A guide to your baby's first cold: Symptoms, treatment, and prevention tips

Nikki Stevenson

Nikki Stevenson

Nikki is a parenting writer and a mom to three wild boys who keep her on her toes (and occasionally make her question her sanity). With over 15 years of experience in the parenting industry, she has more tips and tricks than Mary Poppins on speed dial. When she's not typing away at her keyboard, you can find her sipping on coffee, hiding in the bathroom for five minutes of...
Updated on Sep 25, 2024 · 8 mins read
A guide to your baby's first cold: Symptoms, treatment, and prevention tips

Navigating the sneezy season of parenthood can often feel like a rite of passage, especially when your little one encounters their first cold.


It’s like an unwelcome guest that arrives with a suitcase full of sniffles, sneezes, and sleepless nights. As parents, our heartstrings tug at the sight of our baby’s first battle with the common cold, propelling us into action with a mix of concern, care, and a dash of confusion.

We’re walking you through signs of a cold in your baby, treatments to ease your little one’s discomfort, and strategies to fortify their tiny immune systems against the cold virus onslaught.

Recognising the symptoms of a baby cold


Recognising the early signs of a cold in your baby (like a runny nose) is crucial for timely care and comfort. Unlike adults – who might soldier through a cold with just a sniffle, some cold medicines, and a grumble – babies can’t tell us how they’re feeling, making it all the more important to be vigilant for any signs of common cold symptoms. That includes:

  • Stuffy or runny nose: This could be your first clue. A clear discharge might turn thick and green or yellow as the cold progresses.
  • Fever: While not always present, a fever can indicate your baby’s body is fighting off the cold.
  • Coughing and sneezing: These are nature’s ways of clearing out those pesky viruses from the respiratory system.
  • Decreased appetite: Feeling under the weather can make your little one less interested in feeding or eating.
  • Irritability: Just like anyone feeling sick, your baby might be more fussy or difficult to soothe.
  • Trouble sleeping: With a blocked nose, finding a comfortable sleeping position can be challenging.

These symptoms of a cold can vary in severity and duration, and it’s important to monitor your baby’s symptoms closely.

Remember, your baby’s immune system is still developing, which can make them more susceptible to the common cold. Spotting your child’s symptoms early on can help you take the right steps to comfort your little one.


Causes of baby's cold


Colds in babies, much like in adults and young children, are caused by a variety of viral infections, with the common cold virus (rhinovirus) taking the lead.

Babies’ immune systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to these viruses than older children or adults. A baby’s first cold can often seem alarming, but it’s a common part of their immune system’s learning process.

Babies can catch colds through direct contact with someone sick or by touching their faces after contacting contaminated surfaces. Since cold viruses can live on surfaces such as toys and doorknobs for several hours, it’s easy for these tiny explorers to pick them up. Being near other children, especially in settings like daycare where there are often so many colds, increases their exposure to cold-causing viruses.


When to seek medical attention


Deciphering when a baby’s symptoms necessitate a trip to the doctor to treat colds can be challenging for parents. While most colds in babies are mild and resolve on their own, certain signs indicate the need for medical evaluation.

Urgent medical attention is recommended if your baby exhibits any of the following symptoms:

  • High fever, especially in babies under 3 months old
  • Persistent crying or irritability that cannot be soothed
  • Difficulty breathing, including wheezing, noisy breathing or rapid breathing
  • Refusal to nurse or bottle-feed, leading to dehydration
  • Unusual lethargy or difficulty waking up
  • A cough that persists for more than a week or is accompanied by a whooping sound
  • Blue tint to the lips, tongue, or skin

Immediate actions before seeing a doctor

When your baby shows signs of a cold, there are several immediate actions you can take at home before seeing a doctor. These steps can help alleviate symptoms and provide comfort to your little one:

  • Keep them hydrated: Offer breastmilk, formula, or water frequently to keep your baby well-hydrated, which helps thin the mucus.
  • Maintain a comfortable environment: Use a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air, helping ease congestion and coughing.
  • Clear the nose: Gently use saline drops followed by a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator to clear your baby’s nasal passages, aiding in easier breathing and feeding.
  • Elevate the head: Elevating your baby’s head slightly while they rest can help minimise congestion and promote better sleep.
  • Offer comfort: Extra cuddles and a calm environment can go a long way.

Treatment options for baby’s cold

Managing your baby’s cold focuses on comfort and symptom relief, as colds often resolve on their own. Moist air from a cool-mist humidifier can ease nasal congestion and mild trouble breathing, while staying hydrated with breast milk, formula, or water for older infants or young children thins mucus and eases sore throats. Saline nasal drops or sprays are safe for moistening nasal passages, aiding mucus removal with a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator.

