Baby’s First Cold and How to Survive It

It finally happened—Philip caught his first cold. I had been dreading this moment since he was born, knowing that at some point, we’d have to deal with sniffles, coughs, and (even more) sleepless nights. But no amount of preparation could fully prepare me for the reality of caring for a sick baby.

It started one morning when I noticed he was coughing and sneezing more than usual. It’s February, peak winter season, and viruses are everywhere. To make matters worse, my throat was scratchy, and my husband was already dealing with a cold. It wasn’t long before Philip’s tiny nose got completely stuffed up, making it difficult for him to breathe, especially when lying down. Thank God he didn’t have a temperature. 

For four nights in a row, I barely slept. The only way he could breathe was if I held him upright, so I sat there in the dark, cradling him in my arms, listening to his congested little breaths. It was exhausting and heartbreaking, but like all moms, I did whatever it took to help him feel better.

What Helped Us Get Through It

Through trial and error, other mama friends and Dr Google I found a few things that really helped ease his congestion:

• Bathroom Steam & Breastfeeding: Running a hot shower and sitting in the bathroom with him was the most effective trick. We stayed in there for about 10-12 minutes, allowing the steam to loosen up his congestion. During this time, I breastfed him so he could inhale the steam more effectively. Just a note—babies can sweat quite a bit from the humidity, so make sure to change their clothes afterward to keep them comfortable. Once out of the steamy bathroom, I used a snot-sucking device like the one from Frida Mom to clear his nose.
• Snot Sucker (The Love-Hate Relationship): Since he couldn’t blow his nose, I had to help him somehow. A snot sucker was helpful, but it wasn’t fun for either of us. I strongly recommend avoiding traditional bulbs—they’re not transparent, making it hard to see if they’re clean, and they can be too invasive for little nostrils. Instead, opt for a device like the snot sucker. However, try not to overdo it—using it more than 3-4 times per day can irritate their tiny nasal passages.
• Nasal Drops & Breast Milk: Saline nasal drops are gentler than sprays and work wonders to loosen mucus. I found that using them 15 minutes before a feed made a big difference, as it allowed Philip to breathe more easily while nursing. After using the drops, I would follow up with the snot sucker to remove as much mucus as possible. At one point, his nostrils became dry from frequent cleaning, so I tried putting a few drops of breast milk in them—and it helped!
• Onion Trick: This one surprised me, but it worked. I cut an onion in half and placed it in his room overnight. Yes, the room smelled like a salad, but somehow, it helped with his congestion. It’s an old-school remedy, but I’d say it’s worth a try!

A Scary First, But a Milestone Nonetheless

As tough as it was, Philip is now over his first cold, and he’s such a strong baby. This experience reminded me that babies are resilient and brave. More than we give them credit for. He fought through it, built up his little immune system, and came out the other side just fine.

If your little one is going through their first cold, hang in there. It’s tough, but you’ve got this, mama!