In the first few months of a newborn's life, there are still many dangers from viruses and bacteria lurking for the new arrival, as their immune system has to slowly get used to our environment. In most cases, an infant's illness is limited to harmless infections such as the common cold, the course of which you can favour with a few remedies to increase your baby's well-being.

There are a few things you should know that will make it easier for you to help your pet.


Common cold

For the first three months, babies breathe exclusively through their nose, which is why cold infections are particularly annoying, as they disrupt breathing immensely.

The doctor may prescribe nasal drops that are specially designed for newborn babies, but there are other options.

Pharmacies sell sterile saline solutions that you can drip into one nostril at a time, then turn the baby on its side so that the liquid can escape. This nasal rinse is easy to use with a little practice and helps to thoroughly cleanse the sinuses. It can be applied with a pipette, but there are also disposable applications that are presented in a small plastic bottle with a spout.

These preparations are suitable both for the nose and for cleaning sticky eyes if your baby has sticky eyes due to the frequent conjunctivitis.

Clinical thermometer

The most accurate way to take a temperature is either in the mouth or in the anus. The latter can be particularly difficult for some babies, especially if they don't like to keep still and can turn over on their own. So-called dummy thermometers are already available for measuring in the mouth, but these come at a price.

If measured under the armpits, you need to add about half a degree to the measured value, as the measurement is less accurate here and the core body temperature is slightly higher. So if the thermometer shows 37.5ºC, for example, the temperature should be 38ºC, i.e. a slight fever.

Digital clinical thermometers are particularly easy to use. The versions that measure temperatures inside the ear or on the forehead are unfortunately the most expensive and least accurate of all digital thermometers, even if the adverts would have you believe that they are particularly suitable.

Cough syrup and co.

Administering cough syrup and antipyretics can also be difficult, as many babies simply refuse them or spit them out. Mixed in milk, juice or water, it is more likely that your baby will not notice the addition. If you are not sure whether your child will drink the whole bottle, you can initially offer a smaller amount than usual to ensure that the entire dose of the formula is taken.

Fever

The term fever is only used from a body temperature of 38ºC, below this it is an elevated temperature that does not need to be treated with antipyretics.

With babies, however, it is important to treat fever immediately, as they run the risk of developing febrile convulsions, which would mean an immediate call to the emergency doctor.

If you have a fever of 38.5ºC or more, you should always consult your paediatrician, who will decide whether you need to treat the fever with medication or not. If this is the case, he will prescribe a medicine containing paracetamol that is suitable for babies, a so-called antipyretic, which is available as a juice or in suppository form. Under no circumstances should you administer the usual medication for adults.

If this is not the case, calf compresses and light clothing can help to lower the temperature. Dip the compresses in lukewarm water, wring them out and leave them wrapped around the calves for a while.

It is important that the heat can escape from the skin, which is why the blanket in bed should be much thinner than normal when you have a fever.