Is your little one sick? Key symptoms of colds in babies and toddlers

(Image: Getty Images)

Here’s how to spot the symptoms and help your child feel better.

It’s horrible when your little one is unwell and extra hard when they’re too young to tell you what the matter is, what hurts and what soothes them.

One such recurrent childhood illness is the common cold – a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. The virus is spread in droplets coughed or sneezed by others and by direct contact with sufferers. Children are particularly susceptible to colds as they have little natural resistance.

There are around 200 different strains of cold viruses circulating, so it’s likely that each time your child gets a cold they’re meeting that bug for the first time.

Does my child have a cold? How can I treat it?

How can I tell if my child has a cold?

Most colds run their course in three to 10 days. At the start of a cold, a baby or toddler will often feel hot and generally under the weather. Their temperature may rise quickly. In the early stages of a cold, some children may vomit.

Cold symptoms take two to three days to develop, after which sneezing is usually the first sign, followed by a blocked-up nose and a sore throat. After a few days, the nasal discharge may thicken and become green or yellowish.

toddler with a common cold — At the start of a common cold, a baby or toddler will often feel hot and generally under the weather. *(Image: Getty Images)*

“What can I do to treat my baby’s cold?”

There’s no cure for the common cold. Medicines only help to relieve the symptoms. Before giving any medicine read the instructions carefully, make sure it’s suitable for his age and never give more than the stated dose. Otherwise, plenty of fluids, rest and lots of cuddles are the best remedy. Babies should produce a wet nappy every three hours or so. If they stay dry for longer, it’s a sign that he’s not getting enough liquid.

Tips for treating your baby’s cold

Feed babies little and often, every half-hour if necessary. If they are not keen to feed, spoon-feed your little one with water or well-diluted juice, if they are three months or older.
If your baby is running a temperature, lower it by sponging them with tepid water. Don’t smother them with extra clothes or bedding as they could overheat. If your child is over three months, infant paracetamol will help to lower their temperature. If you have a toddler over the age of 2, a hypoallergenic pillow such as Clevamama ClevaFoam Toddler Pillow may help as it raises their head and helps clear sinuses.
Your baby will find it difficult to feed if their nose is blocked. Decongestant nose drops, suitable for babies over three months, given before feeds will help him to suck more comfortably. Medescan L’il Booger Buster has been a gamechanger for many as it clears nasal passages quickly and gently. It has two medical-grade silicone tips and two power suction levels that allow you to find the perfect setting for your little one and can be used from birth.
Use a steam vaporiser in your baby’s room overnight, or when they are napping. Medescan Warm Steam Vaporiser alleviates cold, allergy, and flu symptoms by adding moisture to the air, helping to soothe stuffy noses and make breathing easier. Safe to use from birth, it’s gentle enough for even the littlest family members.
When your child is ready, teach them to blow their nose properly, starting with one nostril at a time.
Let them sleep longer or take extra naps during the day.

When your child is ready, teach them how to blow their nose to help clear mucus more effectively. *(Image: Getty Images)*

Occasionally, a cold can lead to a cough or ear infection. Consult your GP if:

A cough continues for more than 10 days
They have a high temperature
Their breathing is fast or they are short of breath
It seems painful to cough
They cough up yellow, green or bloodstained mucus
They have an earache (this is often worse when they lie down) or appears to be slightly deaf
They seem ill, lethargic or has no appetite after the first couple of days of a cold

Emergency checklist for a cold

Contact your GP if your little one has:

A temperature more than 37C
A hoarse cough and is breathing heavily
Cries for longer than usual, in an unusual way, or seem to be in pain.
Keeps refusing feeds
Is unusually hot, cold or listless

Seek urgent medical help if your child:

Has a convulsion, turns blue or very pale
Breathing becomes quick, difficult or grunting
Unusually sleepy or hard to wake, or doesn’t seem to respond to you

Baby's cold checklist: mother taking crying baby's temperature — Contact your GP if your little one has a temperature over 37C. (Image: Getty Images)

If your baby shows signs of a common cold, it’s important to stay calm and monitor their symptoms closely. While most colds can be managed at home with comfort measures, always trust your instincts and seek medical advice if you’re concerned. Knowing when to take action can make all the difference in ensuring your little one feels better soon. Keep this checklist handy and remember, your healthcare provider is your best resource if you ever feel uncertain.