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How do I treat my child's cold? (9 - 30 months) | NHS
Recognising Symptoms
In children aged 9 to 30 months, common cold symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough, and sometimes a mild fever. These symptoms usually start gradually and can last for about a week to ten days. It's important to distinguish between a common cold and more serious conditions. If your child has difficulty breathing, a high fever, or seems unusually tired, consult a healthcare professional immediately.Hydration is Key
Keeping your child well-hydrated is crucial. Offer plenty of fluids, such as water, breast milk, or formula. For older toddlers, you can introduce clear soups and diluted fruit juices. Hydration helps to thin mucus secretions and prevents dehydration, which can be a concern, especially if your child is also experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting.Comfort and Rest
Encourage your child to rest as much as possible. A comfortable environment with plenty of sleep will help their body fight the virus. Use pillows to prop them up slightly to ease breathing while they rest. Additionally, maintain a calm and quiet atmosphere to ensure they can rest without disturbances.Use a Humidifier
Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier can make a big difference. It helps to relieve a stuffy nose and can make breathing more comfortable. Ensure the humidifier is clean and placed safely out of your child's reach. An alternative is to sit in a steamy bathroom with your child for a few minutes.Over-the-Counter Medications
For children over 6 months, paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given to relieve pain and reduce fever, always following the correct dosage instructions. Do not give your child any medication containing aspirin or over-the-counter cold remedies, as they may not be safe for young children.Saline Drops and Suction Bulbs
Saline nasal drops can help to loosen nasal mucus, making it easier to clear. Follow the instructions provided with the saline drops. After a few minutes, use a suction bulb to gently remove the loosened mucus from your child’s nose. This can be particularly helpful before feedings and sleep times.When to Seek Medical Advice
If your child's symptoms persist beyond 10 days, or if they exhibit signs such as trouble breathing, high fever, not feeding, signs of dehydration (like fewer wet nappies), or if you have any other concerns, contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice. It’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your child’s health.Preventing Future Colds
Although it's challenging to prevent common colds entirely, frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and keeping your child's toys and household surfaces clean can minimise the risk. Encourage older siblings and family members to practice good hygiene to protect the younger ones. These guidelines are intended for parents in the United Kingdom and align with NHS recommendations. As always, consult your healthcare provider for personalised medical advice regarding your child's health.How do I treat my child's cold? (9 - 30 months) | NHS
Recognizing the Signs
Kids aged 9 to 30 months can get a cold with a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, coughing, and sometimes a mild fever. These signs start slowly and last about a week to ten days. Know when it's just a cold and not something more serious. If your child can't breathe well, has a high fever, or is very tired, see a doctor right away.Drinking Lots of Fluids
Make sure your child drinks enough. Give them water, breast milk, or formula. Older toddlers can have clear soups and watered-down fruit juices. Drinking fluids thins mucus and stops dehydration, especially if they have diarrhoea or are vomiting.Rest and Comfort
Help your child rest a lot. A comfy place and extra sleep help them get better. Use pillows to slightly raise their head to help them breathe while resting. Keep things calm and quiet so they can sleep well.Add Moisture with a Humidifier
Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. This can help with a stuffy nose and make it easier to breathe. Make sure the humidifier is clean and out of reach of children. You can also sit in a steamy bathroom with your child for a short time.Medicine for Pain and Fever
Children over 6 months can have paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain and fever. Always follow instructions for the right dose. Never give them aspirin or cold medicines from the store, as they can be unsafe for young kids.Saline Drops and Suction Bulbs
Saline nasal drops can help clear mucus. Follow the instructions for using the drops. After a few minutes, use a suction bulb to gently remove the loosened mucus. This helps before eating and sleeping.When to Get Help
See a doctor if symptoms last more than 10 days, or if your child has trouble breathing, high fever, won’t eat, shows signs of dehydration (like fewer wet nappies), or if you worry about anything else. Contact your GP or NHS 111 for advice.Stopping More Colds
You can't stop all colds, but washing hands often, not being close to sick people, and keeping toys and surfaces clean can help. Teach older siblings and family to be clean to keep little ones safe. These tips are for parents in the UK and follow NHS advice. Always talk to your doctor for personal medical help about your child's health.Frequently Asked Questions
Common symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, and sometimes a mild fever.
Ensure they get plenty of rest, keep them hydrated with water, breast milk, or formula, and use saline nasal drops to help clear their nose.
It's generally not recommended to give over-the-counter cold medicines to children under 6 years old without consulting a doctor.
You can give them infant paracetamol or ibuprofen to help reduce fever and relieve discomfort, but always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.
Keep their room warm, but not too hot, and use a humidifier or place a bowl of water near a radiator to keep the air moist.
You should seek medical advice if your child has difficulty breathing, is not drinking fluids, has a persistent high fever, or if their symptoms worsen.
Avoid using vapor rubs on children under 2 years old as they can cause irritation and breathing problems.
Honey should not be given to children under 1 year old due to the risk of botulism.
Practicing good hygiene, such as regular handwashing and keeping them away from sick individuals, can help reduce the risk of catching a cold.
Cold weather itself doesn't cause colds, but viruses spread more easily in colder months when people spend more time indoors.
Yes, keeping them at home helps prevent spreading the virus to other children and allows them to rest and recover.
Yes, it is common for children to have a reduced appetite when they are unwell. Encourage them to drink fluids and offer small, nutritious meals.
Some essential oils, like eucalyptus or peppermint, should be used with caution and never applied directly to a child’s skin. Consult with a healthcare provider first.
Some studies suggest probiotics may help reduce the duration and severity of colds, but more research is needed. Consult with a healthcare provider for advice.
Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and antibodies that can help support your child’s immune system during a cold.
When you feel sick, you might have:
- A runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- A sore throat
- Sometimes, a little fever
If you find it hard to read or understand, try using these tips:
- Ask someone to read it with you
- Use a ruler or your finger to keep your place
- Look at any pictures or drawings to help
Make sure they get lots of sleep. Give them water, breast milk, or formula to drink. Use saline nose drops to help them breathe better.
Do not give cold medicine to kids under 6 years old without asking a doctor first.
You can give them medicine like paracetamol or ibuprofen that is safe for babies. This helps bring down a fever and makes them feel better. Always read the instructions on the box to know how much to give.
Make sure the room is warm, but not too hot. You can use a humidifier or put a bowl of water near a heater to keep the air wet.
You should talk to a doctor if your child:
- Has trouble breathing.
- Is not drinking water or other drinks.
- Has a fever that won't go away.
- Is getting sicker.
You can use tools like picture books or videos to help explain these things to your child.
Do not use vapor rubs on children younger than 2 years old. It can make them feel itchy and cause problems with their breathing.
Do not give honey to babies who are less than 1 year old. It is not safe because it can make them very sick.
Washing hands often and staying away from people who are sick can help stop you from getting a cold.
Cold weather does not make you sick. But, people can get sick more in winter. This is because they stay indoors more where it is easier for germs to spread.
Yes, keeping them at home stops them from giving the virus to other children. It also lets them rest and get better.
Yes, when kids are sick, they often don’t feel like eating much. Make sure they drink lots of water or juice, and give them small, healthy meals.
Some oils, like eucalyptus or peppermint, can be strong. Never put them straight on a child's skin. Always ask a doctor or nurse first.
Some studies show that probiotics might help make colds shorter and less bad. But, we need to learn more about this. Talk to a doctor or nurse for help.
Breastfeeding gives your baby important things they need to grow strong and healthy. It also helps them fight germs when they have a cold.
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