Common Cold in Babies

Although it may be worrisome to see your baby battling his first illness, colds are common among babies, and the immune system can generally handle the virus on its own. To best help your baby fight a cold, every parent should know what symptoms are normal, what treatments are safe and when it's time to call the doctor.

Incidence

• Babies and children often have more colds than adults--about 8 to 10 colds before they turn 2 because of their immature immune systems. And unlike adults, who have been exposed and developed immunity to many different cold viruses throughout their lives, babies have had few, if any, colds in their young lives. Babies also touch everything they can get their hands on and put their fingers in mouth constantly, making it easy for them to pick up germs.

Symptoms

• The common cold is a viral infection located in your baby's nose and throat, so the most common symptoms include runny nose and nasal congestion, which may be accompanied by a low fever, sneezing, difficulty sleeping and irritability.

Babies Under Three Months

• For most babies, the immune system will handle the cold by itself within 7 to 10 days. However, young babies are susceptible to complications from a cold including pneumonia and croup, so if your child is 3 months or younger and develops a cold, speak with your doctor about the best way to treat it.

Home Treatment

• Nothing can cure a cold, so concentrate on making your baby is comfortable while his body works to fight it off. Clear mucus from his nose with a bulb nasal aspirator, maintain his usual level of fluid intake and run a humidifier in his bedroom to reduce nasal congestion.

Medicine

• Always ask your doctor before giving your baby any type of cold medicine. There is evidence that these medicines do not work in children under 6, and they can carry the risk of dangerous side effects. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen formulated for infants may be helpful if your baby has a fever, but be sure to ask your doctor before administering them because these medications carry important age and dosing restrictions. Never give aspirin to a child under 18; this can trigger Reye's syndrome, a serious condition that can be fatal.

When to Call the Doctor

• A low-grade fever (about 100 F) is a common symptom of a cold, but if the fever is above 101 F for more than three days or if it reaches higher than 102 F, call the doctor. Other signs you should notify your doctor of include: ear pain, red eyes, yellow eye discharge, refusal to drink fluids, fewer wet diapers than normal or symptoms persisting longer than 14 days.