Babies unfortunately get sick—it’s one of those unavoidable parts of parenting which causes us all a lot of stress, anxiety and sleepless nights. When your little one has a runny nose, cough, congestion or spike in temperature, it’s hard not to wonder: is this normal, or should I call the doctor? That’s where we come in!
Knowing what symptoms are common in babies and when they signal something more serious can help you care for your baby with more confidence and a little less worry.
Let us walk you through the most common symptoms in infants, what you can safely manage at home, when to schedule a visit to your family doctor or when to head to the emergency room.
Common Baby Illnesses Normally Treatable at Home
The good news, mom, dad, and caregivers, is that most minor illnesses can be treated at home. Many times, all Baby needs is a little extra TLC, sleep, and over-the-counter medicine to help ease their symptoms until the "ick" passes.
The most common illnesses, normally treatable at home, you may see with baby are:
The Common Cold
Unfortunately, babies aren't immune to the common cold, which we've all experienced. But how do you know if it's just a cold? Here are the most common symptoms:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Mild cough
- Low-grade fever (under 101.0°F)
- Sneezing
- Lack of appetite
- Fussiness
- Trouble sleeping
- Trouble nursing or taking a bottle (due to a stuffy nose)
Most colds will pass on their own in 10-14 days and usually don't require a trip to the doctor. To make your little one feel more comfortable as they work through their cold, try the following:
Saline Nasal Drops and Nasal Aspiration
Using baby-safe saline nasal drops and either a nasal bulb or an electric nasal suction device, follow these steps to administer the drops:
- Lay your baby on their back or hold them in an upright position with their head tilted slightly to one side. You can also cradle their head in the crook of your arm.
- Place 2 to 3 drops of saline into one nostril. Wait a few seconds to allow the drops to loosen mucus.
- Option 1 - With a bulb syringe: Squeeze the bulb of the syringe to push all the air out first. Then gently place the tip into the nostril where you just added the drops, being careful not to insert it too far. Slowly release the bulb to create suction, which will pull the saline and mucus out. Squeeze the mucus into a sink or trash can.
- Option 2 - With an electric nasal aspirator: Place the soft silicone tip gently at the opening of the nostril, ensuring it makes a seal but isn't pushed too far inside. Start suction by pressing the power button to turn on the device. Adjust suction (if possible) to a comfortable level for your baby. Gently move the tip in a circular motion to effectively clear the mucus. Once finished, turn off the device and carefully remove the collection container to empty and clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Repeat for the other nostril.
- Wipe your baby's face gently with a clean cloth.
Use a Cool Mist Humidifier in Baby's Room
Choose a cool-mist model and place it on a stable surface at least 3 to 6 feet away from where the baby sleeps. Here are some tips for using a cool mist humidifier:
- Use distilled water.
- Change the water daily.
- Clean the unit regularly (every 2-3 days) to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
- Maintain the room's humidity between 40% and 60% to avoid excessive dampness.
It is not advised to add any essential oils to the humidifier, as there may be a risk of respiratory irritation, and there's a general lack of safety research on essential oils for children under three.
Mild Fevers
Mild fevers in babies are pretty common, and often it just means their immune system is doing its job fighting off an infection. These fevers can pop up from common viruses like colds or the flu, or even as a side effect of vaccinations. Sometimes, your little one might have an elevated body temperature if they're bundled up in too many layers, so always make sure your babe isn't overdressed. If you notice them sweating, acting a bit fussy, or their skin looks flushed, it could be a sign they're too warm. A good rule of thumb is: if you're hot, your baby is probably hot too. You can always feel their neck or back to check for clammy or sweaty skin. And, no, teething does not typically cause a fever.
Generally, a mild fever is not dangerous. It’s just your baby's body defending itself. However, if your baby is under 3 months old and has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, that's considered serious and needs immediate medical attention.
For older babies, though, a mild fever might not require medication or a doctor's visit if:
- Their fever is under 102°F
- They have only mild symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing or mild cough.
- Baby is behaving normally (eating about the same amount along with normal wet and poopy diapers)
- Their fever lasts only a few days
The key is to monitor their temperature, ensure they stay hydrated with frequent feedings, and dress them in light layers to prevent overheating. If you're ever unsure or if your baby is under 3 months old with a fever of 100.4°F or higher, seek immediate medical attention.
Mild Cough
Mild coughs in babies are quite common and can often be caused by postnasal drip, where mucus from the nose trickles down the back of the throat, or caused by a general viral illness like a cold. To help your little one feel more comfortable, you can:
- Offer them plenty of fluids to keep them hydrated and help thin out mucus.
- Use a cool mist humidifier, as it adds moisture to the air, which can soothe their irritated airways, reduce mucus production, and ease congestion.
- Keeping your baby in an upright position during and after feedings can help prevent reflux and reduce coughing caused by milk or formula going down the wrong way.
Here are Some Common Types of Coughs:
Dry Cough: This type of cough doesn't produce much mucus and often accompanies a viral respiratory infection like a cold or the flu. It can sound harsh or brassy and may be one of the first signs of a virus. Dry coughs can also be caused by allergies or asthma.
Wet Cough: A wet cough is moist and comes from the chest, often producing mucus or phlegm that can be white, yellow, or green. It sounds gurgly or chesty, indicating the body is trying to clear mucus from the airways. Causes can include bronchitis, pneumonia, common colds, or sinus infections.
