Six tips to help manage baby sniffles

BLOCKED NOSE: Babies prefer breathing through their nose so it is important to help keep it clear.

The colder months can be worrying for parents when their baby suffers a blocked nose from a cough or cold.
As babies prefer breathing through their nose, it is important to help keep it clear, especially when they are feeding or sleeping ­- when they struggle to breathe they can often feel uncomfortable and restless. Your baby is also too young to be able to blow their own nose. 
Here are some tips to help ease cold symptoms so you and your child can rest a little easier.
1. Raise the head of the bed
Try slightly elevating the head of the bed by placing a pillow underneath the top of the mattress. The slight incline makes blood flow away from the head, reducing inflammation of the nasal passages.

2. Ensure your baby gets enough to drink            
Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, breastmilk or formula. This will help loosen congestion and make sure your child doesn't get dehydrated, which will make them feel more uncomfortable.  
3. Use a vapour rub to their chest
A mentholated rub may help your baby - the cooling sensation can make sufferers feel that they're breathing more freely. You can apply it to your child's chest and back, but make sure you don't put any in or around their nostrils, as it can restrict breathing and cause irritation.
4. Use an infant saline spray or nasal drops 
Using a gentle saline solution can help loosen congestion and clear your baby's blocked nose. It also moisturises the dry nasal passage that can be the result of a cold. Aspirators can also help clear stuffed noses, working similarly to when an adult blows their nose. 
Saline drops and sprays are safe and nonirritating, even for children.
5. Use eye compresses  
Gentle eye compresses can help make your baby more comfortable by cleansing the area around your child's eyes, wiping away any crusting or sticky residue between their eyes and eyelashes. They can be used either warm or cool. 
6. Raise the humidity 
By using a warm-mist humidifier in your baby's room, you'll be moistening the air and making it easier for him to breathe comfortably. Make sure you keep it out of reach of any curious older siblings to keep everyone safe.
The cold should go away on its own after a few days, but if your baby has any of the following symptoms you should take him to the doctor, as it could be a sign of other illnesses:

• your baby has a high temperature that lasts for more than two days, or his temperature suddenly goes up
• a cough becomes wheezy
• your baby starts pulling on his ear
•  your baby seems unusually lethargic.

Source : http://www.essentialmums.co.nz/baby/health/10375280/Six-tips-to-help-manage-baby-sniffles#