seconds. It really worked. I still do it, even for myself. I can't recall how long it last though.
Good Luck and God Bless,
H.
S.W. answers from Miami on February 27, 2009
I used to place a small pillow under the mattress to elevate it a bit. This works for a while before the baby starts to "travel" in the bed. Purpose is to aide digestion and relieve the congestion. Keep up the humidifier (I swear by Vicks...maybe a little on the his chest, in the humidifier or on the sheet near his head, not directly on or in his nose) Forget meds...Check for allergy causing items in the home: wool, feathers, synthetic carpet, animals, that could be irritating him. Clean your a/c filter regularly?
I also worked for a medical intuitive who will tell you the "root cause" and recommend herbs. Let me know if you want his contact info.
Blessings
V.S. answers from Miami on February 27, 2009
my son was congested every day of his life until he turned 6 months old. It was so frustrating. You can provide temporary relief by taking him into the bathroom with you while you take a hot shower or just run the shower on hot. Then suctioning his nose with a bulb syringe. To do it properly, make sure to close the opposite nostril with your finger while you suck the other one. It doesn't make the congestion disappear but it can provide a temp. relief. My son's improved at 6 months because we moved here to Miami from Texas. I think he had sensitivities to all the pollen in Texas or maybe it was our house.
S.A. answers from Orlando on February 27, 2009
I would ask a Dr. about using vicks on a 1 month old. I use it on my daughter but she is older. I'm not sure the difference between a humidifier & a vaporizer but the vaporizer worked really well for my daughter, just be sure to change the water out daily. Agree with suctioning his nose & lots of saline drops.
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