The short answer: Most baby colds can be cared for at home. Use saline drops and gentle suction for a stuffy nose, run a cool-mist humidifier, offer extra feeds and lots of cuddles, and skip cough and cold medicines. Call your pediatrician right away if a baby under 3 months has a temperature of 100.4°F or higher, or if any baby has trouble breathing, isn't feeding or has fewer wet diapers than usual.
A stuffy, sniffly baby can make any parent nervous (especially at 2 a.m.). The good news: colds are very common, and most babies get through them just fine with a little extra TLC. Here's how to help, and when to call.
What a Baby Cold Looks Like
Colds are caused by viruses and often start with a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, a mild cough, fussiness and sometimes a low fever. Many babies also have trouble feeding because they can't breathe well through their nose. Most colds improve in about 7 to 10 days, though a cough can hang on a bit longer.
How to Help at Home
Clear that little nose
Put a few saline drops in each nostril to loosen mucus, wait a moment, then gently suction with a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator. This is especially helpful before feeds and sleep. Be gentle, and don't overdo it, since too much suctioning can irritate the nose.
Run a cool-mist humidifier
Moist air can ease congestion. Use a cool-mist humidifier (not a warm one, which can cause burns), and clean it often to prevent mold.
Keep up the feeds
Offer breast milk or formula often. Smaller, more frequent feeds can be easier when your baby is congested. If you're nursing, keep going. Your milk is a great source of fluids and comfort.
Comfort, comfort, comfort
Hold, rock and snuggle your baby. Extra skin-to-skin time can be calming for both of you.
Keep sleep safe
It's tempting to prop a congested baby up, but babies should always sleep flat on their back, in their own crib or bassinet, with nothing soft in the sleep space. Don't use wedges, pillows or inclined products.
What to Avoid
Cough and cold medicines. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against them for young children. They don't help and can be harmful.
Any medicine without your pediatrician's OK. Never give medicine to a baby under 3 months without talking to your pediatrician, and don't give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months.
Honey. Never give honey to a baby under 1 year old.
Menthol rubs. Many aren't meant for young children (check the label), and they can irritate a baby's skin and airways.
Smoke and vapes. Keep your baby away from all smoke and vapor.
Antibiotics "just in case." Colds are caused by viruses, and antibiotics don't treat them.
When to Call Your Pediatrician
Call right away if:
Your baby is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
Your baby is breathing fast, working hard to breathe, or you see the skin pulling in between the ribs or at the neck
Your baby's lips or skin look bluish (call 911)
Your baby isn't feeding well or has fewer wet diapers than usual
Your baby is very sleepy, hard to wake or unusually fussy and hard to comfort
A fever lasts more than a couple of days, or your baby seems to be getting worse instead of better
Your baby seems to have ear pain or eye discharge
And always trust your gut. If something feels off, call. That's exactly what your pediatrician is there for.
Help Prevent Colds
Wash your hands often, and ask visitors to wash up before holding the baby
Ask anyone who's sick (even a little) to stay home
Skip the baby kisses this season
Talk with your pediatrician about recommended vaccines and RSV protection for your baby
We're Here for the Hard Nights
Caring for a sick baby is exhausting. Our overnight and daytime postpartum doulas can help you get some rest while someone experienced cares for your baby, across New Jersey, New York City and Long Island. And if congestion is making feeding tricky, our Certified Lactation Counselors can help with an in-home lactation visit. We're on your team, forever.
This article is for education, not medical advice. Always call your pediatrician with questions about your baby's health.
