A Parent's Guide to Managing Colds

Hello, you little cold bugs! 🐛 Ready or not, here you come with all the snot 🤧, coughs 😷, and let's be honest, the occasional melodrama 🎭 that makes us parents wonder if we're running a household or starring in a daytime soap opera.

Watching your kids battle coughs and runny noses is never easy, and the mood swings and sleepless nights that follow are incredibly draining. As a pediatrician and a parent right in the thick of it, I’ve picked up a few helpful tips to make this season of parenting easier for both our kids and us. I’m eager to share some proven preventative tactics and, should a cold hit, strategies to handle it with the least amount of fuss. But let’s be real—there’s always going to be a little bit of fuss; kids never miss a chance to spice things up!

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Key Strategies for Illness Prevention

1. Proper hand washing, and often
2. Balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
3. Regular physical activity
4. Adequate sleep

Now, as a busy parent, I know it’s not always possible to stay on top of everything all the time. Despite our best intentions, there are weeks when gaps appear and we can't quite manage to do it all—and that's perfectly okay! Keep the bigger picture in mind rather than stressing over a single day or week when it comes to the factors mentioned above.

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The cold has settled in, now what?

First off, let’s talk about fever—something that’s always top of mind for parents. A fever itself isn’t something to worry about unless it’s accompanied by other concerning symptoms (which we’ll cover later in the “When to Call Your Pediatrician” section). Remember, a fever is a sign that the body is fighting off those bugs, which is a good thing. I like to remind parents not to stress over the exact number on the thermometer but to focus on how their child is feeling overall. If your child is happy and unbothered by the fever, there’s no need to medicate. However, if the fever is making your child miserable, it can make everything else feel ten times worse. In those cases, giving Tylenol or Motrin can help. For children over 6 months, I often recommend Motrin over tylenol, as I find it tends to be more effective.

Now that we’ve got a handle on fevers, let’s shift our focus to comfort. If you want to keep things manageable, stick to these three essentials—on repeat!

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
2. Flush, Flush, Flush
3. Suction, Suction, Suction

For a fun twist on hydration, try adding an electrolyte mix like a CURE hydration packet. While pre-mixed options like Pedialyte are available, I’ve found that my kids are much more eager to drink the hydration packets without any fuss—a definite parenting win! So, go with whatever your kid is happy to drink!

Flush with a saline spray, sinus rinse, or a netty pot for the bigger kiddos.

For suction, I will forever love our Dr.NozeBest.

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Want to step it up? Keep reading...

• Steam Bath: There’s something about water that always seems to calm kids down. Once the bathroom is nice and steamy, pop them in the tub with a eucalyptus bath bomb. While they’re soaking, try using a micro-mist saline inhaler or a saline bullet in a portable nebulizer to help clear those little airways.
• Humidifier: This might be hit or miss, but I’ve found it especially helpful during sleep and naps. Sometimes we opt for warm mist, and other times cold works better. We like using our Levoit humidifier.
• Honey: It’s great for soothing a cough, though it offers only temporary relief. I like to remind parents not to expect it to last too long. Avoid giving honey to children under 1 year of age.‍
• Chest Percussion: This technique is particularly effective for wet-sounding coughs. It involves gently clapping or cupping your hands on your child’s chest or back to help loosen mucus in the lungs.‍
• Bone Broth: It's common for kids to lose their appetite when they’re sick, and as a parent, that can be worrisome. Bone broth is a fantastic option because it’s packed with nutrients and easier for kids to drink when they’re not up for eating much. If your child isn’t a fan of the taste but is eating a bit, you can easily sneak it into their meals, which is why I prefer using powdered bone broth over liquid ones. ‍
• Air Purifier: This can help by reducing the number of airborne particles that irritate the respiratory system and trigger symptoms, making it a great option for prevention too. We personally use a Levoit air purifier.

Sometimes, we could use a little extra support with additional measures to strengthen our efforts, especially during peak illness seasons like fall and winter. Certain supplements have shown potential benefits in cold prevention and/or relief during illness, with some being backed by evidence based practices. When it's suitable for the patient and their specific concerns, a few of my top recommendations include:

1. Vitamin C
2. Vitamin D
3. Zinc
4. Echinachea
5. Elderberry
6. Probiotics

_{Before giving your child any supplements or using any of the products mentioned above, please consult with your healthcare provider to ensure they are safe for your child.}

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When to call your Pediatrician

1. Fever for 3 Days: If your child has had a fever of 100.4°F or higher for three days.
2. Breathing Difficulties: If your child is struggling to breathe, breathing rapidly, or you notice wheezing, flaring nostrils, or their chest muscles pulling in with each breath.‍
3. Pain: If your child complains of ear, chest or abdominal pain.‍
4. Severe Cough: If the cough is severe, or comes with a "whooping" sound or a barking noise.‍
5. Prolonged Symptoms: If the runny nose or cough have lasted for 10 days.
6. ‍Worsening Symptoms: If your child’s symptoms are worsening instead of improving, even after a few days of home care.‍
7. Dehydration Signs: If your child seems dehydrated and is peeing less than three times a day.
8. Unusual Behavior: If your child is unusually sleepy, difficult to wake, excessively irritable, or not acting like themselves.‍
9. Pre-existing Conditions: If your child has an underlying health condition, like asthma or a weakened immune system.‍
10. Parental Instincts: If something just doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and reach out to your pediatrician.

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We hope these tips help keep you a little more sane during these colds and give you hope that these days will soon pass. Parenting through a child’s illness is tough, but remember, you’re not alone. With some practical strategies, our support and a bit of patience, you can help your little one feel better soon. Hang in there—brighter, healthier days are just around the corner. And through it all, take comfort in knowing you’re doing a great job caring for your child.