Common cold in infants

Infants rely heavily on nasal breathing, so congestion can make feeding and sleep tiring. They may take shorter feeds, pause often, or become unsettled. A cold can resemble other infections, and infants cannot describe pain or breathlessness. Watch the whole child: breathing effort, alertness, wet nappies, temperature, and ability to feed are more useful than one symptom alone.

Offer the usual breast or formula feeds more often if the infant manages only small amounts. Saline drops before a feed may loosen nasal mucus; follow the product directions and use a clean suction device gently if advised. Hold the infant upright while awake. Keep smoke away, wash hands before care, and never give honey to an infant or use cough and cold medicines unless a clinician specifically advises it.

Get urgent help for grunting, pauses in breathing, ribs pulling in, blue or grey lips, extreme sleepiness, or an infant who cannot feed. Contact a clinician promptly for fewer wet nappies, repeated vomiting, a fever in a very young infant, worsening symptoms, or concern about breathing. Do not wait for a cold to become severe before asking for advice.

How can I clear the nose safely? Is feeding and urine output adequate? Which temperature or breathing changes should lead to urgent review?