How ro Soothe Your child until the Cold breaks
Posted: May 4, 2009From : Tylenol.comCold seasons come and go. And come again. And while there isn’t much you can do to make your child’s cold go away faster, there are many ways , you can soothe their symptoms, soothe their feelings, and make them feel more comfortable until it passes.
Get close and stay close.
When children are sick they often feel frightened or worried. This means that what your child may want most is to be near you. Propping her on a couch where she can watch you may be more restful than being alone in a bedroom. And, since illness can make children more clingy, simply letting them lie in your arms for a while can allow them to forget their uncomfortable cold symptoms enough to sleep soundly.
Insist on rest.
Sleep is essential for recovery. A child with a cold should always get lots of rest, as rest helps their body fight viruses. While they sleep, a cool mist humidifier or vaporizer placed in your child’s room can moisten the air and help ease your child’s congestion and coughing.
Keep the fluids coming.
Fluids are also essential. When children are sick, sore throats and stuffy noses tend to make them breathe through their mouths. This can cause a dry mouth and increase the loss of body fluid. So make sure your child stays hydrated with plenty of fluids, such as fruit juices and water. Liquids can help make nasal mucus thinner as well as actually relieve stuffy noses and soothe their sore throats.
Clear stuffy noses.
Regardless of age, try to keep your child’s airways as clear as possible. Most older toddlers can be taught how to blow their nose. But if your child is too young to blow her nose herself, use some saline and a nasal aspirator (a syringe that sucks the mucus from the nostrils). Start by placing a few drops of saline in each nostril. Wait a few minutes and then use the aspirator to remove the excess mucus. Repeating these steps before meals and at bedtime can make her more comfortable while eating and sleeping.
Draw a warm bath.
A bath can provide temporary relief of fevers. It can also be a great distraction when your child is just feeling miserable from being sick. So run a lukewarm bath once, twice or even three times a day and let its soothing powers take over.
Being sick isn’t fun for anyone, but children need special care when they have even mild seasonal colds and coughs. In addition to the symptoms these illnesses present, children’s little bodies feel tired and run-down and their spirits can wane. Taking good care of your child and making them as comfortable as can be is the best prescription for helping them feel better as soon as possible.
