Common cold in children: what parents should know

Children may be tired, unsettled, off their usual appetite or wake more often because a blocked nose makes feeding and sleep harder. Babies cannot blow their noses, so mucus may be especially troublesome. A cough can follow nasal drainage and does not by itself show that the infection has reached the lungs.

Watch the child’s overall behaviour, drinking and breathing rather than focusing on mucus colour. Ear pain, persistent fever, worsening cough or facial discomfort can signal a complication or another condition such as middle-ear infection, sinusitis or acute bronchitis.

Offer frequent fluids or usual feeds, allow extra rest and use saline drops with gentle nose clearing when congestion interferes with feeding or sleep. Keep smoke and strong fragrances away from the child. Handwashing and not sharing cups or towels can reduce spread to family members.

Check every medicine against the child’s age, weight and existing medicines with a pharmacist or clinician. Never give a child an adult cold product unless specifically instructed. Honey may soothe a cough only when the child is old enough for it; ask a clinician if you are unsure.

Get urgent help if a child is struggling to breathe, has pauses in breathing, is unusually difficult to wake, cannot keep fluids down, has markedly fewer wet nappies or shows blue or grey lips. A harsh barking cough or noisy breathing needs prompt assessment, especially if the child is distressed.

Ask which fluids and nose-care methods fit your child’s age, whether a medicine is appropriate for their weight, and what breathing or feeding change should trigger urgent review. Share the child’s temperature pattern, sleep, wet nappies and any earache.