Is there anything more upsetting than seeing your baby sick? It feels awful to watch the little one sneeze and cough, especially when they're too young to blow their own nose or tell you how they're feeling.

But there's a lot you can do to ease your baby's discomfort. It's called the common cold for a reason. 

The common cold is very common in infants (0 to1 year) and is usually not serious. Here are answers to all the frequently asked questions about the common cold in babies. 

1. What causes the common cold in babies? 

Cold is an infection of the mouth, nose and throat caused by one of many different viruses. 

Babies tend to get colds frequently, as their immune systems are still developing and gaining strength. 

A baby can acquire up to ten colds every year before the age of two. The majority of colds are encountered throughout the fall and winter. This is because babies spend more time indoors and are in close contact with other family members and caretakers who may be infected with the cold virus. 

Cold can spread through air droplets. When someone with cold sneezes or coughs, the cold virus is released into the air and inhaled by others. 

It can also spread through hand-to-hand contact. Thus, it is always advised to wash your hands after blowing your nose.

2. What are the symptoms of the common cold in babies?

If your baby has a common cold, he/she might have the following symptoms:

  • A stuffy or runny nose that may be clear at first and later turns yellow or green

  • Fever (101 to102°F)

  • Cough

  • Sore throat

  • Ear pain

  • Irritability and restlessness

  • Loss of appetite

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Difficulty in breastfeeding or taking a bottle due to nasal congestion

3. How long does cold last in babies?

Your baby's immune system will require some time to develop. If your baby has a cold that isn't severe, it should go away in 10 to 14 days.

4. How to prevent colds in babies?

Since there is no vaccine for the common cold, the best way to prevent your baby from catching a cold is through precautions and frequent hand-washing. 

  • Keep your baby away from people who have a cold.

  • Wash your hands well and frequently, especially before feeding or touching your baby.

  • Clean your baby's toys and pacifiers regularly with soap and water.

  • Breastfeed your baby as much as possible, breast milk contains antibodies that can fight infections.

  • Avoid smoking near your baby. Cigarette smoking might increase your baby's chances of becoming sick.

5. When should you consult a doctor if the baby has a cold?

If your baby is less than three months old, take him/her to the doctor at the first sign of infection. 

If your baby is 3 months or older, contact your doctor if he or she shows any of the following symptoms:

  • If the cold persists for more than three days

  • The temperature climbs above 101°F

  • Trouble breathing

  • Persistent cough 

  • Irritation or itching in the ears

  • Green, yellow or brown mucus/phlegm

Colds that are not treated properly can lead to more serious bacterial infections like pneumonia, bronchitis, flu or ear infections.

6. How to treat a cold in babies? 

There is no cure for the common cold. It usually goes away on its own without treatment. 

But there are a few things you can do to ease their distress:

  • Make sure your baby gets plenty of rest.

  • Encourage your baby to have extra breast milk or feed. 

  • Offer plenty of fluids. If your baby is over 6 months, give water and fruit juices. This will prevent dehydration and keep your child’s nose and mouth moist.

  • Don't give over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to your baby unless prescribed by a doctor.

  • Use a humidifier or vaporizer to moisten the air in the baby's room. A cool-water humidifier might help relieve nasal congestion.

  • Dab petroleum jelly to the outside of your baby's nostrils to reduce any irritation and dryness on the skin.

  • Use nasal saline drops prescribed by the doctor. This will clear the mucus out of your baby’s nose and allow him/her to breathe easily.

No matter what your baby’s age is, if he/she is having a high fever or if the symptoms worsen or don't go away, consult your doctor immediately.


Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.