Coughs and colds in babies

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As your baby gets older and stronger, he is more likely to catch a cold or cough.

This will probably make him clingy and fretful. He may want to stay close and may wake more often at night needing comfort. If he refuses feeds because his nose is blocked, you can try to unblock his nose by very gently syringing out the mucus.

Ask your chemist for the right product to do this. If possible, feed on demand, little and often, making sure he gets plenty of fluids.

Another way to help relieve congestion in older babies is to put a few drops of a decongestant on a piece of clothing or fabric tied to the side of the cot, or use a gentle vapouriser. Your pharmacist or family doctor will be able to advise you on the appropriate medication for your baby.

How do I know it's just a cold and not flu?

Family doctor, Dr Lowri Kew, says: 'Colds tend to come on gradually. Babies may have a stuffy nose and mild temperature and will probably sleep more. They may also go off their feeds, both because they feel unwell and because their stuffy nose makes feeding difficult.

It can be hard to distinguish colds from flu, particularly in winter, when both are common. Flu symptoms are usually more severe, although this varies from case to case. Flu tends to start suddenly, with a higher body temperature, and leaves a child feeling extremely weak.

Whenever you have a viral illness, such as a cold or flu, you're more prone to getting a second bacterial infection on top of it. This may cause a chest or ear infection, sinusitis or tonsillitis. These can occur without a cold and may also be caused by viruses - all this can make it quite hard to know exactly what it is you're suffering from.'

By Rachel Blackwell