Your Baby’s First Cold: What I Learned (and What Helped)

Have you ever thought about the first time your baby might catch a cold? Let’s be real—nobody enjoys being sick. I know I don’t. I’m one of those people who only gets sick once or twice a year, but when I do, it feels like I’m on the brink of death. So if it knocks me out, imagine how tough it must be for a newborn.

Matteo caught his first cold right in the middle of flu season. One virus I kept hearing about was Rhinovirus. Other parents talked about how their kids ended up in the hospital with it—and that honestly freaked me out. Since Matteo doesn’t go to daycare, I didn’t think he was at much risk. What I didn’t realize was that his parents (hi, that’s us) go to work, and he has cousins who go to school and daycare. Add the changing weather into the mix, and it was almost inevitable..

Common Cold Risk Factors for Babies

• Season: For Matteo, it was flu season—colder weather, more germs.
• Being around other kids: School and daycare kids bring home all sorts of viruses.
• Weaker immune systems: Newborns and infants are still building theirs, so they get sick more easily.

How Did I Know Matteo Had a Cold?

The first few days, Matteo had a runny nose and a little cough. I thought, “Okay, just a mild cold.” But by day six and seven, he started wheezing and seemed to be having trouble breathing. That’s when we went straight to the doctor.

The doctor checked his lungs and diagnosed him with bronchiolitis. We were prescribed a nebulizer and told to keep a humidifier running. He was sick for about a week and a half. It was so stressful—especially because I was sick too. Having a sick baby is incredibly hard. You just want to take it all away for them.

What Helped Us Get Through It

• Humidifier
• Nebulizer
• Baby Vicks
• Formula
• Automatic nose cleaner
• A whole lot of patience
• Endless cuddles and hugs

My biggest piece of advice: Rest as much as possible.

When to Call the Doctor

Don’t hesitate to call your pediatrician—especially as a new mom. I called so many times with questions and for reassurance. That’s normal. Trust your instincts.

Signs it’s time to go in:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Trouble breathing
• Signs of dehydration
• Just not acting like themselves

Can You Prevent It? Not Always… But Here’s What Helps

You can’t completely prevent your baby from getting sick—it will happen at some point. But you can lower the risk:

• Wipe down surfaces your baby touches (bottles, toys, cribs, high chairs, etc.)
• Keep them away from anyone who’s sick—kids or adults

---

Being a new parent is a wild, beautiful, exhausting ride. When your baby gets sick for the first time, it can feel overwhelming. But you’ve got this. And your baby? They’re stronger than you think.

~GOD BLESS~