The common cold can really start a fuss, especially when a baby catches it. Each year in the US, the common cold infects more people than any other illness — even the flu. And infants and children are especially susceptible. Here's what you need to know if your baby has caught a cold. Show
How long the cold should last in babiesSymptoms for a cold will typically last 7 to 10 days in infants and children. Common cold symptoms to watch out for in your baby include:
Another way to tell is that "you'll notice them getting fussier," says Julieana Nichols, MD, an associate professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital. There's no concrete timeline for cold symptoms in babies because it varies from one baby to the next. But generally, a baby will develop a fever within the first three days of illness. Their symptoms will probably peak and become the worst on days two and three. After that, by day four symptoms tend to improve. But the cough may linger beyond day 10. Babies can sometimes catch up to eight colds a year. Nichols says the number depends on how often the baby is exposed to other children who may be sick. For example, babies who attend daycare may catch the cold six to eight times a year, while babies who don't tend to have fewer colds, about two or three. That's why illnesses like the cold and flu are often more rampant in the winter, because children (and adults) spend more time indoors, in close proximity to people who may be sick. How to help a baby with a coldUsually, the best course of action is to wait for the cold to go away and manage symptoms in the meantime. Parents can use:
It's important to note that for children younger than 2 years old, avoid over-the-counter cough and cold medications that contain a decongestant or antihistamine. Common brands include Mucinex Children's Stuffy Nose and Chest Congestion and Children's Dimetapp Cold and Allergy. That's because it's unclear what the right dose is for babies at this age, and overdoses can cause "convulsions, rapid heart rates, and death," according to the FDA. In 2004-05, more than 1,500 US children younger than age 2 went to the emergency room for side effects related to overdoses from cough and cold medications. When to take your baby to a doctor for the coldWhile colds typically go away on their own, a baby may need to visit the pediatrician if unusual symptoms develop. According to Nichols, parents should seek medical care if:
And if your baby isn't exhibiting these warning signs but you're still worried, call your pediatrician. You can also learn how to help prevent illness in your child by checking out our article "How to prevent cold and flu in children in the winter." Insider's takeawayBabies can catch up to eight colds in a single year, making them a common ailment. Usually, you can let the infection run its course and mitigate symptoms with OTC medication like Tyleno or saline drops. However, if your infant is exhibiting a fever greater than 101 °F (or if they are younger than 2 months and have a fever over 100.4 °F), you should take them to a doctor.
Christina Bennett is a freelance writer for Insider. Read more Read less The combination of a baby and cold or flu season could make for some long nights and crabby days in your home. Whether your baby is bringing home bugs from daycare or family gatherings or suffering from a tough diaper rash, there are a few things you can do to keep little ones more comfortable. Pediatrician Laura Hirl, MD, UnityPoint Health, explains five ways to soothe a sick baby and three things you might want to skip. How to Soothe a Sick BabyYou might feel helpless when your baby comes down with an illness. But, here are a few ways to help him/her feel more comfortable while battling bugs.
Sick Baby Hacks to SkipWhile the list goes on and on, Dr. Hirl would recommend you skip a few common suggestions.
Illness vs. Teething“Sometimes, it’s difficult to tell if children are teething or have an illness,” Dr. Hirl says. Unfortunately, viral illnesses are very common and often overlap with teething.” Teething symptoms include:
Illness can include some of the same symptoms as teething but also include a few others, including:
If fever or fussiness persists for a few days and you are concerned about the possibilities of an underlying illness, then see your doctor for a complete exam. What to Expect as a New Parent“Illnesses will happen, it’s a part of life,” Dr. Hirl says. Babies are exposed to many infections during their first cold and flu season, and it’s not uncommon for them to see upward of 10 bugs in that season. Their bodies are seeing these viruses for the first time, so it may take longer for an infant to recover compared to an older child or adult. “Infants put things in their mouths, drool and therefore, illness can be spread easily from infant to infant. It’s not uncommon to feel as if your child spends more days each month with a runny nose than without a runny nose,” Dr. Hirl says. An infant often has more exposure to viral infections when in a large group of similar children, like in daycare settings. Babies who don’t attend daycare may seem to get more viral infections in the first year of school. “Any time your body sees a bug for the first time, your immune response isn’t established, and how quickly you heal from the virus will be slower than in the future when you are exposed to the virus once again,” Dr. Hirl says. Other Topics from Our Experts:Categories: Kids Healthcomments powered by How long does a cold in an infant last?If your baby has a cold with no complications, it should resolve within 10 to 14 days. Most colds are simply a nuisance. But it's important to take your baby's signs and symptoms seriously. If symptoms don't improve or if they worsen, it's time to talk to your doctor.
Can you give babies anything for a cold?You'll naturally want to calm your baby's symptoms. But don't give over-the-counter cough and cold medicines to infants and toddlers. These products don't work well in kids under 6 years, and they can cause dangerous side effects in young children. The FDA advises against using them at all in children younger than 4.
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