Croup Cough (Barking Cough): This cough sounds like a hoarse or raspy bark, similar to a seal. It's typically caused by croup, a viral infection of the upper airway that leads to swelling around the vocal cords. Children with croup may also have stridor, a high-pitched or squeaking noise when breathing in. You should often see your doctor for this type of cough especially if the child is having trouble breathing or breathing too fast.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis): This is a serious bacterial infection that starts like a common cold but worsens, causing back-to-back coughing fits. After coughing, a child may take a deep breath that makes a "whooping" sound. It's most severe in infants under 6 months old who are not yet fully immunized. You should see your doctor for this type of cough.
Wheezing Cough: A wheezing or whistling sound when breathing out suggests a problem in the lower airways of the lungs. This can be due to mucus and inflammation from a viral infection, asthma, bronchiolitis, or a blocked airway from a foreign object. You should see your doctor for this type of cough.
Nighttime Cough: Many coughs worsen at night, often due to mucus from the nose and sinuses draining down the throat when lying down (postnasal drip). Asthma can also trigger nighttime coughs. These coughs are less severe but can be bothersome due to reduced sleep. It may also be a sign that asthma treatment needs to be increased.
Cough with Vomiting: Kids can cough so much that it triggers their gag reflex and causes them to throw up. This can also happen if a lot of mucus drains into the stomach. This is usually not a cause for alarm unless the vomiting doesn't stop or is accompanied by a high fever.
Habit Cough: Sometimes a child continues to cough long after an illness has passed, with no medical cause. This cough often worsens when they are talking or in school but disappears when they sleep or are distracted.
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If you're ever concerned about your baby's cough, or if it's accompanied by other worrying symptoms, always consult with your doctor.
When to Call the Doctor
It's important to know when to seek medical attention for your baby. Some symptoms should always prompt a call or visit to your doctor:
- A fever of 100.4°F or higher in a baby under 3 months old
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or chest retractions (when their skin pulls in between their ribs)
- Blue lips or pale, mottled skin
- Refusing to eat for multiple feedings or showing signs of dehydration (like fewer than 3 wet diapers in 24 hours)
- Vomiting or diarrhea that just won't stop
- A rash with a fever, or one that looks purple or bruised
- Lethargy or difficulty waking
When in doubt, always trust your instincts. If something feels "off," please reach out to your provider—we're here to help.
Home Remedies for Sick Babies
When your little one isn't feeling their best, there are several things you can do at home to help them feel more comfortable:
- Use saline and a bulb syringe for nasal congestion: This can help clear stuffy noses, making it easier for your baby to breathe and feed.
- Offer small, frequent feedings: Even if your baby isn't eating much at once, consistent small feedings will help them stay hydrated and nourished.
- Try warm baths for comfort: A warm bath can be soothing for a fussy baby and may help them relax.
- Keep baby upright for feeding and sleep (as recommended): This can help with congestion and reduce discomfort from postnasal drip.
- Maintain a calm, quiet environment: A peaceful setting can help your baby rest and recover more easily.
- Extra snuggles are exactly what your babe craves when they are not feeling well.
FAQs About Sick Babies
When should I worry about my baby’s fever?
Any fever of 100.4°F or higher in a baby under 3 months is a medical emergency. For older babies, monitor their behavior and hydration closely. If you're ever unsure, don't hesitate to call your doctor.
Can teething cause a fever?
No, Teething does not cause a fever. It may cause a slight rise in temperature, but it typically won't result in a true fever over 100.4°F.
What does labored breathing look like in a baby?
Look for signs like fast breathing, chest retractions (when their skin pulls in between their ribs), flaring nostrils, or grunting sounds. These are all indicators that your baby might be having trouble breathing.
What if my baby isn’t eating?
It's usually okay if your baby skips one feeding. However, if they refuse to eat for more than 6–8 hours, especially if it's paired with fewer wet diapers, you should call your doctor.
When should I take my baby to urgent care versus the ER?
If your baby is having trouble breathing, is nonresponsive, or has a high fever accompanied by lethargy, you should go to the ER immediately. For most other less severe symptoms, your family doctor or an urgent care clinic can provide the help you need.
Is it normal for my child to get sick several times each fall?
Yes—especially for young children. It’s not unusual for kids to have 6–8 colds a year, and many of those happen in fall and winter. Learn more about why your child may get sick in fall what to do about it.
Should I send my older child to school with a mild cough or runny nose?
It depends. If your child is fever-free, energetic, and symptoms are mild, most schools allow attendance. But if you’re unsure, call your provider or check with your school nurse.
When should I be concerned about frequent illness?
If your child seems sick more often than “normal”, isn’t recovering between illnesses, or has repeated ear infections or sinus infections, it may be time to investigate further with your family doctor.
Does vitamin C or elderberry prevent illness?
While they may offer some immune support, the best prevention tools are still sleep, handwashing, healthy eating, and vaccines. Supplements should only be used with your provider’s guidance. Learn more about keeping baby free from unwanted germs here.
Navigating Your Baby's Health: When to Care at Home and When to Call the Doctor
Parenting often comes with its share of worries, especially when your little one isn't feeling well. From runny noses and coughs to mild fevers, it's natural to wonder what's normal and when to seek medical advice. This guide has walked you through common baby illnesses treatable at home, offering practical tips for comfort and care. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. We're proud to care for families across Crystal, Plymouth, and Rogers, MN. Contact us for questions, appointments, or guidance—we're just a phone call or click away.