Cold & Flu Medicine for Babies

When your little one is feeling under the weather, finding safe and effective relief is your top priority. At Weldricks Pharmacy, we understand this completely.

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Our carefully selected range of baby cold medicine and infant flu relief products is here to help soothe common symptoms like blocked noses, fevers, and coughs.

Explore trusted brands such as Calpol, Nurofen, and Olbas Oil for Children, all designed to bring comfort to your baby. We offer everything from gentle saline sprays to infant suspensions, ensuring you can find the right product to help your baby feel better, fast.

Supporting Your Baby Through Colds & Flu

Colds and flu can be particularly challenging for babies and their parents. Our extensive selection of over 30 products is chosen to provide relief for various symptoms, helping your little one breathe easier and rest more comfortably. Here are some key types of remedies we offer:

  • Fever and Pain Relief: Essential for reducing temperatures and discomfort, including paracetamol and ibuprofen suspensions suitable for infants.
  • Nasal Congestion: Gentle saline nasal sprays and aspirators help clear blocked noses, making feeding and sleeping easier.
  • Cough & Chest Rubs: Soothing vapour rubs and inhalants, formulated specifically for children, can ease coughs and congestion.

Always read the label carefully and follow dosage instructions. If you're unsure which product is best for your baby, consult a healthcare professional.

Baby Cold Medicine FAQs

What are common cold symptoms in babies?

Common cold symptoms in babies often include a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, a cough, a slightly raised temperature (fever), and sometimes irritability or difficulty feeding. These symptoms are usually mild and improve within a week to ten days.

When should I give my baby medicine for a cold?

You should give your baby medicine for a cold only if they are clearly uncomfortable or have a fever. Always check the age suitability on the product label and use the correct dosage. For very young babies (under 3 months), it's advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist before giving any medication.

What can I give a baby for a sore throat?

Most sore throats are caused by viral illnesses such as colds or the flu and should clear up in a day or 2.

To help make them more comfortable focus on keeping them hydrated with either formula or breast milk, and you can give them either paracetamol suspension from 2 months, or ibuprofen from 3 months to help reduce the pain. Never give a baby under 12 months old any honey based remedies due to the risk of botulism.

Always follow the dosage, age and weight restrictions before giving your baby any medicine, if you need guidance speak to your pharmacist or GP.

See a GP or ring 111 if your child has a sore throat for more than 3 days, a high temperature (or feels hot, cold or shivery) and is generally unwell.

Go to A&E or call 999 immediately if they're unable to swallow fluids or saliva or have any difficulty breathing, as they'll need urgent treatment in hospital.

What is the difference between paracetamol and ibuprofen for babies?

Both paracetamol and ibuprofen can help relieve fever and pain in babies. Paracetamol is generally considered safer and is usually suitable from 2 months old and at least 4kg in weight (and not premature), while ibuprofen is usually suitable from 3 months and at least 5kg in weight. Ibuprofen also has anti-inflammatory properties which can make it more effective for certain kinds of pain.

Always follow dosage instructions and check age restrictions, if you are unsure consult your local pharmacist or your GP.

Do not give both at the same time without medical advice.

Are saline nasal sprays safe for babies?

Yes, saline nasal sprays and drops are generally safe and effective for babies of all ages, including newborns. They help to loosen and thin mucus, making it easier for your baby to breathe and clear their blocked nose naturally. They are a gentle, non-medicated way to relieve congestion.

Always take care when inserting the nozzle into your babies nostril, only insert the tip and don't force it too far.

When should I be concerned about my baby's cold?

While most colds clear up on their own in 7 - 10 days, seek medical advice if your baby is under 3 months old, has a high fever, difficulty breathing, a persistent cough that doesn't improve, or if they appear unwell. Always trust your instincts as a parent and ring your GP surgery or dial 111 if you're worried.

If your child has any of the following:

  • Is going blue around the lips
  • Has pauses in their breathing (apnoeas) or has an irregular breathing pattern or starts grunting
  • A harsh breath noise as they breathe in (stridor) present all of the time (even when they are not upset)
  • Too breathless to feed (eat or drink) or talk/make noise
  • Becomes pale, mottled and feels abnormally cold to touch
  • Becomes extremely agitated (crying inconsolably despite distraction), confused or very lethargic (difficult to wake)
  • Develops a rash that does not disappear with pressure (the ‘Glass Test’)
  • Is under 3 months of age with a temperature of 38°C / 100.4°F or above (unless fever in the 48 hours following vaccinations and no other red or amber features)

You need urgent help

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

If your child has any of the following:

  • Has laboured/rapid breathing or they are working hard to breathe – drawing in of the muscles below their lower ribs, at their neck or between their ribs (recession)
  • A harsh breath noise as they breathe in (stridor) present only when they are upset
  • Is becoming drowsy (excessively sleepy) or irritable (unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or picking up) – especially if they remain drowsy or irritable despite their fever coming down
  • Seems dehydrated (sunken eyes, drowsy or not had a wee or wet nappy for 12 hours)
  • Has extreme shivering or complains of muscle pain
  • Is 3-6 months of age with a temperature of 39°C / 102.2°F or above (but fever is common in babies up to 2 days after they receive vaccinations)
  • Continues to have a fever of 38.0°C or above for more than 5 days
  • Is getting worse or if you are worried

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today

Please ring your GP surgery or call NHS 111 – dial 111

Source: https://www.healthiertogether.nhs.uk/child-under-5-years/cough-and-cold

https://notts.icb.nhs.uk/your-services/childrens-health-and-wellbeing/cough-and-cold/

Weldricks Pharmacy is your trusted partner in managing your baby's health. We aim to make dealing with common illnesses easier by providing a wide range of reliable products and clear, professional advice.

For further comprehensive information on colds, coughs, and ear infections in children, please refer to the NHS website.