And now a cold...

[alison]

Just as M was getting better from the rotavirus vaccine, she brings home a cold! Gnnnnnnnahhhhh!

I have so little energy left, it isn't even funny.

I signed us up for an infant massage class yesterday morning, before I realized M was really sick. I explained later in the day that I didn't realize M was sick until after I registered. The lady on the phone said sorry, but that I'd lose the money. So, I said I was bringing the sick baby, because I didn't want to lose my $40. Needless to say, I got my money back. I usually don't resort to being a bitch like this, but I got desperate.

[peggyfromwastate]

Hang in there. I know it's hard- if you have to elevate one end of her crib so that she can sleep/breathe better, (does she sleep in a crib?) the easiest way we did that was to put some of DHs textbooks under the legs of the crib. That was much easier than trying to use the wedge-pillow thing. I'm not sure it was *safe*, but since we only used that method with babies who weren't standing yet, I think it's ok...

[alison]

Hang in there. I know it's hard- if you have to elevate one end of her crib so that she can sleep/breathe better, (does she sleep in a crib?) the easiest way we did that was to put some of DHs textbooks under the legs of the crib. That was much easier than trying to use the wedge-pillow thing. I'm not sure it was *safe*, but since we only used that method with babies who weren't standing yet, I think it's ok...

We wedged some pillows under one end of her crib. I've got two that are the perfect size for "doing the wedge."

I forgot to ask the nurse on the phone (yes, I called the clinic!) whether it's ok to use that Vicks menthol stuff in the humidifier. Do any of you know?

I've been pulling boogers out of her nose with my fingers... How did I get here...?!

[peggyfromwastate]

Why don't you use the nasal aspriator???

We use the saline for kids- spray that up the nostril, then aspirate. It helps a lot.

I can't stand the smell of the vicks! So we've never used it...

[peggyfromwastate]

Also make sure you track her temp carefully. Baby's as young as she is shouldn't have the fever go much higher than... 100.4 is it?? Anyway, sometimes a fevre comes along with a little cold. Hopefully she'll be over it quickly!

[alison]

Wow, you're good, Peggy! The nurse told us to do the exact same stuff as you're telling me.

I hate using the nose aspirator, because what was a calm baby turns into a screaming, red-faced one...

I had my first go with the thermometer and a tub of Vaseline this morning. M cracked a huge smile when the thermometer went in -- which is both good and troubling at the same time.

[ladymoreta]

Poor little M! Hope she feels better soon. And good for you for gettin your money back. That wa pretty dumb of them...

[Deebs]

Im so sorry - sick babies are so hard! While regular Vicks is really dangerous for kiddos, the stuff that goes in the humidifier is supposed to be just fragrance. But, because of that it doesn't do anything. I would stick with a plain humidifier and saline wash out of the little nose (hey - if she likes her temp take, maybe she'll like that, too).

[spotty_dog]

I had my first go with the thermometer and a tub of Vaseline this morning. M cracked a huge smile when the thermometer went in -- which is both good and troubling at the same time.

I've never used a rectal thermometer, you're brave! Thankfully my peds and my dawkter DH have always been OK with axillary temps!

[alison]

I've never used a rectal thermometer, you're brave! Thankfully my peds and my dawkter DH have always been OK with axillary temps!

The rectal thermometer is not my thing, believe me. Plus, the digital ones are made for righties, and so as a lefty, you have to read it upside down or flip it over when you pull it out. Sheesh. (Not really a big deal, but just want to complain.)

I have a harder time with the saline solution, because it makes her cry. I didn't know I was supposed to just let it drip into her nose, and had been giving her the stuff with a full spray.

[spotty_dog]

I have a harder time with the saline solution, because it makes her cry. I didn't know I was supposed to just let it drip into her nose, and had been giving her the stuff with a full spray.

N used to get on my case for not using the bulb suction but I just couldn't bring myself to do that unless they were totally stopped up! Even then it's tough. I never did saline spray but I did squirt breastmilk up the nose. They didn't like that much either but at least it's a slightly friendlier and more familiar dispensing nozzle!

[peggyfromwastate]

I have a harder time with the saline solution, because it makes her cry. I didn't know I was supposed to just let it drip into her nose, and had been giving her the stuff with a full spray.

Don't worry about doing a full squirt. I ended up going way over the 2 drop recommendation, and the Dr said it wouldn't do any harm...

My kids all screamed about the nasal spray, too. But I was able to suction them out much better after it, and they were *snot free* to some degree for a while. It ended up helping a lot.

I tried the whole breastmilk thing too-- with not much success!!!