Home Remedies for Cold in Infants and Babies

Introduction

Colds are one of the most common illnesses in young children, especially infants and babies. They may occur due to conditions like infections (viral or bacterial) affecting the nose, throat, or sinuses. Individuals with allergies may also have cold-like symptoms, for example, stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, and watery-itchy eyes^1,3. 

Because there are over a hundred different cold viruses, young children (whose immunity is still developing) often catch several colds each year. This tends to happen more often during the fall and winter seasons¹. 

The good news is that, although colds can be frustrating for both parents and babies, they are usually mild, self-limiting, and clear up on their own within one to two weeks². This period can be uncomfortable for infants, but simple home remedies may help ease symptoms and support natural recovery. 

With this guide, we aim to help parents by providing safe and effective home remedies for colds in babies and infants. 

Common Symptoms of Cold in Infants and Babies

Many parents wonder, “how long do infant colds last?” Colds in infants and babies usually develop gradually and can last from one to two weeks. However, some symptoms, such as a cough, may last a little longer. The most common symptoms of a cold include¹: 

• Runny or stuffy nose (with whitish nasal discharge) 
• Nasal congestion and sneezing 
• Coughing 
• Mild sore throat 
• Breathing sounds suggesting chest congestion 

Some babies may also exhibit a reduced appetite, more tiredness than usual, or develop a mild headache. A low-grade fever (below 38.5°C) may also occur^1,2. 

Usually, all these symptoms are minor and self-limiting. However, because infants and babies have developing immunity, infections that cause mild colds in older children and adults may lead to more serious illnesses in them, for example¹: 

• Croup (hoarse voice, barking cough, noisy breathing) 
• Bronchiolitis (wheezing, rapid or difficult breathing) 
• Swollen neck glands, sore throat, or red eyes 

It is also important to distinguish a cold from the flu. While the two can seem similar, the flu usually begins suddenly and is associated with high fever, chills, body aches, and extreme tiredness. In contrast, colds tend to develop more slowly and are generally milder. Another important point that will help distinguish between the two is that children with colds often still have the energy to play, whereas those with influenza are more likely to be confined to bed². 

Causes of Cold in Infants and Babies

Colds in infants and babies are most often caused by viruses that infect the lining of the nose and throat, leading to inflammation and symptoms. 

Certain risk factors, such as the following, increase the risk of colds in babies¹: 

• Developing immunity: Infants and toddlers have not yet built resistance to the many different cold viruses. 
• Seasonal changes: Colds are more common in the fall and winter seasons when children spend more time indoors. 
• Daycare or preschool attendance: Close contact with many children increases exposure to viruses. 
• Having older siblings: Germs are often brought home from school or play areas by older children. 
• Close contact with infected individuals: Viruses spread easily through coughing, sneezing, or shared items, especially when family members or caregivers are unwell. 
• Surface and hand transmission: Sick individuals can spread viruses by touching toys or surfaces, where the germs may survive for several hours. Children can become infected when they touch these surfaces and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. 

Safe and Effective Home Remedies for Cold Relief

Many parents ask, “how to treat infant cold?” Coughing is a normal part of a cold and helps the body clear mucus from the airways. 

While colds usually resolve on their own, certain home remedies for cold in babies can ease symptoms and make babies and children more comfortable. Some non-drug remedies recommended for cold relief include^4,5: 

1. Cool mist humidifier/vaporiser

Helps reduce congestion and makes breathing easier. Avoid warm mist humidifiers, as they may worsen swelling in the nasal passages. 

2. Saline nose drops or sprays

These keep the nasal passages moist, as well as help clear stuffiness. 

3. Nasal suctioning

Using a bulb syringe or similar tool (with or without saline drops) is especially helpful for infants under one year. 

Important Safety Considerations

• Avoid over-the-counter cough and cold medicines in children under 4 years of age as these products may cause serious side effects and accidental overdosing. 
• Always use the provided dosing syringe or cup, not household spoons. 
• Many cough and cold products marketed as “homoeopathic remedies” are available in pharmacies and online, but none are FDA-approved for children⁴. 

How to Care for a Baby With a Cold at Home

Most colds in babies are mild and go away on their own, but the symptoms can make your little one uncomfortable. You can help your baby feel better with these simple home remedies for cold in babies while their body fights the infection⁵: 

• Keep your baby well-hydrated with frequent breastfeeding, formula, or fluids appropriate for their age. 
• Ensure plenty of rest so their body can fight the infection. You can also give saline nasal drops. For older children (not infants), warm steam inhalation, either from a bowl of hot water or shower steam, may also provide relief. 
• Honey can soothe a cough but should only be given to children over one year old. It must never be given to babies under 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism, which can be life-threatening. 

