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Baby Coughing at Night?

MotherhoodWritten by: Lindsey

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When you wake up to baby coughing at night it’s never a good sign. I mean even if it isn’t a big deal us moms automatically go to the worst place and start freaking out.

We have dealt with several baby coughing at night or colds and they are the absolute worst!

Our son, Foster, got his first cold when he was four months old and it absolutely terrified me. He is now 26 months old and has had several since then.

I try my best to prevent the evil germs from making their way to my sweet boy but I don’t always succeed…obviously.

Every time he gets sick I promptly freak out, Google, freak out some more and then call the doctor…in that order. The good news is as you get used to the symptoms you start to freak at (a little) less.

Through my many freak out sessions I’ve learned how to properly care for and comfort my little one when my baby coughing at night, has a cold, is congested or all of the above.

baby coughing at night

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Remedies for Baby Coughing at Night and Cold Symptoms

It helps me a lot to know that there are at least some things I can do to help ease his pain. Because when your child is sick you feel absolutely helpless.

1. Baby Coughing and Cold Remedy-Flush it out!!

Saline solution will be your best friend! These magical myst makers help flush out the nasty junk that is stuck up your little ones nose.

This is important because the congestion that is up their nose will eventually make it to the back of their throat which will result in a baby coughing at night.

Getting everything out of their nose can be hard since they can’t blow it yet. Saline solution helps to loosen and flush out what they can’t do on their own.

And that leads me to…

2. Baby Coughing and Cold Remedy – Suck that Snot!

Nose Frida aka the snot sucker!! You need it now.

This is one of those products that I thought was absolutely disgusting before having a baby. Who would want to suck snot?! Uh, me…that’s who. This invention is absolutely brilliant and hands down one of my favorites!

Once you have put saline in their nose to loosen up the junk. You gently place the tube agains their nose and suck.

I have never in my life been so excited to see snot! When it’s leaving your child’s nose you know that they are one suck closer to feeling better.

p.s. Just so you know the snot doesn’t go into your mouth. I also thought that before having my son.

p.p.s. They also have an Electric Nose Frida if you prefer not to actually suck on it.

3. Baby Coughing and Cold Remedy – Steam Room

I have learned that you can create an “at home steam room.” All you do is turn the shower to the hottest setting, close the door and wait five to ten minutes.

When you come back the room will be all nice and steamy. This is perfect for opening up airways and for getting all the junk that’s in their system loosened up. Do you love my technical lingo?!

It’s been a huge life saver when it comes to Foster and helping him kick the congestion to the curb. Plus, it’s pretty peaceful.

If you want to be fancy here is an actual steamer for any room.

Related: 10 Things I Didn’t Know I’d Do With My Baby as New Mom

4. Baby Coughing and Cold Remedy – Cool Mist Humidifier

Running a cool mist humidifier in your child’s room creates moisture in the air that can help unclog congestion.

We’re all about unclogging in our house! The quicker that happens the faster your child will feel better and we all want that!

5. Baby Coughing and Cold Remedy – Chest Rub

I absolutely love this chest rub!

It smells so good and gives some relief to my son (I like to put it on too). I massage it onto his chest and back while we are in the steam room.

I feel like this is a double whammy of goodness since the steam really brings out the Eucalyptus and Lavender in the rub. I know my little bit likes it because he just sits there and lets me massage him.

That’s a huge deal for a someone that rarely sits still.

6. Baby Coughing and Cold Remedy – Elevate Their Bed

If you elevate the beds just a little bit it helps the congestion drain down instead of staying stagnant in their head and chest.

All you need to do is roll up a towel or sheet. Then put it under their mattress at the top of their bed (where their head will go).

This has helped us avoid some ear infections and get the congestion flowing.

7. Baby Coughing and Cold Remedy – Tylenol and Motrin

Tylenol and Motrin are a game changer when it comes to keeping your child’s fever at bay.

I did not know that you can rotate them but after talking to my pediatrician I learned that you can give your child Tylenol and three hours later give them Motrin or you can wait four hours and give them Tylenol again.

This is a big deal when my son’s fever was spiking back up quickly and he seemed like he was in pain. I wanted to give him more medicine as soon as I could to help his pain and fever.

So, I always have both of these on hand because you never know when a virus (aka fever) will hit!

*I understand some people do not like medicine and that is totally great. This is just what works for us.

