Colds in Babies: Safe Comfort Measures and Medicines to Avoid

Key takeaways: Colds are caused by viruses and usually last 7 to 10 days. Saline drops, nasal suction, a humidifier, and extra feeds help. Cough and cold medicines aren’t safe for babies. Call for fever in babies under 3 months, breathing trouble, or poor feeding.

Babies often get 6 to 8 colds a year, and more if they’re in childcare. Each one helps build immunity. Here’s how to keep your baby comfortable and know when to call.

Common Cold Symptoms

• Runny nose (clear at first, then thick and yellow or green, which is normal and not a sign of bacterial infection).
• Congestion and sneezing.
• Cough.
• Mild fever.
• Fussiness and decreased appetite.
• Trouble sleeping.

Symptoms usually peak around days 2 to 3 and improve over 7 to 10 days. A cough can linger for 2 to 3 weeks.

Safe Comfort Measures

• Saline drops: place 1 to 2 drops in each nostril to loosen mucus.
• Nasal suction: use a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator gently, especially before feeds and sleep. Don’t overdo it; too much suction can irritate the nose.
• Cool-mist humidifier: clean it daily to prevent mold.
• Extra feeds: breastfeed or bottle-feed more often in smaller amounts if your baby is congested.
• Rest and cuddles.
• Steam: sitting with your baby in a steamy bathroom may help loosen mucus.
• Safe sleep: keep your baby on their back on a flat surface. Don’t elevate the crib or use positioners.

Medicines to Avoid

• Cough and cold medicines (decongestants, antihistamines, cough suppressants): the FDA advises against their use in children under 2, and the AAP doesn’t recommend them for children under 4. They don’t work well in young children and can cause serious side effects.
• Honey: never give honey to babies under 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism.
• Vapor rubs: not recommended for babies under 2.
• Essential oils: can irritate airways; avoid diffusers around babies.
• Aspirin: never give to children.
• Antibiotics: don’t work on cold viruses.

Fever Medicine

If your baby is uncomfortable from a fever:

• Acetaminophen: for babies 2 months and older (talk to your doctor first for babies under 3 months).
• Ibuprofen: for babies 6 months and older.

Dose by weight using the device that comes with the medicine.

Preventing Colds

• Wash hands often.
• Keep sick visitors away.
• Clean toys and surfaces.
• Breastfeed if possible.
• Keep vaccines up to date for your baby and caregivers.

Call your baby’s doctor if your baby:

• Is under 3 months and has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher.
• Has a fever lasting more than 2 to 3 days, or 104°F or higher.
• Has trouble breathing, fast breathing, or ribs pulling in.
• Is feeding much less or has fewer wet diapers.
• Has ear pain or drainage, or eye discharge with redness.
• Has symptoms that get worse after 5 to 7 days, or new fever after improving.
• Seems very sleepy or very irritable.

Call 911 for blue or gray lips, pauses in breathing, or if your baby is limp or unresponsive.

The Bottom Line

Colds are common and usually mild. Saline, suction, humidity, and extra feeds are the safest tools. Skip cough and cold medicines, and call for warning signs.

Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.

Sources

1. US Food and Drug Administration. Use caution when giving cough and cold products to kids. https://www.fda.gov
2. American Academy of Pediatrics. Coughs and colds: medicines or home remedies? HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
3. Ralston SL, Lieberthal AS, Meissner HC, et al. Clinical practice guideline: the diagnosis, management, and prevention of bronchiolitis. Pediatrics. 2014;134(5):e1474-e1502.
4. Sullivan JE, Farrar HC; Section on Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics; Committee on Drugs. Fever and antipyretic use in children. Pediatrics. 2011;127(3):580-587.
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infant botulism. https://www.cdc.gov/botulism

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.