My 7 month old baby twins have come down with colds and have congested & runny noses. It's so clear that they have phlegm in their noses, but FREAK OUT when I try to use the bulb aspirator that worked so well when they were newborns. My hubby and I have tried double-teaming to keep them still while the other sucks, but still very difficult and impossible when I'm alone. They're having a hard time with their bottles since they have trouble breathing through their noses. Also, waking up from naps early I think because of breathing troubles too. Any advice?
I used saline drops in her nose and that helped her to loosen things up. Also I agree with the warm bath. I added some of the vapor bath (Johnson & Johnson).
Hello,
My 10 month old does the same thing. Last time she had a cold I found putting her in a warm bath really lossened up the congestion. It was much easier to wipe away with a warm washcolth. Hope this helps.
L.
Hi H.,
Sounds like you have your hands full! My son (now 17 months) is still like that! When I was alone, I always put my son on the changing table to get more leverage, so to speak. He has a cold right now, and screams every time I use the bulb. Do you put saline in their nose first? I squirt 1-2 sprays in each nostril before I change his diaper. Then when we are finished changing him, I use the bulb. Also, my pedi recommended that we hold one nostril closed, and it seems to go much quicker getting the gunk out!
I know it was very hard for me to hold him down, but it is over quickly and they are much better off breathing after!
Good luck!
When my son was this age (and older) and I needed to use the aspirator, I would lay him on the floor. Then I would get on my knees straddling him and pin his arms to his side with my knees. You won't be hurting them since you are not actually sitting on them. You can sit back on your heals. You still have a loose head, but at least the rest of their body is under control. Before you use the aspirator, use some nasal spray like Ocean or some other saline spray. If you can get that part done before you pin them to the ground that is best since you need to wait a minute or two afterwards before using the aspirator.
H., I feel for you! It's really hard to take care of a baby with a cold, let alone two! My daughter also hated the nasal aspirator bulb and when she had a cold around the same age her pediatrician recommended putting a rolled up towel under the mattress of her crib so she could sleep on a slight incline. The doctor also said, as others have recommended, turning on a hot shower in the bathroom so the steam can help loosen the congestion. I usually just brought a few toys in the bathroom and played with her on the floor while the shower ran. But mostly you just have to ride it out, and it's pretty miserable for them and for you!
H.:
if you are breastfeeding use some breastmilk as nose drops.
P., RLC, IBCLC
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions
K. P. I have a set of twins myself and at some point I have experienced this scenario. If you had not already, purchace a humidifier and let it run while they are playing around and it will get the job done along with saline drops (It's like a miracle those two together). It works much better when you have it close by wherever they're sleeping and that phlegm will run right out works every time. When they did get colds like that they only lasted maybe 2-3 days. They are 3 now and Praise The Lord they're able to blow. Hope all works well. Having said all this I very seldom had to use the bulb , I mean just besides clearing the phlegm away once it loosened.
try closing the bathroom door and running a hot shower until the bathroom is very steamy then go in and sit on toilet with babies as long as you can stand it. the steam will break up the mucus. also, try getting a cool mist humidifier and putting some drops of eucalyptus oil in the water. hope this helps.
We've been using the Bebe Sounds Nasal Aspirator. You can find it at Babies R Us: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2585646 It is quick & painless. Baby has very little time to fuss. I do have to admit that my 16 month old (who just got over a cold)fought us since she knew what was coming-she'd hear the motor (very loud) & wasn't easily distracted by the music (yes, it plays songs). However, you could probably get it done alot quicker with your little ones. I did use the regular hospital issued aspirator when I thought this one wasn't doing the best job. I think it's a good product for infants as toddlers aren't as easy to keep steady! Other suggestions: The Safe Lift Crib Wedge (you can buy it at Babies R Us). YOu slip it beneath the mattress & it gives just the right amount of incline. We have used this many times (especially through the winter months). Other than that, I also recommend using saline drops to clear their nasal passages. Another thing that greatly helped us was steam showers. We'd hold our daughter or put her in her exersaucer or bouncer & turn our shower on the hottest setting. Sit in there for 10-20 minutes. Mostly, you'll just have to be patient (not easy-I know) and ride this one out. Sleep patterns will get back to normal once the cold passes. Hang in there!
