Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptoms of a Newborn ColdIs It an Infant Cold or Something More Serious?TreatmentCausesFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms of a Newborn Cold
Is It an Infant Cold or Something More Serious?
Treatment
Causes
Frequently Asked Questions
Common colds(also known as “head colds”) are, as the name implies, very common. On average adults can expect to catch two to three colds a year, but this number climbs to up to eight to 10 when you look at children and infants. Babies are particularly prone to viral infections like this because their immune systems aren’t fully formed and their activities (especially touching things, sucking on fingers, and putting things in their mouth) can put them in harm’s way.
Catching common colds is a normal aspect of development, and a vast majority of cases aren’t dangerous or fatal. It’s important for parents to realize that some symptoms that arise can be signs of more dangerous conditions, such asinfluenza(flu),pertussis(whooping cough), andpneumonia, among others.While there’s no outright cure or vaccine for the common cold, home-management and prevention strategies can help.
This article covers the basics of the common cold in infants, covering the signs of this illness and management and prevention strategies.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Most people are familiar with the symptoms of the common cold. As a caregiver, though, it’s important to be able to assess if your infant has caught one. Here are signs and symptoms that may indicate an infection:
Can Being Cold Cause a Cold?Most cold infections in the U.S. occur during the colder months, from December to March. However, being cold isn’t linked to this disease. The higher rate of cases in infants and children during these months because occurs because more time is spent indoors and in close contact with others. This spurs transmission.
Can Being Cold Cause a Cold?
Most cold infections in the U.S. occur during the colder months, from December to March. However, being cold isn’t linked to this disease. The higher rate of cases in infants and children during these months because occurs because more time is spent indoors and in close contact with others. This spurs transmission.
My Infant Has a Cough, What Medicine Do I Use?
As their immune systems fight off the infection, colds in infants usually resolve on their own within seven to 10 days of infection.If symptoms worsen and/or last longer than that, it can be a sign of something more serious. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to look out for.
Flu
Flu is anupper respiratory infectionof one of threetypes of influenza viruses. Though some symptoms are shared with colds, this potentially fatal condition is much more severe, and it can progress to pneumonia (an infection of the lungs).
If you suspect your child has flu, get medical help. This condition can be particularly dangerous for infants and toddlers.
Why You Need to Take Your Child’s Flu Symptoms Seriously
Croup
These are telltale signs of this condition, which also causes:
In most cases, croup coughs resolve on their own with at-home management within five to six days. Seek medical care if stridor is present, any signs of breathing difficulty, symptoms persist or are recurrent.
Whooping Cough
A vaccine-preventable disease, pertussis (whooping cough)sets on much like the common cold, causing mild fever, cough (in some), and runny nose. However, as it progresses, typically after one to two weeks, several features differentiate this condition:
If untreated, these symptoms can last for up to 10 weeks, worsening as whooping cough progresses.Seeking care is critical in these cases.
Disrupted BreathingInstead of coughing fits, whooping cough in some infants can cause breathing to stop, and there’s a blueish color to the lips or skin.Get help immediately as this is a medical emergency.
Disrupted Breathing
Instead of coughing fits, whooping cough in some infants can cause breathing to stop, and there’s a blueish color to the lips or skin.Get help immediately as this is a medical emergency.
Pneumonia
An infection of the lungs,pneumoniacan arise due to a wide range ofbacterial,fungal, and viral infections, including the common cold. How can you tell your infant may have pneumonia? Here’s a breakdown:
When to Get HelpIn severe cases, pneumonia in infants can causeconvulsions, difficulty feeding and lack of appetite, and hypothermia (a dangerous drop in temperature). All signs of this illness prompt medical attention, but these signs prompt emergency care.
When to Get Help
In severe cases, pneumonia in infants can causeconvulsions, difficulty feeding and lack of appetite, and hypothermia (a dangerous drop in temperature). All signs of this illness prompt medical attention, but these signs prompt emergency care.
Bronchiolitis
Another infection of the lungs,bronchiolitisprimarily affects 3 to 6-month-olds, though children up to 2 years old are susceptible. Like others, it may begin with symptoms of more mild respiratory infection; however, these get worse within a couple of days. Signs of bronchiolitis are similar to pneumonia and include:
In most cases, these symptoms clear up within seven days, and many cases are mild. However, duration longer than that, breathing interruptions, chest retraction, and nostril widening all prompt medical attention.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Primarily affecting infants, older adults, as well as adults with compromised immunity,respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)is another common airborne respiratory infection. RSV usually arises as cold-like symptoms, but some cases progress to bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Otherwise healthy infants generally don’t need hospitalization for this condition. Studies have found only 1% to 2% of infected babies under 6 months require additional care.
Treatment for Infant Cold
Unfortunately, with the common cold, there is no outright cure. The aim of treatment is to do what you can to let your child feel comfortable and get rest as their immune system fights off the infection. A range of approaches can help.
Debunking the “Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever” Adage
Home Remedies
Cold Medicine for Babies
While there are decongestants, pain relievers, or other symptom managing medications made for children, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stresses that none of them are recommended for those under the age of 2.The risk of side effects is too high.
