How Can You Tell If A Newborn Has A Cold? | Newborn Cold Signs

Newborns pick up germs easily, and a simple cold can look scary in such a tiny body. You’re watching every breath, every squeak, every sneeze. The good news: most colds in young babies are mild and pass on their own. That said, babies under three months need closer attention from the start.

Pediatric groups advise phoning your baby’s doctor at the first sign of illness in this age band. That’s because a cold can be hard to separate from early bronchiolitis or other infections in very young infants. Use the guide below to spot typical cold signs, know when a cold needs care, and learn gentle ways to keep your baby comfortable.

For a trusted overview of cold symptoms and when to call for babies under three months, see the AAP’s guide to colds.

Spotting A Cold In A Newborn: Early Signs Parents Trust

Runny Or Stuffy Nose

Clear mucus is common at the start and may turn thicker and yellow-green later. Nasal blockage makes babies snort, sniff, and breathe noisily, especially during feeds and sleep.

Sneezing And Mild Cough

Frequent little sneezes help clear tiny nasal passages. A soft, occasional cough can show post-nasal drip. Loud, barking, or wheezy sounds point to something more than a simple cold and need a check.

Feeding And Sleep Changes

A stuffy nose makes suck-swallow-breathe work harder. Babies may take shorter feeds, pause often, or tire out. You may also see lighter sleep and extra fussing. Wet diapers should still be regular for age.

Fever In Young Babies

Use a rectal thermometer for the most reliable reading in newborns. A temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher in a baby under three months needs same-day medical care. Even without a measured fever, any baby this young who just seems off deserves a quick call.

How To Take A Temperature Safely

Use a simple digital rectal thermometer for newborns. Apply a little petroleum jelly to the tip. Place the baby on the back, hold the legs toward the chest, and insert the tip about half an inch. Keep a steady hand. Remove when it beeps and clean the thermometer per the maker’s directions.

Here’s a quick look at common signs, how they appear in newborns, and what they usually mean. This isn’t a diagnosis tool; it’s a parent helper.

Sign	How It Shows In Newborns	What It Tends To Mean
Runny nose	Clear mucus that may turn thicker later	Typical cold course as the immune system clears the virus
Stuffy nose	Noisy breaths, snorts, trouble latching	Common with colds; ease with saline and suction
Sneezing	Many light sneezes in a row	Normal reflex to clear tiny nasal passages
Mild cough	Soft, off and on, worse after feeds	Post-nasal drip; watch for any wheeze or stridor
Low energy	More naps, shorter play windows	Typical when sick; big drop in alertness needs a call
Feeding changes	Shorter feeds, more pauses, extra fuss	Stuffy nose makes eating harder; work on nasal care
Fever	100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher by rectal reading	Needs medical care right away in babies under 3 months
Blue color	Blue lips or tongue at any time	Emergency care needed

Cold Or Something Else? Read The Clues

Cold Vs RSV Or Bronchiolitis

RSV and bronchiolitis can start like a cold, then breathing effort picks up. Watch for fast breathing, belly pulling in under ribs, nostrils flaring, or head bobbing. Feeding may drop sharply. These signs call for prompt care.

Cold Vs Allergies

True seasonal allergies are uncommon in young infants. If symptoms drag on past two weeks without cough or fever, or there’s a family pattern, ask your doctor, but most newborn sniffles are viral colds.

Cold Vs Flu Or COVID-19

Flu and COVID-19 can cause fever, aches, and a sicker look. If your baby feels very unwell, is hard to settle, or isn’t feeding, get medical advice. Testing and treatment depend on local guidance and your doctor’s judgment.

When A Newborn Cold Needs Medical Care

Many babies with simple colds can stay home with watchful care. Call your pediatrician urgently or seek care now if you see any of the red flags below.

• Fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher in a baby under three months.
• Breathing trouble: fast rate, ribs pulling in, nostrils flaring, blue or gray lips or tongue.
• Poor feeding: taking less than half the usual amount or fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours after day five of life.
• Unusual sleepiness, weak cry, or you can’t wake your baby well.
• Signs of dehydration: very dry mouth, no tears with crying, sunken soft spot.
• Cough or nasal discharge that isn’t easing after about 10 days, or symptoms getting worse after day five.
• Any time you’re worried your baby looks sicker than a simple cold.

