So, cold season is unfortunately upon us. If you have a little one at home, chances are it’s run through your house already. I have been unfortunate enough to have caught a cold numerous times while pregnant or breastfeeding…which means a lot of the really good pain relievers are out. As I’m sitting here with a stuffy nose and a cough, I thought I would share some tips and tricks that help me cope!
- The Old-Wives Tale – Orange Juice and Chicken Noodle Soup
Now, I don’t know if they actually cure anything, but there something so refreshing about a glass of OJ when you’re all stuffy and gross, and a bowl of homemade (or picked up by your husband on his way home) chicken noodle soup when you’re sick. Maybe all those grannies really did know what they were talking about.
2. A non-alcoholic Hot Toddy
I love a good hot toddy when I’m not pregnant or breastfeeding. It warms every inch of my belly. When I’m getting a cold, I just make a hot toddy without the whiskey. Hot water, lemon juice and honey. I drink them constantly when I’m sick and I swear it shortens the life of a cold!
3. Hot/Cold Compresses
If you are as unlucky as me and get a lot of sinus pain when hit with a cold, try doing hot and cold compresses over your sinuses. I find at different times, either heat or cold will soothe the pain a wee bit.
4. Rest
Now, I know this is easier said than done, especially if you have a baby that’s not sleeping through the night. Lily is still up every few hours so my body isn’t getting the rest it needs. I have been making a conscious effort to grab every last bit of rest that I can squeeze in to help get rid of this darn cold, even if it means snuggling up with her for a hald hour catnap at dinnertime.
5. Sudocreme
Yup. Your baby’s buttcream. I can’t be the only one who gets a chapped, red, raw nose from all the blowing! Hands down, the best cure I’ve found for it is Sudocreme. I slather it on my nose like zinc oxide at the beach and it provides instant soothing relief and protection from all the kleenex chafing that is about to come.
6. Breathe Right Strips
Hands down, this is the holy grail of drug-free cold relief. I slap one of these bad boys on my nose at night and I get instanteous relief. Seriously, if you haven’t tried them, go to the store immediately and buy them. I’ve actually contemplated wearing them during the day because the feeling is so glorious!
7. Steam Bath
We do this constantly when the entire household is sick – it really helps with congestion and get that snot flowing so it’s easy to blow or suck (Nose Frida…I love you) out. If you haven’t tried a Nose Frida before for an infant, seriously try it. I have turned quite a few moms onto it. It is a lifesaver for clearing a baby’s nose when paired with saline drops. But back to the steam bath…we strip down to our skivvies and bring some toys and towels into the bathroom. We set up camp, turn the shower on as hot as it goes, and play on the floor for about 15-20 minutes. The bathroom will get all hot and steamy, and everyone’s congestion seems to be lessened by the time we’re done. Follow up with some serious nose cleaning and you’re good to go!
Any tips or tricks that you use with your family?