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Upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold, are the most common cause of cough-related sleepless nights in babies. In this case, your baby will also have other cold symptoms such as slightly elevated body temperature, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, irritability, and decreased appetite. The common cold in babies is generally not serious and resolves in about a week without any medical treatment. But if your baby is less than 3 months old, it is recommended that you call your pediatrician as soon as possible because newborns are at higher risk of complications such as pneumonia and. Also, check with your baby’s doctor if you don’t know what’s causing the nighttime cough regardless of age, and call a doctor right away if:
– your baby has trouble breathing
– may have swallowed a small object
– have elevated body temperature and / or any other worrisome symptoms
– has blue lips
– is unconscious
If your baby is over 3 months old and has no other worrisome symptoms, you can follow the tips below. Keep in mind that none of the tips mentioned will make the cough go away right away. But if your baby has an uncomplicated upper respiratory infection, it should clear up with other symptoms in a few days.
Remedy for baby cough at night tip n. 1:
Elevate your baby’s head. This will reduce the drainage of mucus from the nose and sinuses into the throat, which is the main trigger for a night cough because the mucus irritates the airways. You can also raise the mattress in your baby’s crib by placing a pillow under the mattress. However, be sure not to put pillows or other objects in the crib as they pose a choking hazard and increase the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
Remedy for baby cough at night tip n. 2:
Give your baby warm or cold liquid or milk formula if you are formula feeding. Both hot and cold liquids help thin mucus, make coughing easier, and soothe the throat. It is also highly recommended that you give your baby plenty of fluids throughout the day to keep him well hydrated. Like adults, babies need more fluids to stay hydrated when they are sick.
Remedy for baby cough at night tip n. 3:
Turn on a humidifier because dry air irritates the airways and makes coughing worse. A humidifier will relieve nasal congestion and make breathing easier by which less irritating mucus will drain into your baby’s throat. But keep in mind that humidifiers are an ideal breeding ground for mold and bacteria. It is strongly recommended to clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Remedy for baby cough at night tip n. 4:
Take your baby to the bath, take a warm shower, and close the door to allow the steam to soothe your baby’s irritated airways and throat and thin the mucus. This nighttime baby cough remedy works best when used in combination with a humidifier.
Remedy for baby’s cough at night tip n. 5:
Don’t use any herbal remedies or over-the-counter cough medicines unless your baby’s doctor has explicitly allowed you to use them. Although some can be very helpful for older children, most herbal remedies, as well as over-the-counter cough medicines, can cause serious side effects in babies.
In addition to following the above tips, it is also recommended to make sure your baby is comfortable and gets enough rest and fluids throughout the day.
