Christmas Cold? 5 Practical Tips for Babies and Children

Written By Charles Lea

By: Nicole Lea, RN, MSN, CPNP

Christmas is so near! When it finally comes, I hope everyone has a stress-free, illness-free couple of days. We all hope for moments that look like the scenes we see in movies, commercials and holiday cards.

And yet, I’m quickly reminded that the first Christmas did not look that way at all. It was filled with uncertainty, travel, discomfort, and the unknown. And yet, most importantly, God was there. We are beautifully reminded that God is with us, in the seemingly perfect days and the times of disrupted plans or unexpected illness.

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,”
which means “God is with us.”
 — Matthew 1:23

That truth has anchored me deeply in motherhood, especially during moments when sickness shows up at the most inconvenient times.

The Christmas season holds so many tender memories for me. One memory that stands out is of my oldest son as a baby, congested, sniffling, and uncomfortable… while we were out of town for Christmas.

As a new mom, I remember the quiet panic.
Is this normal? Is he breathing okay? What do I do now?

After taking a few deep breaths, I remember being deeply grateful to be a pediatric nurse practitioner! However, treating your own child is definitely different than treating others!

I remember thinking: What if I didn’t have this background? That experience stayed with me and it’s one reason Hello Eema exists: to help parents feel calm, informed, and confident when illness shows up, especially during the holidays.

If your baby, toddler, or child under 12 has a runny nose or cough this Christmas season, take a breath. Let’s walk through five practical, evidence-based tips to help you care for them with peace.

For more practical tips and spiritual encouragement, check out our first book: Nurturing Whole Health: You, Your Baby and God in the First Year. 

1. Focus on Prevention Where You Can

We can’t prevent every cold—especially during winter, school days, and holiday gatherings—but we can support little immune systems and reduce the risk of more serious illness.

  • Hand washing (before meals, after outings, after nose wiping) truly matters

  • Good nutrition and hydration support immune health

  • Some families choose probiotics—talk with your pediatric provider about what’s appropriate for your child’s age

  • Keep vaccines up to date

    • The flu vaccine helps prevent influenza, which can be much more severe than a common cold

    • Other routine childhood vaccines help protect against serious infections, including ear infections, pneumonia, and meningitis

Vaccines don’t prevent every sniffle—but they do help protect against illnesses that can lead to complications.

2. Ease Congestion & Cough with Gentle Support

For babies and children, congestion is often the most uncomfortable part of a cold.

  • Saline drops or spray help thin mucus

  • Use saline before feeds, sleep, or school

  • Gentle suction after saline can help infants and toddlers

Babies are nose breathers, and even older children struggle when congestion interferes with sleep and eating.

Add Safe Humidification

A cool-mist humidifier can be very helpful, especially at night:

  • Adds moisture to dry winter air

  • Helps loosen mucus and ease coughing

  • Supports better sleep

Safety reminders:

  • Clean the humidifier daily or per manufacturer instructions

  • Empty the water and leave it open to air when not in use to prevent mold

  • Do not add essential oils or medications—these can irritate young airways

Simple, clean humidity is best.

3. Skip Cold Medicines & Use Comfort Measures Wisely

Cold and cough syrups are not recommended for children under 12. Why?

  • They do not cure colds

  • They have little proven benefit

  • They can cause side effects, including rapid heart rate, drowsiness, agitation, nausea, and accidental overdose

Safer options include:

  • Saline for the nose

  • Humidified air

  • Fluids

  • Rest

  • If your child is over 12 months, a teaspoon of honey can help coat and soothe the throat
    (Never honey under 1 year.)

Mentholated rubs (with below tips)

Some families use mentholated rubs for comfort

  • Baby rubs for >3 months; others for >2 years old.

  • Test a small amount on the hand or arm first

  • Avoid the face and broken skin

  • Some parents apply a small amount to the bottom of the feet with socks

    • Just be sure your baby or toddler is not sucking their toes

These measures are for comfort of symptoms while waiting for the sickness to subside.

4. When (and Where) to Seek Healthcare

Most colds are caused by viruses, which means:

  • Antibiotics will not help and may cause unnecessary side effects

If you need guidance, start with:

  • Your pediatrician’s office

  • A nurse advice line

  • Urgent care, when appropriate

Seek urgent or emergency care right away if:

  • Your baby is under 3 months old with any fever (>100.4F)

  • You notice rapid, labored, or noisy breathing

  • Your child is struggling to breathe, turning blue, or unusually lethargic. Check out this great video from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Avoid the emergency room unless it’s truly necessary. Emergency rooms are filled with many illnesses, and whenever possible, we want to avoid picking up another virus while your child is already sick. Always trust your instinct, if something feels off, ask for guidance.

5. Rest, Slow Down, and Trust the Waiting

Just like waiting for Christmas morning, a cold requires patience.

This season may be an invitation to:

  • Slow down

  • Read extra books

  • Snuggle on the couch

  • Watch Christmas movies

  • Let your child…and yourself…get some rest.

You are not doing anything wrong if your child gets sick. Colds are a common occurrence in childhood and a part of motherhood.

Remember, trust your God-given, Holy Spirit–driven intuition. It is a gift. It is a guide. And it was placed within you for moments just like these.

This Christmas, may you feel confident that God is with you, even in the sniffles and the changed plans.

For more practical tips and spiritual encouragement, check out our first book: Nurturing Whole Health: You, Your Baby and God in the First Year. 

God’s love
Nicole

Written from the perspective of a pediatric nurse practitioner and mother, this article blends evidence-based pediatric guidance with faith-centered encouragement to support families during the Christmas season.

Hello Eema’s Mission

Hello Eema understands that true wellness encompasses both body and spirit. Drawing from our medical backgrounds and experiences as mothers, we offer a unique perspective where faith and healthcare converge. We believe that nurturing whole health begins with understanding our identity in Christ. This identity forms the foundation from which we can care for ourselves and our families physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

The name Eema comes from how Jesus refers to Mary in The Chosen. It’s a tender reminder that we’re all beloved daughters of God, following in our Heavenly Mother’s footsteps. “Hello” is our greeting of recognition and hope: You are seen and not alone.

Join us at Hello Eema and know we’re honored to walk with you.

Nurturing Whole Health…Uniting faith and clinical wisdom to help moms confidently care for God’s children. 

We invite you to subscribe to the Hello Eema Facebook and Instagram accounts for more spiritual encouragement, practical health guidance, and updates. Let us embrace this journey together!

#HelloEema #NurturingWhole Health #MomLife #Motherhood #Parenting #ChristianLife #Catholic #HealthyFamilies #ColdAndFluSeason #Christmas #Advent #Vaccine

References & Professional Resources

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice from your child’s healthcare provider. Always consult your pediatrician or a qualified healthcare professional with questions regarding your child’s health, symptoms, or treatment. If you believe your child is experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate care.


Charles Lea
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Introducing Our First Book: Nurturing Whole Health — You, Your Baby, and God in the First Year