There are many causes of cold symptoms (cough, runny nose, stuffy nose, irritability) in a baby. Because an infant's immune system is still developing, they are more prone to get infections. These infections can be from viruses, like the viruses that cause the common cold, croup, or bronchiolitis, or they can be from bacteria, which can cause more serious infections like pneumonia.
Come to the doctor's office if…
- Your baby is less than two months old and has a fever.
- Your baby is breathing noisily, breathing very fast, or you think they are having a hard time breathing.
- Your baby is coughing up green or yellow sputum or has greenish boogers.
- Your baby is difficult to arouse or isn't responding to you like usual.
- Your baby is pulling on their ears.
- Your baby cries whenever you pick them up or when their neck is moved.
- Your baby is having difficulty feeding or is drooling excessively.
- Your baby is having less wet diapers than usual.
You should get emergency medical help if your baby's lips are turning blue or if the skin around their ribs retracts when they breathe in.
