There’s nothing worse than hearing that first sniffle or baby cough. It’s scary and can send even the most experienced moms straight to Google to look up their baby’s symptoms. As a new mom, it can be especially worrying because, honestly, this is all brand new territory. But your little one will get sick - it’s simply inevitable. On average, kids get anywhere from 6-10 colds a year so it’s a good idea to be prepared for the worst before it starts. Arm yourself with these 5 must-have tools and you’ll be ready, no matter what bug comes your way!
1. Nasal aspirator
The idea itself might sound gross, but this tool is a lifesaver when it comes to stuffy, snotty noses. Babies don’t know how to blow their noses (and won’t be able to until age 4) so when the stuffy nose from a cold hits they can have a difficult time feeding. That’s where Bubzi Co.'s premium baby nasal aspirator comes in. It works to remove the mucus from baby’s nose fast, easy and with as little discomfort as possible.
2. Humidifier
A humidifier is a tried and true method to help relieve those stuffy nasal passages. Parents have the option of either a cool or warm mist humidifier – both will do the trick. Most parents choose a cool mist humidifier as there is a risk of burns with a hot or warm mist humidifier.
3. Thermometer
A thermometer is a must when it comes to a sick baby. And it’s always good to have more than one kind on hand to get an accurate temperature reading. Keep both a rectal and non-contact thermometer on hand at all times. It might seem like overkill to have two different thermometers but once that fever hits, you’ll be glad you have them. Fever can be dangerous in a small baby, anything over 100.4 (F) in the first three months, over 101 (F) from 3-6 months or over 103 from 6 months plus, warrants a call to your doctor.
Rectal thermometers are most accurate, especially in young babies. A non-contact thermometer comes in handy when you’re monitoring your baby and want to take their temperature while asleep. Non-contact thermometers take baby’s temperature behind the ear, or on the forehead.
4. Saline Drops
When baby’s first cold hits, so will the stuffy nose. And there’s nothing better than saline drops to help baby breathe a little easier. Saline drops work to reduce the inflammation inside the nose and thin out the mucus, allowing you to clear baby’s nose more easily. Putting saline drops in baby’s nose can be a tricky process but once you’ve got the hang of it, it can be a huge relief (for both mom and baby)!
5. Crib wedge
Help baby sleep better by using a crib wedge. The crib wedge helps to elevate baby’s head during sleep so they can breathe a little easier. Place the crib wedge under the crib mattress (never directly under the baby as this can increase the risk of SIDS) to help mucus flow out of your little one’s nose and away from the back of the throat. Crib wedges can also help babies who deal with reflux issues as well.
Let’s face it – when baby gets sick everyone is miserable. There’s nothing worse as a new mom than trying to comfort your sick little baby. It can be hard to know what they need and of course, you’ll need to monitor them 24/7 for any changes. That’s where a good baby monitor comes in!
So if you haven’t already, consider these must-have items above and get your “cold” kit ready. Having these items on hand will make baby’s first cold less stressful – helping you both breathe a little easier!
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