Four things I do that I believe have *possibly* helped us combat those daycare germs
Saline – (Little Remedies Nasal Mist) - We’ve used sterile saline spray in Elliot’s nose probably since about 8 weeks both morning and night. As a CRNP, I do some of my own research regarding things as well as am fairly up to speed with some Pediatric new things. I used to work in Peds so I feel like I should know more but I swear when it comes to your own kid all your “smart’s” go out the window. Anyways. There was some new research this year regarding nasal saline shortening the length of upper respiratory infections by a few days compared to those who didn’t use the saline during the cold. So my brain goes, great! We’re doing this daily to hopefully ensure we have clear nasal passages and to flush out anything harboring in that tiny little button-nose of his. Do I think this helps? Maybe. Maybe not. But I can tell you by doing this daily he no longer cares about it and I do think at the very least it helps his congestion clear much more quickly.
Nose suctioning – (Frida Baby electric NoseFrida or NozeBot) – babies can’t blow their noses. I mean have you had a stuffy nose and not been able to blow it? Crazy frustrating. Also, fun fact, babies don’t breathe through their mouths until they are closer to 1 year old! So if their nose is blocked, think how hard it is to breathe! So there’s that typical Friday baby nose aspirator… I know there’s a filter in that thing but I just can’t imagine using my mouth to get those boogies. I love my son but I have to draw the line somewhere. That thought just give me the heebie jeebies. Almost like spiders. I can’t think about them without shuddering. But I wanted an electric nasal aspirator for ease. The Nose Frida one is pretty good but for severe congestion I just don’t think the suction is enough. We got the Nozebot. Yes, it’s pricey. But so satisfying and very very good suction. I think this helps a TON. He is noticeably happier after all that snot comes out. It’s also amazing how much snot can be in such a small nose. Yikes. Anyways, put it on your registry or ask for it for Christmas. I would survive without it but life is better with it.
Breastmilk – this speaks for itself. I think all benefits are breastmilk in general – whether you pump or breastfeed. Think about if you get the congestion too, your body will make antibodies and fight off the infection and then your baby will benefit from that! Helps to boost those little immune systems. I don’t LOVE getting sick but if I think of it as me helping Elliot with his cold, then it’s at least palatable. Also, have you felt a baby sneeze? That snot goes EVERYWHERE. Try to dodge that why don’t you. If your baby is sick, you will be too. Happy Daycare germs!! Just think about the kick but immune system they will have in a year or two.
Vit C - (Cara Cara oranges, my personal favorite) – I am obsessed with oranges. But I’m strange. Remember back in the day at sport practices when you were about 7-8 years old and someone was in charge of halftime snacks? Those orange slices really HIT THE SPOT. I still like my oranges that way. Call it nostalgia or call it child-ish. Regardless, I eat one nightly with my dinner. There is research about what vitamins and minerals cross through to breastmilk that get to baby and Vitamin C is one of them. In “Breastfeeding A Guide for the Medical Profession”, authors Lawrence and Lawrence state that within 30 minutes of a mother being given vitamin C, an increase in vitamin C was found in breastmilk. They also state that vitamin C levels in milk can be increased through diet. I digress, I eat the oranges because I like them, is it helping with Elliot and the daycare germs? Maybe, maybe not. But it can’t hurt him.
**Disclaimer – although I am a medical provider, I am not yours. Please discuss with your Pediatrician prior to trying the above to ensure it is safe for you and your baby.
