First of all, how old is your son? I am a nurse so I think I can help you. Everyone can get a cold and there is nothing you can do about it. In children however, they can get sicker because they are so little and their immune systems are not as strong as ours. I think most children can be treated with over the counter medications/herbs in most cases. But, if they ever develop a fever, take them to the doctor. There are times when the fever and symptoms may be caused by a viral infection which cannot be treated by antibiotics. Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. They don't do any good to viruses. If, in that case, it is a virus, you just have to deal with it. They need lots of fluids most importantly (food is important but fluids are more). Viruses can last anywhere from 1-2 weeks. My advice for parents when they aren't sure of whether or not they need to take them to the doctor is: If they develop a fever, seem short of breath or just seem not like themselves (sleeping a lot, not drinking/eating). In fact, a lot of ear infections are overtreated. New research states that too many kids are being put on antibiotics when they have just slight redness to an ear that probably would have resolved by itself. But your pediatrician is the judge of that. I would guess that your child either has a virus or you haven't waited long enough for the antibiotics to kick in. It can take anywhere from 24-48 hours for antibiotics to start working (to see an improvement anyway). Usually with ear infections, pediatricians will treat with an antibiotic that covers strep throat and other organisms too. If your child is still getting worse or isn't getting better after the 24-48 hours of antibiotics then I would assume that he has a virus but definitely take him back because he could be developing a different type of bacterial infection that the antibiotics he's taking won't treat. Also, you're right, never, never lay a child down flat with a bottle. And, humidifiers are good for when they are congested but be sure to clean it at least once a week or you will be adding mold and other allergens to his humidified air. And, never, never use hot humidified air. Too much risk of your child getting burned and that's a whole different problem--much worse. It's just not worth the risk even if you think he won't ever get to it.
I hope this wasn't too confusing for you. If you have any questions, just let me know.
Good luck!!!
M.