Everything You Need to Know About the Common Cold in Children

If you’re a parent, you’re likely all too familiar with the runny nose and watery eyes that means your child has caught a cold (again). But when should you be concerned about the common cold, and what are the best treatments and remedies for their symptoms? Here’s everything you need to know to help children of any age battle a cold.

What Are the Signs of a Common Cold in a Child?

Symptoms of the common cold in children vary by age, and can mimic the symptoms of other viral infections such as the flu.

For younger children and babies, symptoms can include:

• Fussiness
• Congestion in the nose
• Trouble sleeping
• Fever

For older children, cold symptoms may include:

• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Scratchy or tickle throat
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Mild cough
• Headache
• Low-grade fever
• Fatigue
• Body aches

Why Does My Child Get Sick with a Cold So Often?

You’re not imagining things—kids get colds frequently, particularly when they’re under the age of six. Most children, young and old, will have at least six to eight colds a year, and more frequently during the fall and winter seasons.

To catch a cold, your child must come in contact with someone who is infected with a cold virus. Cold viruses are spread through the air, such as when someone coughs or sneezes near your child, or by direct contact with another person or object with the virus on the surface. When your child is in school or daycare, this means lots of close contact with other kids. Pair that with an immature immune system, and your child is at a higher risk catching a cold.

How Long Does a Child’s Cold Usually Last?

After exposure, cold symptoms usually start within one to three days, and last about a week. The symptoms of runny nose, cough, fever and sore throat typically worsen over the first three to four days, then start to improve. Your child may be more tired than usual during this time, but should start to perk up around day four or five.

For some children, cold-like symptoms such as a cough and congestion can last up to two weeks after the cold virus itself is gone. It’s different for every child, and every virus.

How Can I Help Ease the Symptoms of My Child’s Cold?

Unfortunately there’s no cure for the common cold, since antibiotics don’t work against viral infections. Instead, the goal is to keep your child as comfortable as possible, encouraging lots rest and liquids. To help ease your child’s symptoms, you can try the following:

• Fluids: Water, apple juice, warm soup, and electrolyte solutions (such as sports drinks) to help prevent dehydration in older children. For babies, stick to breastmilk, formula, and water (if over the age of 6 months).
• Saline spray: Nasal saline sprays are safe for kids of all ages, and can help ease nasal congestion. Be sure to read the label and avoid nasal decongestant sprays, as they can make symptoms in young children worse.
• Humidifier: Using a cool-mist humidifier in your child’s room during the night or their nap-time can help them breathe easier, and keep their airways from drying out.
• Honey (for Children over One): The best treatment for a cough in children over one year old is a little honey. You can give it to your child on a spoon or mixed with warm water. You should never give honey should never be given to a baby under the age of 12 months, due to the risk of botulism.
• Suction: If your younger child is having trouble breathing due to excess mucous, use a bulb syringe or other suction device to help remove snot and clear their airways. This is particularly helpful for children who aren’t yet able to blow their nose.
• Medicine: Over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) for any age, or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) if your child is older than 6 months, can help your child find some relief if they’re uncomfortable. If your child has a fever or other symptoms but is acting fairly normally and playful, there is no need to treat with medicine. Dosing for infants and young toddlers is based on your child’s weight, so check with your child’s provider to avoid an incorrect dose.
• Cough and Cold Medicines for Older Children: These should never be given to children younger than 6 years of age, unless recommended by your child’s provider. Older children may find relief with such these medicines. Always follow dosage guidelines based on your child’s age and weight. If you have any questions, it’s important to contact your child’s provider before giving medication.

When Should I Worry about My Child’s Cold?

If your child seems to be working very hard to breathe, is breathing faster than normal, or is having trouble eating or drinking due to breathlessness, you should contact your child’s provider immediately.

Fevers in children typically don’t last more than 4-5 days. If your child has had a fever for five consecutive days or more, or their fever is more than 105 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s also time to contact their provider.

We know cold season can be frustrating, especially for parents. Remind your child that hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of both viral and bacterial infections at home and in school. Teach your child good hand washing hygiene (and remind your older children) by washing your hands with antibacterial soap as soon as you enter the house. To help your child remember the correct amount of time to wash their hands, practice singing the ABC song slowly. Good luck battling those cold germs!