My 7 month old child has a cold?

He probably feels awful, and just wants to be held by you. Of course it's fine! It won't last forever, and you'll get back to your regular routine when he's well again. Don't worry about doing the "right" thing. Just take care of him now when he needs it. If you do put him in the cot you could try raising the legs at the head end at little so that the cot is on a slight lean to help his nose drain. I also put a little Vicks vaporub inside a tissue, then fold it up and safety pin it to the inside of my baby's sleep suit - between the suit and his vest - when he has a cold just to help him breathe better (because you can't use it on a baby's delicate skin until they're around two years old). Good luck whatever you try.