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Colds are inevitable, and not just in winter. Ready or not: babies usually get 6-10 colds a year, and sometimes more if they’re in daycare. Like feeding, changing diapers, and teaching to sleep was not enough. Colds are about to become a part of your life.
What causes the common cold in babies to go from annoying to something more difficult, and, in some cases, dangerous for families is that newborns are “forced to breathe through the nose.” Babies breathe through their noses, around the first year of life. Nasal congestion interferes with breathing and disrupts the rhythm of breathing-swallowing and makes it easier to fall asleep. Therefore, when a cold takes hold, it affects not only breathing, but also eating and sleeping.
In my work as a pediatric ENT, I have counseled countless families when their young children are dealing with colds, allergies, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which starts with cold symptoms but can be very serious; in particular, in severe cases, oral deficiency can lead to dehydration, lethargy, and lack of medical attention.
I started it Dr. Good legs with the goal of providing relief to families who want to comfort their baby, and who may also want to sleep! We started NoseBotbaby’s electric nasal spray machine, earlier this year to help parents clean their baby’s nose and bring relief to their baby. NozeBot equips families with medical suction, and the patented nozzle is designed to require only two fingers, making it easy to settle and comfort your baby during this time. It is an alternative to the aspirators on the market that use oral suction. This feature helps prevent your baby from breathing the virus into your lungs.
Why does the flu cause a lot of snot? So why do children get sick all the time?
Viruses are what cause the common cold. As we all know, viruses spread through air and on land. One of the first symptoms of the flu is often a runny nose. Although annoying, the amount of snot our bodies produce every day and during colds is a healthy thing. Your nose and throat contain salivary glands that produce one to two liters of mucus every day! (Yes, you’re swallowing that much mucus and you don’t even realize it.) The purpose of this mucus is to keep your nose and nostrils moist, trap dust and particles that you inhale, and fight infection.
When you catch the flu virus, your mucous membranes become inflamed and your body sends snot into overdrive, both to protect your body from infection and as a way to eliminate the cause of inflammation in the first place. Your nose also grows, because thick mucus can make it harder for bacteria to settle in your nose.
Unfortunately for babies and toddlers, they can’t blow their noses for years, making it more difficult for them to clear excess mucus. This is where nasal aspirators can help.
So why do children get sick so often? It is part of building a healthy immune system. The mother’s immune system (antibodies) is given to the child and provides protection for six months. Babies develop their own immune systems from six months of age and need to be exposed to viruses and other environmental factors to do so.
What should I do if my child is sick?
There are several tools that can help manage your child’s flu symptoms—or identify something more serious.
Trust your instincts: First, if your child seems to be very sick, consult a pediatrician. That’s why they have response lines—it’s good to use them! Ask questions if something doesn’t seem right.
Check your baby’s temperature: You should have an age-appropriate temperature record from your pediatrician. If you’re reading strangely, you can check your thermometer yourself. Fever in newborns is always a concern and should be referred to a pediatrician immediately. If your baby is less than three months old, call the doctor if he has a temperature of 100.4 F or higher.
Avoid this nose: Clear your child’s nose with a nasal suction device. Too much gunk in it can cause your baby to have trouble breathing and interfere with eating. Non-medicated saline drops are also a good solution. Depending on the equipment you have, weaning can be done before three meals a day and before bed. With NozeBot, you can vacuum before eating anything without irritation.
Adjust room temperature: If the temperature is hot, the child’s room can be dry and hot; on top of the fever, which can make them feel sad. The room temperature should be set at a minimum level. I also recommend controlling the humidity and keeping the humidity between 40-60% (high humidity can cause mold). The humidity will also help reduce the heat and loosen any mucus that is drying up and blocking the nose.
Give them medicine—but ask your doctor: Medicines can also help your child if he has a fever. It is important to get medical advice if your baby is less than three months old and has a fever (100.4 F), has a fever with other symptoms, or is having trouble breathing. With permission from your pediatrician, you can use Acetaminophen (also known as Tylenol). Read the instructions carefully on the product label to make sure you are using it correctly. Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) is a fever reducer suitable for children over six months of age.
Rinse and repeat: Use non-medicated saline drops, absorb nasal drops, reduce the temperature… and remember, this too shall pass.
Your child’s first cold (and subsequent colds) can be nerve wracking, so feel free to rely on your doctor for advice. After all, that’s why we’re here.
You can learn more about NozeBot by buy the product here.
Dr. Goudy came to Atlanta as a pediatric ENT after spending 10 years on the faculty at Vanderbilt University. He has grown the pediatric otolaryngology (ENT) faculty at Emory into the largest and most diverse group in the South. In addition to providing medical care, his NIH-funded lab studies muscle regeneration to treat cleft lip and palate disorders, a skill he has contributed to Emory and Georgia Tech. His experiences in the US and in developing countries to solve this problem have influenced his approach to scientific research to improve the lives of children.
Dr. Goudy introduced Dr. Good legs providing solutions of Goodness to children and peace of mind to their parents. The company went to market with NoseBotNasal aspirator baby, in January 2021.