Why Do Babies Get Colds and Coughs in Their First Year?
Kid · Cough & Cold
Babies commonly develop colds and coughs because their immune systems are still developing. Parents can provide supportive care and watch for symptoms that need medical attention.
The endless sneezing, a tiny cough, a stuffy nose, and sleepless nights can worry parents.
Infant colds and coughs are common. Simple home care and knowing when to seek medical help can comfort your infant.
What Is the Common Cold in Babies?
A common cold is a viral infection of a baby's nose, throat and sinuses. More than 100 different viruses can cause colds, and newborns have not yet built immunity against them.
How Often Do Young Children Get Colds?
Children younger than two years may have 8–10 colds in a year. Frequent colds at this age do not necessarily mean a weak immune system.
Why Do Babies Catch Colds So Easily?
Babies catch colds easily because their immune systems are still developing. Their small airways can also make mucus-related congestion affect feeding, breathing and sleep.
How Can Parents Comfort a Baby With a Cold?
Parents can help a baby with a cold through supportive care, including continued feeding and saline drops before feeds. Cold medicines or antibiotics should not be given to infants unless advised by a doctor.
- Wash your hands
- Avoid people who are unwell
- Continue breast or formula feeding and offer smaller, frequent feeds
- Use saline drops before feeding
- Keep vaccinations up to date
- A humidifier may help relieve chest congestion
Do not give over-the-counter medicines or antibiotics under 1 year unless advised by a doctor.
What Is a Cough in Babies?
A cough is a natural reflex that helps clear mucus, dust and irritants from a baby’s airways.
Why Do Babies Cough?
The common cold, usually a viral infection, is a frequent cause of coughing in babies. A cold-related cough may last one to three weeks.
Some babies recover in about 10 days, while others may continue coughing for a few weeks.
What Are the Common Causes of Cough in Babies?
Common causes of cough in babies include viral upper respiratory infections and bronchiolitis. Symptoms vary and may include nasal congestion, wheezing or difficulty feeding.
- Viral upper respiratory infection (Common cold)
Babies usually develop:
- Runny or blocked nose
- Sneezing
- Mild fever
- Bronchiolitis (Viral chest infection)
Bronchiolitis is one of the most frequent lower respiratory tract infections during infancy.
Typical features include:
- Rapid breathing
- Wheezing
- Chest pulling in while breathing
- Difficulty feeding
Most infants recover with supportive treatment, although severe cases may require hospital care.
When Should Parents Seek Medical Care for a Baby’s Cough?
Seek prompt medical assessment if a baby with a cough has rapid or difficult breathing, poor feeding or a high temperature.
- Difficulty & rapid breathing
- Poor feeding
- High temperature
Most colds and coughs improve with simple home care, but knowing the warning signs can help ensure your baby gets timely medical attention when needed.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is to help you understand about cough, cold, and allergy a little better — it's not a substitute for seeing a doctor. Every person is different, so please check with a healthcare professional for advice specific to you or your child, especially before starting any medication or if symptoms last more than a few days. If you're ever worried, don't wait — reach out to your doctor.References:
- Trachsel D, et al. Developmental respiratory physiology. Pediatric Anesthesia. 2022 Feb;32(2):108-17.
- Colds in children. Paediatr Child Health. 2005;10(8):493-5.
- Goldman RD. Honey for treatment of cough in children. Canadian Family Physician. 2014 Dec 1;60(12):1107-10.
- Hay AD, et al. The natural history of acute cough in children aged 0 to 4 years in primary care: a systematic review. The British Journal of General Practice. 2002 May;52(478):401.
- Jurca M, et al. Prevalence of cough throughout childhood: A cohort study. PloS one. 2017 May 24;12(5):e0177485.