A cold in babies is usually harmless, but it can still really bother your little one. A runny nose, lots of coughing, and struggling to breathe isn't fun for anyone - especially not when you're this small. RSV looks similar to a cold, but is considerably less harmless. This article covers the possible causes of a cold in babies, the differences from RSV, and the do's and don'ts when your baby has a cold.
A baby with a cold: is that harmless?
Yes, a cold in a baby is generally harmless - in fact, it's part of growing up. Because your baby's immune system isn't fully developed yet, they can catch a cold up to ten times a year. Dangerous? Not usually. Uncomfortable? Definitely: your little one deals with a blocked nose, a runny nose, and lots of coughing.
What causes your baby to catch a cold?
It's almost impossible to prevent your baby from catching a cold now and then. Their immune system is still developing, making them more susceptible to the viruses that cause colds. There isn't just one virus responsible - many different viruses can cause a cold. During a cold wave, several viruses often circulate at once, which explains why your baby can sometimes seem to catch one cold after another. As your baby gets older, their immunity improves and susceptibility to colds decreases.
Symptoms of a cold
A cold often comes with a runny nose, coughing, and sneezing - the symptoms are actually much like those in an adult with a cold. In babies too, the mucous membrane of the throat, nose, and sinuses becomes inflamed. Possible symptoms include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- A blocked nose
- A heavily runny nose
- Watery eyes
- More crying
- Fussiness
- Headache and sore throat
Is a cold contagious?
It's no coincidence that your baby seems to catch colds more often since starting daycare or a childminder. Cold viruses spread quickly, through the air or physical contact - and the risk is higher when babies are in close contact with each other, as is often the case in daycare. A cold is therefore hard to avoid entirely, but with the right precautions, you can help your baby catch colds less often.
Is it dangerous if a baby with a cold is sleeping?
A cold can affect your baby's sleep, but it's usually not directly dangerous. Still, a few things are worth keeping in mind to keep sleep as safe as possible:
- Blocked nose: a baby with a cold may struggle to breathe through their nose, which can disrupt sleep. A saline nasal spray can help clear the airways.
- Higher risk for young babies: in newborns and young babies, a cold can sometimes be more severe, since their airways are still small and sensitive. Watch for signs like breathing difficulties, wheezing, or fever, and always consult a doctor if you're unsure.
- Sleep environment: make sure the sleep space is safe and well-ventilated, without loose blankets or soft toys in the cot. A baby with a cold sleeps more safely in a sleeping bag.
While a cold is usually harmless, it's important to stay alert. Notice your baby struggling to breathe, or does the cold come with other symptoms like a high fever or lethargy? Contact your doctor.
Do's and don'ts for a baby with a cold
Do's:
- Wash your hands, and your baby's, as often as possible - always after every toilet visit and nappy change, but also after sneezing. Also clean your baby's face regularly.
- Avoid cold outdoor air as much as possible; wait at least until the worst of the coughing has passed.
- Make sure the nursery isn't draughty, but isn't too warm either - between 15 and 18°C is comfortable.
- Offer your baby extra fluids - this soothes the throat and loosens mucus.
- Recreate the effect of steam: sit with your baby in a steamy bathroom for a bit, so they can breathe in warm, moist air.
- Make the air in the house less dry, for example with bowls of water near the radiators.
- Use a nasal aspirator to clear runny mucus from the nose, or use a special baby nasal spray, so your baby can breathe more freely.
- Dress your baby in cotton clothing - it's breathable and helps prevent overheating if a fever develops.
- Is your baby struggling to sleep because of a blocked nose? Slightly raise the mattress so they can breathe more freely while sleeping.
Don'ts:
- Too much fresh air - don't underestimate a cold; too much time outside can prolong it.
- Menthol-based rubs: these are too strong for babies. Choose a rub made specifically for babies, and ask your pharmacist for advice.
- Setting the heating too high: an overly warm room is counterproductive. A maximum of 20°C in a well-ventilated room is ideal.
- Taking your baby to daycare: even though a cold is harmless, your baby is still bothered by it and would rather be with you. Give them a bit of extra attention during this time.
Symptoms of RSV
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) closely resembles a cold, especially at first - sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose occur with both. But where a cold should clear up within two weeks, RSV persists, and the symptoms actually get worse. Babies with RSV show:
- Severe coughing fits that don't seem to let up, sometimes with gagging.
- Heavy, wheezy breathing.
- A change in skin colour, turning greyish.
RSV causes an infection of the airways, hence the heavy breathing and frequent coughing. The risk is highest during autumn and winter. Like a cold, RSV is highly contagious and spreads through airborne droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. The same do's and don'ts for colds help reduce the risk here too.
A cold in a newborn
It's normal for newborns to catch colds, especially in the first months of life - their immune system is still very much developing. Keep a close eye on symptoms, especially if your baby is struggling to breathe or feed. In that case, contact a doctor.
Treatment and prevention tips
In most cases, a cold clears up on its own, though it can take up to two weeks in a baby. Taking longer, or are you worried? A visit to the doctor never hurts. Always see a doctor if your child is lethargic, breathing heavily, refusing to eat or drink, short of breath, or has had a fever for more than 24 hours.
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