Safe, Simple Care That Actually Helps

You can ease stuffiness and keep feeds on track with small, steady steps. Skip over-the-counter cold medicines for young children; they’re not advised for little ones. Stick with the basics below and check with your clinician before giving any pain or fever medicine to a newborn.

Clear The Nose Gently

Use a few drops of saline in each nostril, wait a minute, then suction with a bulb or a gentle nasal aspirator. Do this before feeds and sleep so breathing is easier while eating and resting.

For breastfeeding, clear the nose right before latching. If a bottle is in use, try a slow-flow nipple and give breaks to breathe. Pace feeds to match your baby’s cues.

Keep Feeds Flowing

Offer breastmilk or formula more often than usual. Short, frequent feeds are fine. Hold your baby more upright for feeds, then keep them upright on your shoulder for a bit after eating to cut down on post-nasal drip coughs.

Moist Air And Comfort

Run a cool-mist humidifier in the room during sleep. A warm shower running in the bathroom can make steamy air for a few minutes before bedtime. Dress in light layers so your baby doesn’t overheat.

Skip chest rubs made with strong menthol on young infants. Don’t give honey before the first birthday. Avoid aspirin at any age.

Sleep Safety Still Comes First

Always place your baby on the back to sleep on a firm, flat surface with no pillows or positioners. If the nose is stuffy, work on clearing it before sleep rather than propping the crib.

Use this at-a-glance list to set up a simple care routine at home.

Care Step	How To Do It	Notes
Saline + suction	2–3 drops per nostril, wait one minute, then gentle suction	Do before feeds and sleep; stop if the nose looks sore
Upright time	Hold on your shoulder after feeds	Great for burps and post-nasal drip clearance
Cool-mist humidifier	Run during naps and nights	Empty and clean daily to prevent mold
Steamy bathroom	Run hot shower, sit nearby for a few minutes	Use before bedtime or a feed
Smaller, frequent feeds	Offer breast or bottle more often	Watch diapers to be sure intake stays on track
Room airflow	Keep air fresh; avoid smoke or strong scents	Irritants make congestion worse

How Long Does A Baby Cold Last?

Most colds fade over seven to ten days. Day one to three brings a runny or stuffy nose, day four to six often feels the heaviest, then things slowly improve. A light cough can hang around longer as the airway clears. If the course seems off track, check in with your doctor.

Simple Ways To Lower The Odds Next Time

Wash or sanitize hands before touching the baby, and ask visitors to do the same. Keep sick contacts away until they’re better. Clean high-touch surfaces, skip smoke exposure, and keep routine vaccines on time for everyone in the household. During virus season, many families keep outings short and avoid crowded indoor spaces when they can.

For dosing rules and tips like saline drops and hand washing, read the NHS advice on colds.

What A Clinician May Check During A Visit

Expect a head-to-toe look. The clinician will watch the work of breathing, count breaths, listen to the chest, and check oxygen levels if needed. They’ll look at the ears and throat, feel the belly, and watch feeding and alertness.

Tests aren’t always needed. Some babies get a nasal swab for viruses such as RSV or flu during busy seasons. A chest X-ray is rare for a simple cold. If your newborn looks unwell, is sleepy, or has a true fever, more labs or a hospital stay may be advised for safe monitoring.

Track What Matters At Home

A short log takes the guesswork out of a rough night. Note the time of feeds, how much your baby took, diaper counts, and the highest temperature with the method used. Jot a few words about breathing, color, and sleep.

Diapers tell a clear story. After the first week, six or more wets in 24 hours means hydration is likely fine. If the number drops or the mouth looks dry, call your doctor.

Myths To Skip, Tips That Work

Antibiotics don’t fix colds. Cough and cold syrups aren’t for children under six. Chest rubs and strong scents can irritate tiny noses. What does help: saline, suction, moisture, feeds, and cuddles.

Mucus color can look alarming. Yellow or green doesn’t prove a new infection. Focus on your baby’s breathing, eating, and energy instead of color alone.