When to See a Doctor
Causes of Colds in Newborns and Prevention
How Can You Prevent and Stop Colds From Happening?
But how do babies come in contact with the viruses that cause common colds? Several ways:
Risk Factors
By nature, infants are at higher risk of contracting common cold than adults because their immune systems aren’t fully formed. Several other factors can increase the chances of babies catching it:
Complications
Several conditions can result if common cold cases progress and worsen. These complications include:
Prevention
Keys to the prevention of common cold in infants and children include:
Summary
Common colds in babies are very common, and, in most cases, they can be effectively managed at home. In infants, they cause runny nose, sneezing, coughing, mild fever, excessive drooling, and restlessness, among other symptoms.
Symptoms lasting longer than 10 days, trouble breathing or wheezing, and high or prolonged fever warrant medical attention and may be signs of another infection or complications. Medications are almost never prescribed to infants, and the aim of treatment is to ensure they get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and symptoms are managed.
A Word From Verywell
It can be tough for caregivers to see their babies suffering from colds. However, it’s important to remember that this condition is very common; in fact, catching colds helps infants’ immune systems develop. If your child is sick, stay vigilant and be proactive about delivering care; make sure they’re resting and drinking fluid.
If anything seems off, or you’d like to learn more about managing symptoms, talk to the child’s healthcare provider.
In infants, the symptoms of colds arise within 48 hours of infection. These usually resolve within seven to 10 days, though they can last up to two weeks. If symptoms last longer than that—and especially if they worsen—get medical help.Learn MoreHow Long is a Cold Contagious?
In infants, the symptoms of colds arise within 48 hours of infection. These usually resolve within seven to 10 days, though they can last up to two weeks. If symptoms last longer than that—and especially if they worsen—get medical help.
Learn MoreHow Long is a Cold Contagious?
If your child has a cold, the main goals of treatment are to ensure they get plenty of rest and are drinking enough fluids. For infants under the age of 2, medications, even over-the-counter ones, shouldn’t be given without a doctor’s recommendation or prescription. To ease symptoms, here’s what you can try:Apply saline solution to your child’s nostril 15 minutes before feeding to loosen mucus. After a few minutes, use a rubber bulb to pull everything out.Use petroleum jelly to help with sore or irritated nostrils.Increase humidity in your child’s bedroom with a humidifier or vaporizer.Sit with your child in a homemade steam-room: your bathroom with doors closed and the shower on.
If your child has a cold, the main goals of treatment are to ensure they get plenty of rest and are drinking enough fluids. For infants under the age of 2, medications, even over-the-counter ones, shouldn’t be given without a doctor’s recommendation or prescription. To ease symptoms, here’s what you can try:
While most cases of cold resolve on their own and don’t require medical attention, it’s important for parents to know the signs that help is needed. Call 9-1-1 if you see:Lips or skin are turning blueComplete loss of appetiteHigh fever (temperature above 101.3 degrees)VomitingAdditionally, symptoms getting worse or persisting after 10 days warrant a call to your child’s healthcare provider.Learn MoreSigns and Treatments for Pneumonia in Kids
While most cases of cold resolve on their own and don’t require medical attention, it’s important for parents to know the signs that help is needed. Call 9-1-1 if you see:Lips or skin are turning blueComplete loss of appetiteHigh fever (temperature above 101.3 degrees)VomitingAdditionally, symptoms getting worse or persisting after 10 days warrant a call to your child’s healthcare provider.
While most cases of cold resolve on their own and don’t require medical attention, it’s important for parents to know the signs that help is needed. Call 9-1-1 if you see:
Additionally, symptoms getting worse or persisting after 10 days warrant a call to your child’s healthcare provider.
Learn MoreSigns and Treatments for Pneumonia in Kids
In most cases they do. If there are no complications, or the symptoms aren’t arising due to other conditions, common cold in infants resolves within seven to 10 days. This occurs as the immune system fights off the infection.Learn More11 Popular Natural Remedies for the Common Cold
In most cases they do. If there are no complications, or the symptoms aren’t arising due to other conditions, common cold in infants resolves within seven to 10 days. This occurs as the immune system fights off the infection.
Learn More11 Popular Natural Remedies for the Common Cold
In infants, colds progress through three stages. Here’s a breakdown:
Learn MoreLifecycle of the Common Cold: How Long Does It Last?
Ensuring plenty of rest is a cornerstone of managing a cold, so babies should be getting more rest. If possible, let them sleep as much as they need. Notably, sleep at night is often interrupted in infant cold cases due to the cold symptoms.Learn MoreThe Importance of Sleep
Ensuring plenty of rest is a cornerstone of managing a cold, so babies should be getting more rest. If possible, let them sleep as much as they need. Notably, sleep at night is often interrupted in infant cold cases due to the cold symptoms.
Learn MoreThe Importance of Sleep
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Cleveland Clinic.Common cold in babies.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Common cold in children.
MedlinePlus.Croup.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of whooping cough.
National Institutes of Health.Pneumonia.
MedlinePlus.Bronchiolitis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of RSV.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Tips from the FDA to safely treat your child’s cough and cold.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
