Baby's first runny nose! What can I do? What should I do?

[TreeRose]

I've been watching DD all morning (10 mo) - and she's been acting a little different, laying down a lot, rolling around, sneezing more than usual and then I noticed that it is consistently wet under her nose. It's her first runny nose! Is there anything I should / can do?

[sunwise]

Assuming things don't get worse, you don't need to do alot expect not worry and let the cold run its course. I don't do any suctioning of the nose or anything unless the my DS is SO congested that it seriously interferes with nursing. I also try to wipe his nose if it gets really snotty (if he lets me - usually my attempts to wipe his nose are in vain!)  If she's tired and wants to nap or sleep more, I would let her (since that what we all like to do when we're sick).

It's awesome that your DD made it until 10 months without getting a runny nose! My DS is just 6 days older and has had quite a few colds (a consequence of daycare, I suppose...).

[TreeRose]

Thanks sunwise! I just feel unearthed for some reason. I guess I get used to things being a certain way and then something happens and I need to feel like I'm doing something to help. I just put her down for another nap. She's definitely a little more tired, though playing happily. She always smiles when she sneezes so the more sneezing = the more smiling, which is funny. I keep trying to wipe the nose - it's running clear. I'll feel bad if it gets raw (that's a terrible feeling). And then I read it could be allergies? But it came on suddenly, like just this morning. Her eyes are tearing, her nose is running and she's sneezing. I have to assume it's a cold. Plus, my throat is itchy and scratchy and I feel like I have more mucus than usual as well... perhaps we've both finally caught something.

I feel very lucky that this is her first. I'm sure it's hard whenever it happens, but I'm grateful it hasn't until now.

[sunwise]

If the mucus is running clear, that is always a good sign! My DS had a tiny cold last week, similar to what your daughter is experiencing, and he had a bit of green mucus for about 2 days, and that was as bad as it got. It can be hard to tell the difference between colds and allergies in babies, but we have been able to figure it out so far because inevitably, either me or my DH (or both) will also get a cold - that's the only way I know!

One other thing you can do is make sure she does not get a high fever. (You can get low grade fevers with colds, but high fevers usually mean something worse.) As long as she is happy, she is probably fine! Sounds like she is.