8. Baby Coughing and Cold Remedy – Essential Oil Diffuser

The diffusing world was a whole new one for me. I had always heard of them but didn’t know much about them.

But, after Foster got his firs cold I quickly learned that these little puppies could offer some pretty serious relief.

I use it mainly at night time to help open up his airways. And that leads me to…

9. Baby Coughing and Cold Remedy – Essential Oils

My two favorites are OnGuard and Breathe. Those are the two I always keep in stock.

PLUS! Frida Baby has put out Vapor Drops that help baby wind down and relax.

Breathe is a huge help when congestion is involved. I add it to the diffuser and his room is quickly filled with Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Lemon and other sinus clearing smells that really help him, well, breathe.

Then I use OnGuard all cold and flu season to attempt to prevent any cold from every happening. That is at least the goal. p.s. I know someone who sells Essential Oil if you are interested just let me know, she’s super sweet.

10. Baby Coughing and Cold Remedy – Wash Cloths

Good absorbent wash cloths are a must have when those high fevers hit.

You need to have a plan ready because if you don’t you will freak out and then that’ll make your baby freak out. So, I like to have soft, absorbent washcloths at the ready.

I put cold water on them, ring it out really good and then place it on my son’s forehead (usually while I nurse him).

This has served as a great way to bring down his temp immediately while we are waiting for the medicine to do its trick.

Here are a few more items meant to relieve baby’s coughs and cold!

A coughing baby and colds are literally the worst! We’ve been through a few at this point but the good news is we have picked up these tips along the way that help give us confidence and of course to kick that cold in the face!!

I hope this find you and your little ones well but if not, I hope it helps you head in that direction very soon!

Here are a few more items meant to relieve baby’s coughs and cold!

I would love for you to follow me on Pinterest for more baby hacks and advice!

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    Comments

    1. The Salty Mamas says

      September 21, 2017 at 10:33 pm

      My 17 month old seems to be in the beginnings of a cold. I’ll stock up on some of this before it hits!! Thanks for the reminders!

      Reply
      • llasuer says

        September 25, 2017 at 11:39 am

        No problem!! I hope your baby stays well!!

        Reply
    2. shiyaz says

      November 20, 2018 at 11:32 pm

      Can you please tell me the name of the font used in the article for headlines?

      Reply
      • llasuer says

        November 27, 2018 at 7:41 am

        Hey Shiyaz, my font name is “bad script.” I hope this helps you.

        Reply
    3. Marie says

      December 4, 2018 at 7:41 pm

      Amazing tips! I always get nervous and stressed out when my kids are sick and your article really helped me! Thank you!

      Reply
      • llasuer says

        December 11, 2018 at 3:07 pm

        I’m so glad!! Having sick kids is the worst! So, it’s really helpful to have a few things ready to ease their discomfort. I hope everyone stays well in your family!

        Reply
        • Gabrielle says

          January 24, 2020 at 2:30 pm

          My doctors keep recommending Zarbees and Highlands. I have two infant daughters (11/2 and 7 month). Zarbees in ineffective in my eyes highland seems to soothe it along with tylenol. Can vicks be added to the hot steamed water for young children?

          Reply
          • llasuer says

            January 31, 2020 at 3:31 pm

            Hey Gabrielle! I am a huge fan of Highlands too. I’ve never aded vicks to the steam water. Your pediatrician may be the best person to ask in regards to that. And, I’m sorry for my late response. My son had the flu, so we’ve been doing lots of steam rooms! I hope you and your family are staying well!

            Reply
    4. Abby | theMomCorner says

      December 11, 2018 at 11:57 am

      This is gold–wish I had known all this when my now 1yr old was 6months and got his first cold. There would have been a lot less freaking out! Haha. Thanks for sharing, and good to know about alternating the meds!

      Reply
      • llasuer says

        December 11, 2018 at 3:05 pm

        Thank you Abby! I definitely freaked out as well. Now it’s so helpful to know the things that are safe to turn to. Even at the toddler age.

        Reply
    5. Jasmine says

      December 30, 2019 at 2:21 pm

      This article really help prepare me. My 4 month baby is really congested and I was just about to over think the worse but reading this article help keep me in tack! Lol

      Reply
      • llasuer says

        January 31, 2020 at 3:32 pm

        Oh, I’m so glad Jasmine! Yes, it’s SO easy to overthink things!

        Reply

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