what to give for a runny nose?????

sophiasmommy414 · **what to give for a runny nose?????**

What is the best meds to give a 13 month old that has a runny nose? It may just be from teething but, it still makes her miserable. She constantly rubs her nose and face b/c of the constant running...she rubs her skin raw around her face. Her checks are bright pink and raw!!! I just want to give her a little something to dry her up a little. I have used children's benydryl (how much is the right amount to give?) and infant Triaminic melt away strips. Any ideas?

desertmom · 02-10-2007, 03:12 PM

Well, if you ask your Dr., they will tell you what to try (Dimetapp) but that they prefer you use nothing. As a mom, though, that's tough advice to follow. Unfortunately, the new formulations of decongestants w/the new ingredient phenyl something has been proven NOT to work, although they haven't seen dangers.

That said, they do say Benadryl is safe and it is an effective product. I think it goes by weight. Usually for your baby's age, it's 1 tsp., but I would check the weight and do one of 2 things: Google Benadryl dosage and that should help you find a chart, and you can call the pharmacist.

Other than that, I do still swear by saline spray and the bulb. My dd even asks for the bulb when she's stuffy, although she doesn't like it - she knows it works!

Do NOT get anything w/the new ingredient Chloradatin or something like that (can't remember the exact name). That is only good for ages 6 and up.

You can also ask your pharmacist for their suggestions, but I think Benadryl is a good choice, with saline and the bulb.

cjemommy · 02-10-2007, 10:25 PM

I know my ds's Pediatrian always said to give them nothing for a runny nose or mild cold. So that's what we've always done. It is annoying for both us and our ds (20mo) when he has a runny nose as we are always chasing after him to wipe his nose, which he just hates! Since he has allergies to a couple of foods we keep Benadryl with us all the time and he takes 3/4 tsp right now, although he's only about 23 or 24 lbs.

mommysparkles · 02-11-2007, 07:10 AM

Our Dr. always suggested the orange triaminic. Now also suggesting dimetapp. For dosage amounts your best bet would be to ask a pharmacist. They will have a better idea than your family doc. It is based on weight.

Otherwise the best bet is nothing. As I was always told, it is more frustrating for the parents than the child. I guess b/c who can remember back that far into our own childhood. I remember the days of chapped dry cheeks and noses and always used a little vasoline on them at night after they had fallen asleep since that runny snot crud would dry on the face and cause it to dry out. Looking worse in the morning.

The best rule of thumb is, unless it is truely causing the child fits, then it isn't anything more than a minor inconvenience to the parents.

HTH

Miss Liss · 02-11-2007, 10:34 AM

I have a 5 1/2 month old with an awful cold and the Doctor recommended only using the Pedia Care. It is the infant formulation. I hate with babys get sick. :-(

Cookie2 · 02-11-2007, 10:59 AM

Wow! I'm surprised by the dosage recommendation on the Benedryl. When DD was under 2 years old, I would dip the end of her pacifier in Benedryl liquid and that was all she got - and it did the trick just fine. Even at 5 yrs old she doesn't get more than a 1/4 teaspoon.

I'm really hesitant to give a baby - especially a 13 month old - anything. A simple spray of saline in the nose will do the trick.

Sun11598 · 02-11-2007, 08:15 PM

Saline works wonders. It will seem worse after the first 'dose' - but after you've done it a time or two you'll notice less drainage.

happyme · 02-11-2007, 09:21 PM

I would not give them anything. that nose needs to drain. You don't want them to get an ear infection. So i use syringe and wipe.

desertmom · 02-11-2007, 11:40 PM

Re the Benadryl dosage, as I said, please don't use just my info, look it up or consult the Dr./Pharm., based on your child's weight, as my daughter was 35lbs at that age, so definitely ck. w/an expert.

Re Vaseline in the nose - or even under it, be careful, as I've been warned it's an inhalation/aspiration hazard - oils coat the lungs and can prevent air getting in an out. Same w/Vicks - keep it to the chest area for the same reason.

However, Ayr (and there are generics at Walgreens) makes a solution in a tube you can safely put in the nose - I used it often w/my son to keep his moisturized. It works very well and is safe.

vioburn · 02-11-2007, 11:47 PM

I use Hyland's homeopathic cold drops for all my kids. It takes a couple doses sometimes, but it seems to work the best. They are even safe to give a newborn. Ask someone at Vitamin Cottage or Whole Foods and they will agree. Right now, I have been giving my 13 month old their Teething tablets, which is the only thing that will let him sleep. Even when I give him Tylenol, his teeth hurt too much to sleep. The Teething tablets even will help clear up the runny nose, if it is from the teething. (The melt the instant they hit saliva, so no choking hazards)