Cold, sore throat, and cough in babies and toddlers

Cough, sore throat, and a runny nose - this is often how the less pleasant side of autumn and winter shows itself. Because in the damp and 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 usually it's not serious. In this article, we'll tell you what you can do for your child regarding a runny nose, cough, and sore throat, and when you should see the pediatrician.

Causes of the cold

Over 200 different viruses are possible culprits for the common cold. Since your little explorer's immune system doesn't yet recognize many viruses, it is much more susceptible than that of an adult. Therefore, it is not uncommon for your child to until school age eight to twelve colds per year hat.

The first time your baby catches a cold is probably 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. However, this can allow cold viruses to enter the body, and infections through contact with contaminated surfaces are not uncommon. But your child can also become infected through droplet transmission, for example when talking, sneezing, or coughing.

You can recognize a cold by these symptoms

Who doesn't know this suspicious tingling in the nose or the first scratch in the throat? Similar to adults, a cold is also slowly beginning to show in your little explorer. You probably notice first that your baby fussy cries and screams more than usual. Small children, on the other hand, usually become quieter and feel tired . After the initial mild symptoms, usually follow a watery runny nose and Sneezing . In the next few days, then additional cold symptoms additional:

• 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 from. However, especially a runny nose and nasal congestion are uncomfortable for babies, as they are only gradually learning to breathe through the mouth. Therefore, you should, if your little explorer younger than three months is and has a cold, definitely your Visit pediatric practice . Likewise, in the following cases, you should definitely seek medical advice:

• 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 . Therefore, check it best multiple times daily the temperature Your child's. How to measure fever most accurately and when a raised temperature becomes dangerous, we explain 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 cold. However, there are a few things you can do to help your little explorer get through the flu-like infection as best as possible and recover quickly.

It is important that you do not leave your baby or toddler alone for too long and give them a little more Security since you already give gifts. If your little explorer isn't too exhausted, it's also okay to go outside together for half an hour a day — regardless of whether in Stroller or already on foot. Because fresh air is good for the irritated mucous membranes. Otherwise, however, bed rest announced - after all, we already know from our mothers that Sleep the best medicine is. :) Throughout the day and before going to sleep, you should Ventilation through wide opening , so that the room air does not become too dry and fresh air keeps coming into the room. Additionally, it helps drink plenty of fluids , best every half hour. When you breastfeed your baby, latch it on more often, and if you are already with the Introduction of complementary feeding once you have started, also offer water or tea additionally. The fluid helps dissolve the mucus and prevents, especially with an increased temperature, 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, the individual symptoms can often be alleviated with simple home remedies to prevent.

Preventing colds in babies and young children

A common cold can hardly be completely avoided — especially with the start of daycare. The best prevention is that Strengthening the immune system . This is achieved with a varied and healthy Nutrition and outdoor exercise. By the way: Breast milk helps build the child's gut flora and the maturation of the immune system. If you are breastfeeding, you give your baby both your antibodies from previous illnesses, for example Measles and Chickenpox , as well as from current infections such as colds.

To prevent a cold, your little explorer should also stay warm. Make sure that he always dressed warm enough is. Because cold reduces the resistance of the mucous membranes against pathogens, and a cold develops more quickly. Our midwife Sissi explains how the right onion look works in the article. "5 Tips for Winter with Baby ".

If you are yourself sick or someone else in your environment is, you should try to avoid direct contact as much as possible. Not only then, but also in everyday life in general, of course, the correct Hygiene should not be forgotten. Wash your hands regularly together and dispose of items such as used tissues, dirty dishes, towels, or toothbrushes so that your baby does not start playing with them.

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