A common cold is a viral infection – rarely serious, but often upsetting for both baby and parent. These colds can last from one to two weeks and are caused by a variety of viruses. While babies are born with some immunity, their immune systems take time to mature, making them more vulnerable in the early months. The best thing you can do is ease their symptoms and keep them as comfortable as possible while their body does the hard work. And remember – catching a cold helps strengthen their immunity over time.
Common Cold Symptoms in Babies: What to Look For
Symptoms of a cold usually appear about three days after exposure to the virus. You might notice:
A stuffy or runny nose (often clear at first, then yellow or green)
Sneezing
A cough
Fussiness or irritability
Reduced appetite
Trouble sleeping
Mild fever
General fatigue
It’s always a good idea to check in with your GP, especially if your baby is under three months old or if you’re unsure about any symptoms.
When your baby is unwell, offer plenty of extra love and cuddles 🤱🏼 Let them sleep when they need to, even if it's outside of their usual routine – rest is just as important as remedies when it comes to helping them heal.
Natural Remedies to Help Relieve Baby’s Cold
Because a cold is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t help – but there are plenty of gentle remedies that can.
If baby has a blocked or stuffy nose, saline drops can loosen mucus and make breathing easier. You should be able to get this at a good chemist. Pair this with a nasal aspirator to help clear their nose. At Dimples, we stock two great options:
Oricom Rechargeable Nasal Aspirator – gentle, quiet, and super easy to use. It’s a popular choice for parents wanting something fuss-free and hygienic.
NUK Nasal Decongester – simple and effective, designed to gently suction mucus without irritation.
Best Humidifier for Babies with Congestion
The Crane 3-in-1 Cool Mist Humidifier with Aroma Diffuser & Sleep Support Light can be such a help when your little one isn't feeling their best. The cool mist adds moisture to the air, helping to soothe stuffy noses, dry coughs, and delicate skin - making it a little easier for baby to rest and breathe. You can also add a few drops of baby-safe essential oils to the aroma diffuser for a comforting, calming atmosphere. And during those quiet overnight cuddles or feeds, the soft glow of the sleep light offers just the right amount of warmth and reassurance💛
The Best Chest Rub for Babies with a Cold 🌿
For natural relief, The Nude Alchemist Baby Chest Rub is a gentle balm made in New Zealand with certified organic ingredients. It can be applied to baby’s chest, back, or feet to help clear airways and promote a more restful sleep. A comforting must-have for cold season.
When to See a Doctor About Your Baby’s Cold
If your baby is under three months old and showing signs of a cold, always check in with your doctor. For older babies, trust your instincts – if symptoms worsen or you’re concerned, a quick visit can help rule out anything more serious and give you peace of mind.
Bringing a new baby home is one of life’s most beautiful - and exhausting - adventures. In this blog, Family Sleep & Wellness Coach, Lauren Moran from Little Dreamers, shares her expert advice on newborn sleep in the fourth trimester.
Creating a gift registry takes the guesswork out of gifting for you and your loved ones. While the journey of pregnancy can come with plenty of challenges, ticking off your shopping list doesn't need to be one of them.
Pregnancy and the postpartum period are times of incredible change, physically, emotionally, and mentally. You’ve entered a brand-new chapter in your life, one filled with love, learning, and sometimes, a little chaos. Your body is adjusting, your hormones are shifting, your routine is changing, and now there’s a tiny person who depends entirely on you.
With such big changes, it’s completely natural to feel overwhelmed at times. These experiences can take a toll on your mental health, no matter how “small” the changes may seem. But one thing is certain, you’re not the first, and you’re not alone.
Mood Swings
Mood swings are incredibly common during pregnancy, postpartum, and even during menstruation. They happen when emotions change quickly or feel more intense than usual. While hormones play a big part in this, mood swings can also stem from things like lack of sleep, changes in routine, or neglecting your own needs.It’s important to care for yourself through these transitions so they feel a little smoother.
Ways to Support Yourself During Mood Swings
Take a walk to clear your mind. Fresh air and gentle movement can work wonders. If your baby has arrived, bring them along so you can both enjoy the change of scenery.
