Cough, sore throat, and a runny nose—this is often how the less pleasant side of autumn and winter shows itself. In the damp, cold season, cold viruses have an especially easy time. But don’t worry: a cold or a flu-like infection may be unpleasant for your little explorer, but it’s usually not serious. In this article, we’ll tell you what you can do to help your child with a runny nose, cough, and sore throat—and when you should see the pediatrician.

Causes of the cold

Over 200 different viruses can cause the common cold. Because your little explorer’s immune system doesn’t yet recognize many viruses, it’s much more susceptible than an adult’s. That’s why it’s not uncommon for your child to have eight to twelve colds per year until school age.

Your baby’s first cold will likely happen between the third and sixth month of life. This is when the oral phase begins, and your little explorer finds it especially exciting to put all sorts of objects in their mouth. Unfortunately, this can allow cold viruses to enter the body, and infections through contact with contaminated surfaces are not uncommon. Your child can also become infected through droplet transmission—for example, when someone talks, sneezes, or coughs.

You can recognize a cold by these symptoms

Who doesn’t know that suspicious tingling in the nose or the first scratch in the throat? Just like in adults, a cold often starts gradually in your little explorer, too. You may first notice that your baby becomes fussy and cries more than usual. Toddlers, on the other hand, often become quieter and feel tired . After these initial mild symptoms, a watery runny nose and sneezing usually follow. Over the next few days, additional cold symptoms may appear:

• Cough

• Cold

• Sore throat

• Seizures

• Swollen nasal mucous membranes

• General discomfort

• Red eyes

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, at the nape, and behind the ears

• Elevated temperature (A temperature of up to 38.5°C is not unusual in colicky babies and serves as a protective mechanism against the pathogen.)

The symptoms usually subside within seven to ten days . However, a runny nose and nasal congestion can be especially uncomfortable for babies, as they are only gradually learning to breathe through the mouth. For this reason, if your little explorer is younger than three months and has a cold, you should definitely visit your pediatric practice . You should also seek medical advice in the following cases:

• High fever (>39°C)

• Rash

• Refusal to drink or eat

• Severe fatigue and indifference

• Breathing problems and hoarseness

• Severe cough or sudden onset of barking cough

• Chest pain after several days of coughing

• Yellow pus spots on the tonsils

• If there is no improvement after a few days or if symptoms such as e.g. earache , diarrhea or vomiting occur

If your little explorer’s body temperature rises above 39 degrees Celsius and they have a high fever, you should see a doctor . It’s best to check your child’s temperature multiple times a day . We explain how to measure fever most accurately and when an elevated temperature becomes dangerous in our article "Fever in babies and young children".

This is how you can treat the cold

Unfortunately, there is no miracle cure for the common cold. However, there are a few things you can do to help your little explorer get through the flu-like infection as comfortably as possible and recover quickly.

It’s important not to leave your baby or toddler alone for too long and to give them a little extra security and comfort. If your little explorer isn’t too exhausted, it’s also fine to go outside together for half an hour a day—whether in the stroller or already on foot. Fresh air is good for irritated mucous membranes. Otherwise, bed rest is recommended—after all, we already know from our mothers that sleep is the best medicine. Throughout the day and before going to sleep, you should ventilate by opening the windows wide so the room air doesn’t become too dry and fresh air can keep circulating. In addition, it helps to drink plenty of fluids —ideally every half hour. If you breastfeed your baby, offer the breast more often. And if you’ve already started the introduction of complementary feeding , also offer water or tea. Fluids help loosen mucus and, especially with an elevated temperature, prevent the body from drying out.

Cold and cough remedies should always be given to children under two years of age only in consultation with a pediatrician. However, individual symptoms can often be relieved with simple home remedies .

Preventing colds in babies and young children

A common cold can hardly be avoided completely—especially once daycare starts. The best prevention is strengthening the immune system . You can support this with a varied, healthy nutrition and plenty of time outdoors. By the way, breast milk helps build the child’s gut flora and supports the maturation of the immune system. If you are breastfeeding, you pass on your antibodies from previous illnesses, for example measles and chickenpox , as well as from current infections such as colds.

To help prevent a cold, your little explorer should also stay warm. Make sure that they are always dressed warmly enough . Cold reduces the resistance of the mucous membranes against pathogens, which can make a cold develop more quickly. Our midwife Sissi explains how the right “onion look” works in the article "5 Tips for Winter with Baby ".

If you are sick yourself, or someone else in your environment is, try to avoid direct contact as much as possible. Not only then, but also in everyday life in general, don’t forget proper hygiene . Wash your hands regularly together, and dispose of items such as used tissues, dirty dishes, towels, or toothbrushes so your baby doesn’t start playing with them.

A cold is often part of the cold season and is usually annoying but not serious. However, if you’re unsure, visiting the pediatrician is always the best choice. We wish you and your little explorer a speedy recovery and hope you’ll be healthy again soon!