To vaporize or not?

[Marley&Me]

My dd has come down with a bad cold. It started 7 days ago and I think it peaked a couple of days ago, She has green snot and just generally unwell, no fever or cough. I am also using baby vicks at night too. So should I be using a vaporizer? I have heard mixed responses for this...any other tips for a cold?

[emmalee86]

Coming from someone who is laying in bed right now with an awful cold- there isn't a whole lots you can do except let it run it's course
I have found that the best thing to do, rather than use a vaporizer, is to get on of the candle scent burner things (technical terminology there) you know those candle burners where you put the tea candle underneath and put an oil scent in a little dish above and it slowly burns away? But put in a tablespoon of water and a tablespoon of the Vicks vapor and it was slowly burn away, this is rather than putting it on their skin and it also adds a bit of moisture to the air!

Other then that, try steamy showers, avoid using air con or heaters, honey & lemon tea, fess nasal spray (it's just like a saline solution) and lots of rest!

[Joeve]

I am a vaporizer fan i always add some eukki and i know when DD and I were both sick last year I was still sleeping in her room and we both slept better with it
You must open windows the next day to air the room out as the condensation can cause mold.

[Ladylove]

I can't (we can't) live without a vapouriser when DD is sick. It makes a huge difference to the quality of her sleep at night - thus mine. The trick is to get a good one that is easy to clean. I.e. The issue with a vaporiser can be the build up of icky old water or mould spores etc. Ours alas is not easy to clean so we will be swapping this winter with another model.

[JLeigh29]

Another vaporiser fan here. I figure it doesn't hurt, it's not medication, and it makes me feel like I'm doing something. At the worst, it does nothing, but it definitely won't harm her, so, if you want, give it a try. I also rub Euky Bear onto DS's feet when he has a cold.

[Mother Goose]

I was always a skeptic until we bought one. Now I love them.

[~clover~]

I used to have one & it was great. I really need another one. My kids are prone to croup & I steam up the bathroom about 5 times most winters :/ that's 2-3 nights in a row each time.

Hot steamy air also helps clear the gunk. I give mine lots of steamy eucalyptus showers & baths when they're blocked up, because the gunk just runs out. Especially before bed to help them sleep.

[Marley&Me]

Thanks ladies, I am borrowing one from a friend. Hope it helps!

[Lily Dust]

I use one, I love it. Why? Because I feel like Im actually doing something for my poor little one. However, after having a newborn in ICU with bronchiolitis apparently there is no research to suggest they are of any benefit whatsoever. Sooooo, do I still use one? Of course!

[~TT40~]

Just a tip. Use eucliptus oil and when you use it and the Vicks, put it on her feet =) more effective

[Ladylove]

I put the eucy bear mix in it which is eucalyptus, rosemary and (I think) menthol. I find it a tad more effective than just eucy oil.

[Marley&Me]

Just a tip. Use eucliptus oil and when you use it and the Vicks, put it on her feet =) more effective

My MIL told me to do this, her mother had told her to do it!

Ladylove I did use the eucybear stuff, my friend brought some over for me I love the smell.

The cold seems to be getting better. Day 11 of it! I didn't end up taking her to the GP because after I booked she had a huge 3 hour nap with the vapouriser in her room and woke up much better

[Eenee]

I use one occasionally. But I don't use the stuff your supposed to I use essential oils of eucalyptus and lavender as they are good at killing germs so good for colds relief. I also burn them in the oil burner also when the kids are all sick.

[luna moth]

I use one, I love it. Why? Because I feel like Im actually doing something for my poor little one. However, after having a newborn in ICU with bronchiolitis apparently there is no research to suggest they are of any benefit whatsoever. Sooooo, do I still use one? Of course!

I still own one too, even after I heard this! I reckon it's the soothing noise that helps them sleep. Terrible for your walls though :/

[Softkitty]

Hi,
I have always used a humidifier with my boys for a cold. It helps keep things moist so allow mucus to be coughed up/ aspirated from a nose much easier.
My son was in hospital for 3 weeks with bronciolitis, and their standard treatment is humidified oxygen. The studies speak for themselves.
As a side note, Eukybear is not recommended for young children as it can lead to lung collapse. I was advised by a senior pharmacist to only use baby balsam. Not worth the risk if you ask me.
Good luck and I hope your little one is feeling better soon!

[Marley&Me]

Just a question: How do you use baby balsam in a vapouriser? It's a cream

I used the eucybear for 3 days. Cold seems to have gone, still a bit snotty, but not green any more. Except now she has gone off her solid foods. Barely eaten anything but a few mouthfuls in 2 days. The only thing she did actually eat was a banana yoghurt squeezy thing. Is this related to the cold?

[Ladylove]

Probably is related. As adults having a cold often affects appetite. Could be too congested to smell or taste food properly, her throat might be a bit tender or eating/swallowing might feel uncomfortable if she cannot breathe through her nose. DD always manages yoghurt when she is sick, the probiotics are good for her gut too. So I wouldn't worry as long as she is keeping up fluids ... How old is she again?

[Joeve]

I use the balsam on DD but have a liquid for the vaporizer