Seek support from loved ones. Whether you need someone to talk to, help with the baby, or just company over a cup of tea, reaching out makes a huge difference. Connection is one of the strongest protectors of mental health.
Create a little “you” space. It could be a cozy corner, a seat by a window, or a sunny spot outside. A quiet place to pause, breathe, and gather your thoughts can bring you back to centre.
Keep up with small acts of self-care. Taking a shower can feel like a luxury with a newborn, but it truly helps. Products like the Nuna Leaf Grow can be a lifesaver, let your baby gently sway while you take a few minutes to refresh. Do your skincare routine, put on a face mask, or spend 10 minutes doing a hobby you love. Even short moments of care help your mind reset. Remember, no matter what you are feeling, your emotions are valid. If your moods are starting to affect your daily life, please reach out to your doctor, midwife, or a mental health professional. Your wellbeing matters deeply, both for you and for your new little family.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety has been part of human life since our earliest ancestors. In prehistoric times, it was a survival mechanism helping people stay alert to dangers like predators or the risk of being left out of their group. This “fight, flight, or freeze” response kept them safe.Today, we don’t face the same physical threats, but our brains still use the same alarm system. Instead of warning us about predators, anxiety now shows up in moments like worrying about parenting, work, or social situations, times when it may feel overwhelming or out of place.
Feeling anxious during pregnancy is completely normal. The “what ifs” and the doubts about being a good parent can feel heavy and persistent. Many people experience this, but it’s still something that’s often under-recognised.
There’s an important difference between feeling anxious and living with anxiety. Feeling anxious is a temporary and natural response; anxiety, on the other hand, is ongoing and can impact your daily life and wellbeing.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety
Excessive worry about your baby’s health, birth, or your ability to parent
Physical symptoms like sweating, shortness of breath, or difficulty sleeping
Intrusive or distressing thoughts about your baby
Irritability, restlessness, or difficulty focusing
These symptoms can affect sleep, appetite, and how you function day to day, sometimes even making it harder to bond with your baby.
If your anxiety feels overwhelming, please reach out for support. You do not need to face this alone.
Support in Aotearoa New Zealand
Anxiety NZ: Call 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389) or visit anxiety.org.nz
PADA - Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa: pada.nz for help specific to pregnancy, birth, and early parenting
Need to Talk? Text or call 1737 anytime for free, confidential counselling; 1737.org.nz
For Māori whānau, resources like Te Whare Tapa Whā and Whānau Ora offer holistic, culturally grounded support; visit manamokopuna.org.nz.
For Pasifika families, PADA offers programmes such as Tama'ita'i Toa, and you can also explore stories like Sela’s Project: A Mother’s Cry at mentalhealth.org.nz.
Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness. Help is available, and you deserve support.
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
After giving birth, some people experience postpartum depression (PPD) or anxiety, sometimes weeks, months, or even years after their baby arrives. It’s something that has existed throughout human history, yet it’s still under-researched and often misunderstood.If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, please know this is not your fault. These feelings do not define your worth or your ability to be a good parent.
Common Symptoms of PPD
Persistent low or flat mood
Frequent irritability or loss of interest in usual activities
Changes in appetite or sleep
Constant fatigue
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Some parents may also experience distressing intrusive thoughts about their baby. These can feel terrifying or shameful, but having these thoughts does not mean you want to harm your child. They are a symptom of your mental health, not a reflection of who you are.
If you’re struggling with these thoughts or any of the symptoms above, please reach out for help. You are not alone, and there is care available to support both you and your baby. In Aotearoa, you can find support and information through Healthify NZ’s Postnatal Depression.
Finding Your Balance Again
While pregnancy and postpartum can bring moments of uncertainty and emotional ups and downs, they also bring incredible growth, connection, and love. You are learning new things about yourself every single day, how strong you are, how deeply you can care, and how resilient the human heart can be.
Remember, there will be good days and harder ones, but none of them define you as a parent. The difficult moments will pass, and with time, support, and self-compassion, things will start to feel lighter again.
