Infant Cold Symptoms

A cold is a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract. Colds are very common in babies and young children because their immune systems have not fully developed, making them more susceptible to illnesses and infections. Babies, especially, can easily catch a cold because they are always moving and exploring and then putting their hands in their mouths. In fact, babies and young children typically average about six to 10 colds per year, with children in school or daycare having as many as a dozen colds a year.

Early Signs

• Typically, babies with a cold will first develop a runny nose or nasal congestion. In most cases, the nasal discharge will be clear for the first few days but then may appear yellowish or greenish in color and often becomes thicker.

Other Symptoms

• Other possible signs of a cold in an infant include a low-grade fever of 100 degrees F or less; coughing and sneezing; difficulty sleeping because of the congestion; irritability; and a decrease in appetite.

When to See a Doctor

• Common colds are usually mild illnesses that will clear on their own, but babies who are younger than 3 months old should always see a pediatrician at the first sign of an illness to rule out more serious illnesses. In babies older than 3 months, call the doctor if you notice fewer wet diapers than usual; a high fever, especially if it lasts more than a day; signs of ear pain; a yellow discharge from the eyes; or a thick green discharge from the nose that lasts more than two weeks. And parents should remember that they know they baby best. If anything seems unusual or concerning, call the pediatrician.

Treatment

• Because colds are caused by a virus, they will not respond to antibiotic treatment as bacterial infections do. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly advises against giving children younger than 2 any over-the-counter cold and cough medications because of the possibility of developing life-threatening side effects. Instead, try to make your baby comfortable and encourage him to rest. Try using saline drops to ease nasal congestion and place a humidifier in his bedroom to help clear nasal passages. For fevers or other discomfort caused by a cold, babies younger than 6 months can take acetaminophen. Older babies can take either acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Check with your doctor for appropriate doses.

Prevention

• The best way to prevent your baby from getting a cold is to use good hygiene and keep your baby away from people who are sick. Wash your baby's toys often, especially toys he puts in his mouth. Also be sure to wash your hands often when caring for your baby. If you can't always get to soap and warm water, keep a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy, such as in a purse or diaper bag. Also, make sure everyone in your home knows to cough and sneeze into a tissue or the crook of their arms if tissues aren't available.