How can colds in babies be prevented?

How can colds in babies be prevented?

The best way to prevent a baby from catching a cold is to keep the baby away from people who have colds. If possible, keep the baby home. A virus that causes a mild illness in an older child or an adult can cause a more serious one in an infant.

Hand washing is the most important way to reduce the spread of colds:

• Adults who have contact with babies and young children should wash their hands after coughing, sneezing or wiping their nose.
• Wash hands after touching someone who has a cold.
• After wiping the baby’s nose, an adult should wash his or her hands and the baby’s hands.
• Clean toys regularly and avoid sharing toys that babies place in their mouths until the toys have been washed.
• If water and soap are not available, use pre-moistened hand wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizers. (Be sure to keep hand sanitizers away from children. They may be harmful if swallowed.)

Keep the baby up-to-date on all of the recommended immunizations. These won’t stop colds, but can help prevent some of the complications, such as bacterial infections of the ears or lungs.

The influenza, or flu, vaccine is recommended each year for babies who are at least 6 months old. The shot protects against flu, but not against other respiratory viruses.