Signs of a Cold in a Newborn

Nothing concerns new parents quite like when their precious baby isn’t feeling well. While colds are very common among newborns, it can be difficult to determine if baby actually has a cold or if it could be something more serious. This article discusses the signs of a cold in a newborn, as well as other newborn illnesses that could present with similar symptoms. It will also cover causes of colds in newborns, when to see a doctor, treatment, and how long colds usually last.

What are other newborn illnesses that could present as a cold?

While the symptoms may appear similar to a cold, there are a few other common illnesses newborns can contract that parents should be aware of and monitor for. Misdiagnosing these as just a cold could delay proper treatment.

Flu

Influenza, or the flu, is a viral respiratory illness caused by different strains of the influenza virus. In newborns, flu symptoms may include fever, runny nose, cough, and irritability. The flu can be more severe in newborns compared to older children and adults. It’s important for parents of newborns to seek medical care right away if they suspect their baby has the flu.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause symptoms like cough, difficulty breathing, and fever. Newborns may have nonspecific symptoms like irritability, decreased activity, and loss of appetite. Rapid breathing and wheezing are also signs to watch for. Pneumonia requires medical treatment with antibiotics.

Croup

Croup is characterized by a barking cough and noisy breathing caused by swelling in the voice box and windpipe. It’s most common in babies 3 months to 3 years old. Signs include a cough that sounds like a seal bark, difficulty breathing and noisy inhaling. Croup often comes on suddenly at night. Immediate medical care is needed if breathing is severely compromised.

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)

This very contagious virus is a common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia in infants. Symptoms may include runny nose, cough, fever and breathing difficulties. RSV requires medical monitoring since it can worsen quickly and lead to dehydration, especially in premature infants.

Bronchiolitis

An inflammation and congestion of the smallest air passages in the lungs, bronchiolitis symptoms include cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and fever. It’s commonly caused by RSV and requires treatment to help with breathing and supportive care. Severe cases may need hospitalization.

Whooping cough

Also called pertussis, whooping cough causes violent and uncontrollable coughing fits that can make it hard to breathe. Other symptoms include runny nose, slight fever, and apnea (temporarily stopping breathing) in infants. Immediate medical care is necessary to prevent spread and properly treat with antibiotics.

Is it common for newborns to get a cold?

Sadly, yes – colds are very common among newborns and infants. There are a few key reasons for this:

Underdeveloped immune system: A baby’s immune system is still developing during the first year of life. Their bodies haven’t built up immunity yet to fight off invading viruses.
Exposure: Newborns are constantly exposed to older siblings, parents, visitors, and other people in close contact who may be carrying a cold virus without even knowing it.

-Touching everything: As babies explore their world through their senses, they touch everything around them – toys, surfaces, hands in their mouth. This makes it easy for cold viruses to spread to them.

-Indoors more: Infants spend much of their time indoors in close quarters with others, unlike older kids in school or daycare. This lack of exposure to different germs may impact immunity building over time as well.

On average, most babies will get between 6-10 colds during their first year. While inconvenient, colds are usually not severe for healthy newborns and clear up on their own within a week or two. But parents should monitor babies closely for potential complications that require medical care.

Causes of colds in newborns

The most common cause of colds in newborns and young babies is respiratory viruses. The viruses that are primarily responsible for colds include:

Rhinoviruses: Responsible for up to 50% of all colds, rhinoviruses easily spread between people through coughing/sneezing or surfaces. Over 100 types exist.
Coronaviruses: A family of viruses that cause 10-15% of colds. Two new types emerged in recent years causing SARS and MERS.
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus): The most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in babies. Spreads through air/contact and surfaces.
Influenza viruses: While less common than rhinoviruses, influenza (flu) is highly contagious and can be severe in infants.
Adenoviruses: Account for 5-10% of colds. Known to cause pink eye, sore throat, bronchitis.

These viruses are transmitted from person to person through direct contact with infectious secretions from coughs/sneezes or touching contaminated surfaces. Incubation periods range from 2-10 days from exposure before symptoms appear in babies.

When to see a doctor

Most colds can be safely treated at home with supportive care. But newborn parents should see a doctor right away if their baby exhibits any of the following concerning signs:

Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) rectally
Breathing difficulties or rapid breathing
Wheezing or persistent cough
Refusal to eat or drink fluids
Lethargy, irritability beyond normal cold symptoms
Appears dehydrated with lack of tears, sunken eyes/fontanel
Cries without tears when crying
Pauses in breathing or turns blue around the mouth
Symptoms lasting longer than 10 days
Other underlying issues such as prematurity

It’s always better to be safe and have a medical professional assess any sick newborn under 2 months promptly. Dehydration, breathing issues, or other complications require immediate medical intervention. Don’t hesitate to call your pediatrician with any concerns as well.

How to treat a newborn with a cold

Fortunately, most colds in newborns can safely be treated at home with supportive care, rest and tender loving care from parents. Here are some tips:

Use a bulb syringe to gently clear nasal passages of mucus as needed
Give infant-safe saline drops/spray to thin out secretions
Suction out excess oral secretions or spit-up with a bulb syringe
Elevate the head of the crib/bassinet to help drainage
Ensure ample fluid intake with breastmilk or formula
Use a humidifier/vaporizer to add moisture to room air
Consider using a warm washcloth on chest/back for comfort
Offer calming touches, cuddling, gentle rocking as tolerated
Give infant-safe medication for fever over 100.4°F if directed
Monitor breathing/symptoms closely for signs of worsening

It’s important for newborns to continue eating, sleeping, and receiving TLC while sick. Call the doctor if symptoms don’t improve or worsen after a few days despite home treatment.

How long colds last for newborns

For most healthy newborns, a cold will typically run its course within 7-10 days. Symptoms often plateau around day 3-5 before steadily improving. It’s not uncommon for a cough or nasal congestion to linger up to 2 weeks. Recovery times may take a bit longer if the baby is premature or has other existing health issues.

Some key points about how long colds last for newborns:

Mild cold symptoms may start resolving within 5-7 days
Coughs/congestion often persist up to 10-14 days despite improvement
Fever is usually gone within 3 days with appropriate care
Seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or last longer than 2 weeks
Recurrences are common throughout the first year of life

While having a sick newborn is stressful for parents, colds typically clear on their own with supportive care at home. Consulting the pediatrician is important if symptoms are severe, worrying, or last an unusually long time. Parents should also follow-up if concerns arise about feeding, hydration or respiratory distress in an infant recovering from a cold. With attentive care and management, most newborns are able to bounce back from viral colds just fine.