Congestion / head cold at 6 weeks old?

DD is just over 6 weeks and I noticed last night that her breathing seems labored. I don't know how this happened -- I haven't taken her out more than once since she was born!! But my throat is hurting too and I'm so scared she's sick. How will she eat if her nose gets stuffed? (It's not yet, but I'm nervous!) What do I do? The ped opens at 8 for same day appointments this morning. Do I call or am I being ridiculous?

Re: Congestion / head cold at 6 weeks old?

Make sure she has no fever. Keep her elevated. A humidifier in her room will be good. And saline drops. You can suction her as needed. Not fun, but does help. DS got his 1st cold around the same age...Its not your fault. It is going to happen and this wacky weather isn't helping...Just keep an eye on her breathing. And call the pedi...

Re: Congestion / head cold at 6 weeks old?

DD got sick at 4 weeks with a cold as well. Keep an eye on her temperature, and like PP said....elevation, and saline drops so you can suction her nose out will help a bunch. And call the doctor!

Re: Congestion / head cold at 6 weeks old?

it could just be the dry heat, just use a humidifier or sit in the bathroom with her all steamed up , which i found quite relaxing. unless she is not eating, seems off or has a fever (rectal temp) no need to call the dr and if u r nervous just call me xooxox

Message edited 2/19/2011 10:06:59 AM.

Re: Congestion / head cold at 6 weeks old?

I would call up and bring your DD in just because what sounds like congestion could be different things. to me i'd rather go and it be nothing than not go and it be something. KWIM.

Re: Congestion / head cold at 6 weeks old?

My 6 wk old has been sounding stuffy and sneezes a lot. No fever or change in her behavior. My mom, a ped office manager, says it's normal this time of year because it's dry and they have such narrow nasal passages. We set up the humidifier last night and I have to get saline drops. Her nostrils are so little, the aspirator alone doesn't do the best job.

Re: Congestion / head cold at 6 weeks old?

Thank you so much everyone! I called but they said it didn't sound like we need to come in since she doesn't have a fever and is eating well still. We have her sleeping elevated (thank you everyone!) and I've got the nose sucker ready!

Quick follow-up question: Can I use a warm mist humidifier? That's what we have from past years but of course that was before baby.

I will definitely keep an eye on her temp, but it sounds like it's just a cold, which hopefully means no fever for her.

Re: Congestion / head cold at 6 weeks old?

Both my boys got their first colds around then. You can keep them out from the public but there are still germs that you and DH can pass on.

The saline nose spray and suctioner is helpful and a humidifier. If she gets super congested let her sleep sitting up in the car seat or swing.

Make sure she doesnt develop a fever!