Be gentle with yourself. You are doing one of the most important and beautiful things in the world: nurturing life, both your baby’s and your own.
Take each day as it comes, celebrate the little victories, and remind yourself often: you’ve got this.
A blocked nose can cause a number of issues for your little baby, now you can unblock your baby's nose gently and safely with the NUK Nasal Decongester. The wide safety nozzle prevents you inserting it too far into your baby's nose. Simply squeeze the pump and carefully place the nozzle inside your baby's nostril, lightly close the other nostril and slowly release the pressure of the pump and your baby's nose will be clear again!
Support calm nights and deeper sleep with this gentle Magnesium Butter, specially formulated for children aged 2 years and up - and also safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Magnesium is a much-loved natural remedy for sleep difficulties, helping to relax the nervous system by binding to GABA receptors, which encourages the body to unwind and settle for rest.
Applied topically, this butter allows magnesium to absorb through the skin, offering a more direct and effective alternative to oral supplements, which can be impacted by digestion. It’s ideal for use before bed, promoting better sleep while also easing muscle cramps, growing pains, and pregnancy related tension.
Magnesium plays an essential role in overall health and wellbeing. It supports sleep, digestion, mood, immune function, cardiovascular health, bone strength, and more. Many people are deficient due to modern diet, stress, or medications, making a daily topical application an easy way to top up.
Please note: this is a butter, not a balm. In warmer months, it may melt! Store it in a cool place to keep it firm, and allow it to solidify again if needed.
The bib with style that keeps babies' neckline dry and clean… The Mum2Mum Wonder Bib Range - Made from 100% cotton, super-absorbent towelling with a nylon water resistant backing to keep babies dry. Our Wonder Bibs protect against dribble rash and eczema and are an essential purchase for infants with reflux. Our products are all machine washable, dryer safe, colorfast and stay looking good long after purchase.
Stay cozy outdoors with the ultra-soft Crywolf Chill Hoodie, crafted from organic cotton for exceptional comfort and durability. Perfect for layering, it pairs effortlessly with Crywolf Rain Overalls, Jackets, and Vests for adventure-ready outfits or with the Chill Track Pant for ultimate relaxation.
Discover a whole universe for your baby to explore with the Farm Theme Activity Playmat from Little Big Friends! This large and vibrant mat is designed to captivate your little one with a variety of surprises, including engaging textures, charming contrasting colors, and hidden animal friends waiting to be found. The mat features a sun mirror for your baby to discover their own reflection, encouraging hours of playful exploration while also supporting the development of essential motor skills. Soft and fluffy, this playmat is perfect for your baby from an early age. It includes a removable cushion, a flip-up mirror, a delightful 3D farm animal, a squeaker animal, a teething toy, and an array of textures to touch and feel, making it an ideal companion for endless fun and learning.
Jelly the jellyfish is all about splish, splash, giggles and getting all soaked up when turning drizzling water fun into the best time of the day.
The neoprene activity bath toy is soft, easy to grasp and its sensory features will help little ones learn while they splash. Take Jelly for a dip and then let the water drizzle by turning it upside down. This curious jelly fish will love to give you a splash-ing good time at bathtime.
Paume Travel Hand Sanitiser offers the perfect combination of protection and hydration. Formulated with 69% ethyl alcohol, it kills 99.99% of germs while keeping your hands moisturised with a unique blend of plant based emollients. The luxurious scent of cedar, citrus, rosemary, and lavender adds a refreshing touch to every use.
The 90ml travel size bottle is made with 65% previously recycled plastic (PCR), making it eco friendly and reusable.
Soothe your baby’s sore gums naturally with this refillable teether, designed to provide cooling relief without the need for gels or chemicals.
Simply fill with water and ice and chill in the fridge to offer gentle comfort for inflamed or achy gums. Suitable from 3 months and through the various stages of teething, its thoughtfully textured silicone surface massages the front, middle, and back gums while keeping little hands engaged.
With a multi-sensory design, your baby can chew, explore, and self-soothe safely.
