How to handle your baby’s first cold, how to handle stuffy nose  and when to call the doctor.

• You need to stock up before the first cold hits. You need to get a rubber syringe bulb, saline drops, fever reducing medicine, a thermometer and humidifier
• Call the doctor if your child is under 3 months and shows signs of a cold such as runny nose, cough and fever
• If you have an older baby, call the doctor if there is major fussiness, fever, dehydration, worsening cough or congestion, labored breathing or symptoms that last longer than a week
• Use saline drops  and a rubber syringe or other nasal suction device to clear mucus from your baby’s stuffy nose
• Elevate your baby’s head for a better sleep. Try to place a couple of towels underneath one end of the crib mattress not in the crib
• Use a humidifier to release moisture in the air. This will help lose mucous and ease the baby’s congestion
• Make sure your baby is well hydrated.  Give the baby additional nursing sessions or bottle. If the baby is older than 4 months, try a few ounces of water in a sippy cup
• Wash your hands regularly to avoid catching your baby’s germs.