Skip to content
mam.al
Baby

Coughs and colds in babies: what helps and when to worry

Why babies catch so many colds, how to help at home, why antibiotics and syrups are not the answer and the breathing signs that need a doctor straight away.

4 min read

In this article

Young children catch an average of 5 to 8 colds a year, more when they start nursery. This is how their immune system learns. Most colds clear up within 2 weeks, but the cough can last a few weeks after your baby seems well.

A cough is usually nothing to worry about if your baby is feeding, drinking and breathing normally, with no wheezing.

At home

  1. 1

    Fluids

    Offer the breast or bottle more often, in smaller amounts if a blocked nose tires them.

  2. 2

    Saline drops

    Saline drops or sprays from the pharmacy clear the nose before feeds and sleep.

  3. 3

    Fresh air

    Air the room every day and do not keep it too hot. Nobody should smoke in the home.

  4. 4

    Temperature

    If your baby has a temperature or pain, ask your paediatrician or pharmacist about medicine for their age and weight.

  5. 5

    Hand washing

    Wash your hands often, especially before feeding, so you do not pass the cold on.

Advice you will often hear

“Give them an antibiotic before it goes to their chest.” Most colds are caused by viruses, and antibiotics do not work on viruses. They are given only when a doctor finds a bacterial infection, and even then the cough does not stop straight away. Unneeded antibiotics give babies diarrhoea and make germs more resistant.

“Buy a cough syrup.” Over-the-counter cough and cold remedies are not for children under 6, unless a doctor or pharmacist advises them.

“Rub them with raki” or “with oil and onion”. Alcohol is absorbed through a baby’s skin and is dangerous. Rubs do not shorten a cold.

“Give them tea with honey.” Honey is not given before the age of 1. After 1, a little honey and lemon in warm water can soothe a cough. Do not give hot drinks to small children.

“They caught a draught.” Colds come from viruses passed between people, not from fresh air. Overwrapping and closed rooms do not protect your baby.

See a doctor if

  • your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C or higher
  • the cough lasts more than 3 weeks
  • they cough more at night or wheeze
  • they have a barking cough and a harsh sound when breathing in
  • they have a very high temperature or seem unwell
  • they rub an ear and the pain has not eased after 3 days (do not put oil or cotton buds in the ear)
  • they are feeding or drinking much less than usual

Call 127 if your baby

  • is struggling to breathe: the ribs pull in, they grunt, breathe very fast or their nostrils flare with each breath
  • has blue, grey or very pale lips or face
  • cannot swallow fluids or saliva
  • is very sleepy and does not wake as usual

Common questions

How long does a cough last after a cold?
A cold usually clears within 2 weeks, but the cough can last longer. If it lasts more than 3 weeks, see a doctor.
Does my baby need antibiotics for a cold?
Usually not. Colds come from viruses, and antibiotics only work on bacteria.
Can I give cough syrup?
Not for children under 6, unless a doctor or pharmacist advises it.
When is a cough an emergency?
When your baby is struggling to breathe, their ribs pull in, their lips turn blue or they cannot swallow. Call 127.

Sources we consulted

Read fever in babies too.

Written by the mam.al editors as general information. It does not replace advice from your paediatrician. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Share WhatsApp Facebook Viber

Keep reading