Your Child's First Cold: A Parent's Guide

Understanding the Common Cold

A cold is a viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and sometimes the chest. It’s very common in infants and young children, especially in daycare or school settings.

Common Symptoms

• Runny or stuffy nose (clear, then yellow or green mucus)
• Sneezing
• Mild cough
• Low-grade fever (under 100.4°F in babies older than 3 months)
• Fussiness or difficulty sleeping
• Decreased appetite

What You Can Do at Home

1. Keep Your Child Comfortable

• Offer plenty of fluids (breast milk, formula, or water if over 6 months).
• Let your child rest as much as needed.
• Dress them in light layers if they have a fever.

2. Clear the Nose

• Use a saline spray or drops to loosen mucus, then suction with a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator for infants.
• Run a cool-mist humidifier in the room to keep nasal passages moist.

3. Relieve Cough & Congestion

• Use steam from a warm bath or shower to help loosen mucus.
• Offer warm fluids (such as diluted apple juice) for children over 1 year to soothe the throat.

4. Monitor for Fever

• Under 3 months: Call your pediatrician immediately if fever is 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• 3-6 months: Contact your doctor for fever over 101°F (38.3°C).
• Over 6 months: Treat fevers over 102°F (38.9°C) with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, for babies over 6 months) per dosage instructions.

5. Encourage Handwashing & Hygiene

• Wash hands frequently to prevent spreading the cold.
• Teach kids to sneeze or cough into their elbow.

What NOT to Do

• No over-the-counter cold medicines (not recommended for children under 6).
• No honey for babies under 1 year (risk of botulism).
• No aspirin (risk of Reye’s syndrome).

When to Call the Pediatrician

Seek medical care if your child has:

• Fast or labored breathing (nostrils flaring, ribs pulling in, wheezing)
• Fever over 100.4°F in a baby under 3 months
• Fever lasting more than 3 days in an older child
• Severe cough or persistent ear pain
• Signs of dehydration (no wet diapers for 8+ hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
• Lethargy or extreme fussiness

Final Reassurance

Most colds last 7-10 days and improve with rest and supportive care. If you’re ever in doubt, call your pediatrician—we’re here to help!

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