When to See a Doctor When Your Baby Has a Cold

A cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose, throat, larynx, and sinuses) that can be caused by several different viruses:

• Rhinovirus (most common)
• Respiratory syncytial virus
• Adenovirus
• Human parainfluenza viruses
• Coronaviruses

These viruses enter the body through the eyes, mouth, or nose via:

• Air droplets: Droplets of saliva or mucus in the air produced by sneezing, coughing, or talking can cause the virus to be inhaled.
• Contact with an infected person: Direct contact with an infected person can cause the virus to enter through the baby’s natural nose, mouth, or eyes.
• Surface contamination: Most viruses can live for a long time on surfaces, and babies can catch a cold by touching these surfaces.

Cold symptoms tend to occur 1-3 days after exposure to the virus and may include the following:

• Cough
• Runny nose or congestion
• Watery or thick nasal discharge that may be yellow or greenish
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Irritability
• Reduced appetite
• Sleeping difficulties

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is common for children to have six to 12 colds a year during infancy as their immune systems develop. When there are no complications, colds typically resolve within 10-14 days.

A cold typically lasts for 7 to 10 days.

• Early-stage (days 1-3): About 50% of patients will have a tickly or sore throat as an initial symptom, followed by congestion, runny nose, sneezing, fatigue, body aches, coughing, and hoarse voice.
• Active or peak stage (days 4-7): Symptoms typically peak in their intensity during this stage, and a fever may occur.
• Late-stage (days 8-10): All symptoms may subside during this stage, and the person may feel better.

Unfortunately, there is no vaccine available to prevent the common cold. The only defense against it is through preventive and precautionary measures, such as hand washing before touching or feeding the baby, keeping them away from someone who is sick, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and cleaning the toys and frequently touched surfaces.

In some cases, the common cold can lead to complications such as:

• Acute otitis media (middle ear infection)
• Acute sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses)
• Pneumonia
• Bronchiolitis
• Croup
• Wheezing or asthma (constant or recurrent colds)

Frequent minor colds are common and typically harmless for an infant’s new, rapidly developing immune system.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, pediatric check-ups are recommended:

• At birth
• About 3-5 days after birth
• Month 1
• Month 2
• Month 4
• Month 6
• Month 9
• Month 12
• Month 15
• Month 18
• Month 24