Over-the-counter remedies and their safety


While offering relief, it’s essential to use over-the-counter remedies judiciously:

  • Saline solutions: Ideal for moistening dry nasal passages, helping to thin and remove nasal mucus safely during your child’s illness with a few drops.
  • Cool mist humidifier: Keeps the air moist, alleviating nasal congestion and facilitating easier breathing, especially in the case of upper respiratory infection.
  • Hydration: Encourages fluid intake to thin mucus, easing its expulsion.
  • Fever and pain management: Paracetamol or ibuprofen may be advised for discomfort or fever. Always confirm the dose with your healthcare provider.

Caution with cold medicines: Many OTC cold remedies are not recommended for young children due to potential risks. Always consult with a healthcare professional before administering any medication.

Prevention tips and strategies


Preventing your baby from catching a cold and having to seek medical treatment involves a mix of hygiene practices and parental vigilance. Here are essential tips to help reduce the risk:

  1. Handwashing: Regularly wash your hands and encourage older children to do the same, especially before touching the baby.
  2. Keep sick people away: Limit your baby’s exposure to sick family members or visitors while they have a weak immune system.
  3. Clean and disinfect: Regularly clean surfaces and items your baby frequently touches, including toys and pacifiers.
  4. Breastfeeding: If possible, breastfeed to boost your baby’s immune system with antibodies from your milk.
  5. Avoid crowds: Try to keep your baby away from crowded places, especially during cold and flu season.
  6. Teach good respiratory hygiene: Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow and dispose of tissues properly.
  7. Stay up to date on vaccinations: Ensure your baby receives all recommended vaccinations, including the flu shot if eligible.
  8. Use a cool-mist humidifier: Maintaining moist air can help prevent your baby’s nasal passages from drying out or them getting a stuffy nose.
  9. Promote healthy sleep: Ensure your baby gets enough sleep, as rest is crucial for immune function.
  10. Encourage healthy eating: For older babies eating solids, a balanced diet can support their immune system.

Understanding the risks and complications


While baby colds, a common occurrence during the cold virus season, are generally mild, they can sometimes escalate into more serious health conditions. . Here are some complications to be vigilant about:

  • Ear infection: The common cold can lead to infections in the middle ear, causing discomfort, fever, and trouble hearing. This is particularly concerning for young children and babies.
  • Sinusitis: Persistent colds can inflame the sinuses, leading to increased nasal congestion and facial pain. It’s a condition that can be quite uncomfortable for your baby.
  • Bronchiolitis: Often caused by the RSV virus, this serious respiratory condition affects the smallest air passages in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and wheezing.
  • Pneumonia: An infection of the lungs that can develop from a cold or flu, characterized by difficulty breathing, a persistent cough, and fever. It requires immediate medical attention.

Monitoring the duration and progression of your baby’s cold is crucial. While most colds caused by cold viruses resolve within a week to ten days, lingering symptoms could indicate a more serious issue, such as a viral infection turning into a bacterial infection. If your baby’s cold symptoms persist beyond this timeframe, consult your doctor again.

When a cold leads to more serious conditions


While most baby colds resolve without severe complications, there are instances when a cold may escalate into a more serious condition, warranting closer observation and potentially urgent medical care:

  • Prolonged symptoms: If a baby’s cold symptoms persist beyond a typical duration of 7 to 10 days without signs of improvement, it could indicate the onset of a more serious illness.
  • Difficulty breathing: Any sign of laboured breathing, wheezing, or persistent coughing in your baby should prompt an immediate medical evaluation to rule out conditions like pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
  • High fever: A high fever accompanying a cold could be a sign of a secondary bacterial infection, requiring prompt medical attention.
  • Unusual lethargy: If your baby appears unusually sleepy, lethargic, or shows a decreased appetite, it could be a sign of a more serious infection.

Wrapping it up


Frequent colds can be rough on a baby’s nose, but most times – they don’t do any harm. They can actually boost your baby’s immune system.

Remember, while colds are common in young ones, your attentiveness and care make all the difference in their speedy recovery and overall well-being. Stay vigilant, keep cuddling, and soon, those sniffles will be nothing but a memory.

Sources:


Healthline, What You Should Know About Colds in Newborn Babies, March 2023

Healthdirect, Coughs and colds in children, November 2023

Seattle Children’s Hospital, Colds (0-12 Months), November 2023

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