Tips to Prevent Colds in Infants and Babies

While colds are common in young children, parents can take simple steps to reduce the risk of infection and the spread of germs. Some practical prevention tips include¹: 

• Limit exposure: Keep babies under 6 months old away from people who have a cold. 
• Stay up-to-date on vaccines: Routine childhood immunisations help prevent complications such as ear or lung infections. Please note that the flu vaccine protects against influenza but not other cold viruses. 
• Practise good hand hygiene: 
  • Wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or wiping your nose. 
  • Wash your hands and your child’s hands after wiping their nose. 
  • Wash your hands after direct contact with someone who has a respiratory infection. 
  • When soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitisers or moist wipes (keep them out of children’s reach, as they can be harmful if swallowed). 
• Teach healthy habits: Encourage children to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. Remember to throw used tissues away immediately and wash yours and your child’s hands afterwards. 
• Clean shared toys: Avoid sharing toys that babies put in their mouths until they have been properly cleaned. 
• Daycare precautions: Inform caregivers if your child has cold symptoms and check whether your child should stay home to avoid spreading germs. Parents may want to plan ahead for childcare in case their baby becomes ill. 

Possible Complications

Most colds are mild, harmless, and clear up on their own without lasting effects. However, in some cases, complications may occur, including²: 

• Croup: Inflammation of the larynx (voice box) may lead to hoarseness. Young children can develop croup, which is typically viral and marked by a barking cough, noisy breathing, and mild breathing difficulty. 
• Ear infections: In babies, infants, and toddlers, colds can sometimes spread to the ear, leading to middle ear infections. 
• Tonsillitis: Bacterial throat infections may cause inflammation of the tonsils. 
• Sinus infections: Microbes can spread into the sinuses after a viral cold, leading to sinus infections. 
• Pneumonia (rare): Upper airway infections may occasionally progress to more serious lower respiratory infections like pneumonia. 
• Irritation around the nostrils: This may be caused by frequent wiping of the nose. 

When to See a Doctor?

Most colds get better on their own, but sometimes medical attention is needed. Seek immediate medical care in the following cases^1,4: 

For infants under 6 months: 

• Trouble breathing due to a blocked nose 
• Difficulty feeding or vomits repeatedly 
• Fever (rectal temperature of 38.5°C or higher) 

For babies and children of all ages, call your doctor or go to the emergency department if your child: 

• Is breathing rapidly or struggling to breathe. 
• Has retractions (pulling in of the skin around the collarbone, neck, or ribs while breathing). 
• Has a bluish tinge to the lips 
• Has coughing spells so severe that they cause choking or vomiting 

These symptoms may indicate pneumonia or bronchiolitis and require immediate medical treatment. 

Contact the doctor if your child shows signs of an ear infection, such as: 

• High fever (especially if it develops a few days after a cold starts) 
• Vomiting 
• Ear pain or tugging at the ear 
• Irritability or unusual crankiness 
• Pus draining from the ear 

Other signs that indicate your child should visit a doctor include: 

• Eyes stuck shut with dried yellow pus (possible eye infection) 
• Excessive sleepiness, refusal to feed or play, or inconsolable fussiness 
• Thick or discoloured (yellow or green) nasal discharge that lasts longer than 10 to 14 days 

Conclusion

Colds are very common in babies and usually clear up on their own with time, rest, and supportive home care. While most symptoms are mild, it is important for parents to know how to ease discomfort, prevent the spread of infection, and recognise warning signs that need medical attention.  

Remember, with proper care and attention, your baby can recover safely and comfortably. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Colds in children. Paediatr Child Health. 2005 Oct;10(8):493-5. Availablefrom: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2722603/ 
2. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). Overview: Common colds[Internet]. InformedHealth.org; [cited 2025Sep 11]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279543/ 
3. Weld.gov. What’s the Difference Between a Cold, the Flu, Seasonal Allergies and COVID-19? [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2025 Oct 28]. Available from: https://www.weld.gov/files/sharedassets/public/departments/human-services/documents/senior-solutions-winter-newsletter-2020.pdf. 
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Should You Give Kids Medicine for Coughs and Colds? [Internet]. Food and Drug Administration; 2024 [cited 2025 Sep 18]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/should-you-give-kids-medicine-coughs-and-colds 
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Manage Common Cold [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2024 [cited 2025 Sep 18]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/common-cold/treatment/index.html 
6. Drug Office, Department of Health, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Medicines for Cough and Common Cold in Children [Internet]. Department of Health; 2024 [cited 2025 Sep 18]. Available from: https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk/eps/do/en/consumer/news_informations/dm_36.html 
7. Goldman RD; Canadian Paediatric Society, Drug Therapy and Hazardous Substances Committee. Treating cough and cold: Guidance for caregivers of children and youth. Paediatr Child Health. 2011 Nov;16(9):564-9. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3223897/ 

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