Cold and cough in newborn can be scary for new parents. I've seen many tiny babies struggle with stuffy noses and coughs in my years working with families. When your baby can't breathe well or has a little cough, it's hard to watch.
But don't worry! Most baby colds get better with simple care at home. In this guide, I'll share easy ways to help your little one feel better and tell you when you should call the doctor.
Understanding Cold and Cough in Newborns
A newborn cold is an infection in the nose and throat. These tiny
infections are very common. All babies will get at least one cold in
their first year. I always tell parents this is normal, even though it's hard
to see your baby sick.
Bold newborn cold symptoms include:
- Runny or stuffy
nose
- Sneezing
- Mild cough
- Fussiness or
trouble sleeping
- Less interest
in feeding
- Sometimes a low
fever
Most infant sneezing and runny nose solutions are
simple things you can do at home. Babies usually get better in 7-10 days with care.
Why Do Newborns Get Colds and Coughs?
Newborns are prone to colds since their immune defences are still
developing.. Their bodies haven't learned to fight germs yet. I've noticed that
baby immune system support is so important in the first year.
Here are the main ways cold and cough in newborns happen:
Common Causes of Colds in Newborns
1. Being around sick people: If someone with a cold holds your
baby, germs can spread. I always ask visitors if they've been sick recently
before they hold a newborn.
2. Touching surfaces with germs: If someone touches a doorknob with
cold germs and then touches your baby, the baby can get sick.
3. Nearby coughing sends out tiny, germ-laden droplets.
4. Daycare exposure: Babies in daycare are around other kids who might be
sick.
Newborn cough causes are usually from mucus dripping down the back of their
throat from a stuffy nose. This is called post-nasal drip. I've found that this
is what makes most baby's cough when they have a cold.
Spotting the Signs of Cold and Cough in Newborn Babies
How do you know if your tiny baby has a cold? I look for these signs when
checking babies:
Key Cold and Cough in Newborn Symptoms to Watch For
- Nasal
congestion or runny nose with clear or yellow secretions.
- Sneezing often
- Mild fever
(under 101°F or 38.3°C)
- Soft coughing
- Extra fussy
behavior
- Not wanting to
eat as much
- Trouble falling
or staying asleep
- Pulling at ears
- Swollen glands
in the neck
Treating cold and cough in newborns starts with knowing what to look for.
Not all babies show all these signs. Some might just have a stuffy nose, while
others might be very fussy.
Do Newborns Cough When They Have a Cold?
Yes, many newborns do cough when they have a cold. I've heard all kinds
of baby coughs in my experience. Coughing helps the body remove irritants from
the throat.
Different types of newborn cough causes include:
- Dry, tickly
cough
- Wet, mucus
cough
- Barking cough
(sounds like a seal)
- Wheezy cough
(whistling sound)
A simple cold cough usually gets better in 7-10 days. But I always tell
parents to watch for signs that I think will mean something more serious.
Safe Care for Sick Newborns: When to Worry
Not all coughs come from simple colds. Some need a doctor's help right
away. I've seen cases where what seemed like a cold was something that needed
medical care.
When to Call the Pediatrician for a Newborn Cold
Call your doctor if your baby:
- Is under 3
months old with any fever
- Has a fever
over 101°F (38.3°C)
- Is coughing so
much that they can't eat or sleep
- Makes a barking
noise when coughing
- Makes a high
whistling sound when breathing in
- Has blue lips
or face
- Breathing
fast—over 60 breaths per minute.
- Seems extra
sleepy or hard to wake up
- Has been
coughing for more than 10 days
When calling a pediatrician for a baby cold is something, many
new parents wonder about. I always say it's better to call if you're worried.
Your doctor wants to help!
Home Treatments for Newborn Colds: Safe Relief
While you can't cure your baby's cold, I've found these home remedies
for cold in infants help babies feel better:
Newborn Nasal Congestion Remedies
For a stuffy nose, these infant nasal congestion remedies work
well:
- Use a bulb
syringe (nasal aspirator) to gently remove mucus
- Put a few drops
of saline (salt water) solution in each nostril first
- Moisten the baby's
room using a cool-mist humidifier.
- Hold your baby
upright when possible
I've tried many newborn mucus removal techniques, and the saline
drops with a bulb syringe work best. Just be gentle!
Safe Cough Relief for Infants
For coughing, these safe cough remedies for newborns can help:
- Slightly lift
the crib head by tucking a rolled towel under the mattress (not under the
baby).
- Give plenty of
breast milk or formula to keep the baby hydrated
- Place your baby
in a steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes by running a hot shower.
A humidifier greatly eased my newborn's congestion. The moist air
helps thin mucus and makes breathing easier.
General Comfort for Cold and Cough in Newborns
Breastfeeding tips for cold-symptomatic babies include:
- Feed more often
but for shorter times
- Clear the baby's
nose before feeding
- Try original positions if the baby is congested
I've found these general comfort measures help too:
- Give extra
cuddles and comfort
- Make sure the baby
gets plenty of rest
- Keep the baby
comfortable in lightweight layers.
Natural Remedies for Newborn Cough and Cold
Some natural remedies for an infant's cold may help your baby feel
better:
Safe Natural Approaches
- Breast milk: If you're
breastfeeding, keep it up! I've seen how breast milk helps babies fight
infection.
