Common colds(also known as head colds) are, as the name implies, very common.
As a caregiver, though, its important to be able to assess if your infant has caught one.
Here are signs and symptoms that may indicate an infection:
Can Being Cold Cause a Cold?
Verywell / Laura Porter
Most cold infections in the U.S. occur during the colder months, from December to March.
However, being cold isnt linked to this disease.
Is It an Infant Cold or Something More Serious?
Heres a quick breakdown of what to look out for.
Flu
Flu is anupper respiratory infectionof one of threetypes of influenza viruses.
How can you tell if your baby has flu?
This condition can be particularly dangerous for infants and toddlers.
Croup
Croupis another respiratory infection that affects infants and children from 3 months to 5 years old.
It’s primarily characterized by a prominent barking-like cough and a hoarse voice.
Seek medical care if stridor is present, any signs of breathing difficulty, symptoms persist or are recurrent.
How can you tell your infant may have pneumonia?
All signs of this illness prompt medical attention, but these signs prompt emergency care.
RSV usually arises as cold-like symptoms, but some cases progress to bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Otherwise healthy infants generally dont need hospitalization for this condition.
Studies have found only 1% to 2% of infected babies under 6 months require additional care.
Treatment for Infant Cold
Unfortunately, with the common cold, there is no outright cure.
A range of approaches can help.
A number of techniques can help you manage your babys runny nose and congestion.
Only give them medications if told to do so by a healthcare professional.
These viruses transmit via droplets in the air and can survive on surfaces.
Viruses are expelled in droplets when a sick person exhales or coughs, and they can survive on surfaces.
But how do babies come in contact with the viruses that cause common colds?
A Word From Verywell
It can be tough for caregivers to see their babies suffering from colds.
Frequently Asked Questions
In infants, the symptoms of colds arise within 48 hours of infection.
These usually resolve within seven to 10 days, though they can last up to two weeks.
If symptoms last longer than thatand especially if they worsenget medical help.
In most cases they do.
This occurs as the immune system fights off the infection.
In infants, colds progress through three stages.
If possible, let them sleep as much as they need.
Notably, sleep at night is often interrupted in infant cold cases due to the cold symptoms.
Cleveland Clinic.Common cold in babies.
University of Rochester Medical Center.Common cold in children.
MedlinePlus.Your baby and the flu.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms of whooping cough.
National Institutes of Health.Pneumonia.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Clinical overview of RSV.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Tips from the FDA to safely treat your childs cough and cold.
