Question
What should parents do when a baby catches a cold and shows symptoms like a runny nose and cough?
Answer
As long as the baby is in good spirits, playing happily, and eating and sleeping normally, parents should arrange for a quiet and comfortable environment, allowing the baby to rest fully. Encourage the baby to drink plenty of plain water and adjust the diet to reduce the burden on the gastrointestinal system. When there is a stuffy nose, maintain a 45° slope while lying down, elevating the head and face. For one-sided nasal congestion, assume a side-lying position. Clear nasal secretions promptly to maintain clear breathing. If necessary, apply a warm, damp cloth to the forehead before feeding and before bedtime, or use 0.5% ephedrine solution to drop into one nostril at a time. For breastfed babies, take 50ml of breast milk, add 3-5cm of scallion white part, steam for 10 minutes, remove it after reaching an appropriate temperature, and give it to the baby to drink. This can help open up the nasal passages. Avoid using nasal drops as they may cause adverse reactions.