- Skin-to-skin contact soothes
infants and balances their body heat.
- Gentle chest
rubs: Use plain petroleum jelly (not medicated rubs).
- Elevate your
baby's head by holding them upright or raising the crib's head end.
Hydration tips for sick newborns are so important. Feed baby milk;
monitor wet diapers.
What NOT to Give Your Newborn with Cold and Cough
Never give these things to your newborn without talking to a doctor
first:
- Cold medicines
or cough syrup (even ones made for children)
- Aspirin or
ibuprofen (for babies under 6 months)
- Honey isn't
safe for infants under one because of botulism risk.
- Vicks verb
or similar products
- Essential oils
I've seen parents try these things with intentions, but they can be
harmful to tiny babies.
Preventing Cold and Cough in Newborns
You can help protect your newborn from getting sick. These prevent
cold and cough in newborns work well:
Effective Prevention Strategies
- Clean hands
before holding a baby.
- Keep your baby
away from sick people
- Limit visitors
in the first few months
- Don't let
people kiss your newborn's face or hands
- Clean toys and
surfaces regularly
- Don't smoke or
let others smoke around your baby
- Breastfeed if
possible (breast milk contains helpful antibodies)
- Keep up with
doctor visits and vaccines
Preventing respiratory infections in infants is easier than
treating them. I always tell new parents that handwashing is their best tool!
Caring for a Baby with Cold and Cough: Day by Day
Most colds and cough in newborns follow this timeline:
Recovery Timeline for Newborn Colds
Days 1-2:
- Runny nose,
sneezing starts
- The baby may be
slightly fussy
- Slight decrease
in appetite
Days 3-5:
- Peak of
symptoms
- More congestion
and coughing
- Baby is most
uncomfortable now
Days 6-10:
- Symptoms start
to improve
- Cough may stick
around longer
- Energy and
appetite return
After 10 days:
- Most symptoms
should be gone
- If not, call
your doctor
I've tracked this pattern with many babies, and most follow this timeline
closely.
When to Seek Medical Help for a Baby
Emergency Warning Signs
- Is struggling
to breathe
- Has blue lips,
tongue, or face
- It is extremely
hard to wake up
- Has a seizure
These are signs of difficulty breathing in newborns with colds
that need immediate help. I've seen cases where quick action made all the
difference.
Call Doctor Right Away If:
- Your infant
under three months has a fever.
- Fever over
101°F (38.3°C) at any age
- Your baby won't
eat for several feedings
- No wet diapers
for 6+ hours
- Symptoms get
worse after 5-7 days
- The cough lasts
more than 10 days
- Your baby is in pain
When worrying about newborn cough is a common question. Trust your
instincts! If something seems wrong, call your doctor.
Newborn Cold Complications to Watch For
Most cold and cough in newborns get better with no problems. But
sometimes they can lead to:
- Ear infections
- Sinus
infections
- Bronchiolitis
(inflammation of small airways)
- Pneumonia
- Croup
I've seen these complications happen when colds drag on too long. If your baby's symptoms shift or worsen, contact your doctor.
FAQs About Cold and Cough in Newborns
How can I help my newborn with a cold
and cough?
You can help your newborn with a cold and cough by using a bulb syringe with saline drops to clear their nose. I've found this work better when done before feeding. Use a cool-mist humidifier to moisten the air and keep your baby upright for better drainage.
Ensure they get plenty of fluids (breast milk
or formula) and rest. Slightly elevate the crib head with a towel under the
mattress—not under the baby—and always consult your doctor before giving any
cold medication.
Do newborns cough when they have a cold?
Yes, newborns often cough when they have a cold. I've noticed that the cough happens when mucus from their nose drips down their throat. This is called post-nasal drip.
Newborn coughs might sound dry, wet, or sometimes like
a bark. Most cold-related coughs get better in 7-10 days. If your newborn has a
severe cough, breathing trouble, or a cough that lasts more than 10 days, call
your doctor right away.
How is a newborn person affected by a
cold?
When a newborn gets a cold, they might have a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, coughing, fussiness, and trouble feeding or sleeping. I've seen that most newborns handle colds well and get better in 7-10 days without special medicine.
Keep an eye on their breathing, feeding, and temperature. If your
newborn is under 3 months and has a fever, is breathing swiftly, refuses to
eat, or seems very sleepy, call your doctor right away.
How to tell if the baby has RSV or a
cold?
At first, RSV, and cold can be hard to distinguish. I've learned that RSV often starts like a cold but gets worse after a few days. Signs that your baby might have RSV instead of a cold include fast breathing, wheezing sounds when breathing out, flaring nostrils, chest caving in when breathing (retractions), high fever, extreme fussiness, and refusing to eat.
RSV symptoms usually peak
around day 5, while cold symptoms often improve by then. If you suspect RSV,
call your doctor right away, especially for newborns.
Final Thoughts on Managing Cold and Cough in Newborns
Having a sick newborn is tough. I remember how worried I felt the first time my baby got sick. Remember these things:
- Colds clear naturally in 7-10 days.
- You're doing a successful job caring for your little one
- Trust your gut—you know your baby best.
- Take care of yourself, too - ask for help when needed
- Keep track of symptoms, feedings, and wet diapers
Your newborn will get through this cold with your loving care. Soon they'll be back to their happy, healthy self!
