Humidify or not...

[GreyhoundsRUs]

DD has her first cold She is a congested, pathetic mess. We have a humidifier attached to the furnace, and our house is between 40% and 50% humidity. DD and I have been steaming ourselves in the bathroom twice a day. Do we need a steam humidifier for the room at night or is she ok? Right now, we are sitting in the glider and she is sound asleep - but is very uncomfortable not sitting up most of the way.

What type of humidifier is the best?

[SuzySunshine]

Both of my kids had a warm mist humidifier in their rooms in the winter regardless of whether or not they were sick. I really think it helped with their congestion, or lack thereof. Their rooms were always ridiculously humid in the mornings and it threw the houses balance off but it was worth it.

[scrub-jay]

Exactly what SS said, we found it very helpful with colds, but we run it every night anyway bc it is very arid here.

[Thirteen]

I hear they're great! If you are feeling a little more daring (with a Ped blessing), you could also use some eucalyptus oil in the humidifier to help "open" her airways.
*crunch crunch*

[Michele]

I used a humidifier when we lived in LA and TX. Those winters were just way too dry for me.

(of course now I run the heat and am dealing with condensation on my windows and mold).

[GreyhoundsRUs]

I hear they're great! If you are feeling a little more daring (with a Ped blessing), you could also use some eucalyptus oil in the humidifier to help "open" her airways.
*crunch crunch*

I love using shower pucks when I have a cold. Poor pumpkin has a wet cough now, but isn't able to get anything up

[alison]

Poor thing.
Can you bring her into the shower with you? Or at least into the bathroom while you're showering?

[Deebs]

I just have to put out there for all the new mommies - don't use Vicks VapoRub on your babies. I've had more than one mom over the years tell me to use it, but it can be toxic, and DH has seen a case of liver toxicity in a child that didn't ingest it, but had rubbed on his chest. It's amazing how much advice we receive as parents, and some of it is just bad. I really hope you're back to a healthy house soon!!!

[GreyhoundsRUs]

Poor thing.
Can you bring her into the shower with you? Or at least into the bathroom while you're showering?

We've been doing 2 showers a day. Bless her heart - she loves the water. Happiest I see her all day

[GreyhoundsRUs]

I just have to put out there for all the new mommies - don't use Vicks VapoRub on your babies. I've had more than one mom over the years tell me to use it, but it can be toxic, and DH has seen a case of liver toxicity in a child that didn't ingest it, but had rubbed on his chest. It's amazing how much advice we receive as parents, and some of it is just bad. I really hope you're back to a healthy house soon!!!

Thanks! I love the stuff for myself, but it seems a little intense for her My mom mentioned some kind of oil that began with a C to loosen congestion - I'm thinking that she meant eucalyptus

ETA: Just talked to my mom - camphor oil is what she was talking about...

[Deebs]

She might have meant camphor, which is the most toxic ingredient (but does ease congestion). Eucalyptus oil is also incredibly toxic if ingested. I think I'd be nervous, not knowing how much was getting absorbed by a small child. Some of the remédies that people have used for years totally shock toxicologists. My kids' last pediatrician didn't realize how dangerous VapoRub could be to kids until he and DH had a long discussion (over a tox book) about it. He had recommended I use it for DD, and DH called and invited him for a beer (and some education).

[scrub-jay]

I <3 using the Nose Frida for congestion. Still use it actually.

[Deebs]

Every time you talk about that thing, I'm so intrigued. I go between wishing I had it for my kids, and being glad I didn't. I'm glad it works, but it sort of grosses me out to think about it!

[scrub-jay]

lol!! No I get it, but there is a filter & long tube between you and yuckiness (it has never ever even come close to me whatsoever). Our ped made us go buy one, said it was the best thing he'd ever encountered as a parent and ped... so we bought it. In fact, it is easy to clean... better than a aspirator. I was sold the first time I used it and dd could ACTUALLY breathe again, the aspirator thing never gave that much relief.

[GreyhoundsRUs]

lol!! No I get it, but there is a filter & long tube between you and yuckiness (it has never ever even come close to me whatsoever). Our ped made us go buy one, said it was the best thing he'd ever encountered as a parent and ped... so we bought it. In fact, it is easy to clean... better than a aspirator. I was sold the first time I used it and dd could ACTUALLY breathe again, the aspirator thing never gave that much relief.

I didn't see a link - but I'm assuming you're talking about the nose freida?? Is it worth me leaving the house for???