Cold Issues in Kids: Discover Causes, Symptoms, and Cure

Summary: Does your child also catch the cold frequently? Cold issues in kids are common, especially in toddlers and preschoolers, due to their developing immune systems. While colds are typically mild, they can cause discomfort for children and parents. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and effective home remedies—such as hydration, humidifiers, and saline drops—can help ease your child’s discomfort. Preventative measures like good hand hygiene, proper sleep, and a healthy diet can also reduce the frequency of colds. Always consult a pediatrician if symptoms worsen or last longer than usual.

Do you think cold issues in kids are quite normal? Well, if yes, then you’re absolutely right—especially in children under the age of 2 to 3. Young kids are particularly prone to catching colds, and it’s a common part of their development as their immune systems are still learning to fight off infections. 

In fact, it’s not unusual for toddlers and preschoolers to catch 6 to 8 colds per year! While colds are usually mild and self-limiting, they can still cause discomfort for your little one and worry for parents. Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and caring for your child during a cold can help you manage their illness more effectively and ensure they feel better faster.

In this blog, we’ll explore the most common causes of cold issues in kids, the typical symptoms you might notice, and practical tips for treatment and prevention. Let’s dive in to ensure you have all the information you need to help your child through those inevitable sniffles and coughs!

How Do Cold Viruses Spread?

A cold is caused by a viral infection, often from one of many viruses, but the most common offender is the rhinovirus. A very contagious virus, it can be spread through several different means:

1. Airborne Transmission

One of the major reasons behind cold issues in kids is airborne transmission. An infected person coughing or sneezing sends tiny droplets into the air; if a droplet carrying the virus is inhaled by a person standing nearby, she could catch the cold.

2. Direct Contact

This is through direct contact, where the virus transfers when touching particular surfaces touched by an infected person, such as doorknobs or toys. When that person touches their mouth, nose, or eyes with the contaminated hands, they become infected.

3. Contact with Contaminated Surfaces

Viruses can live for hours on surfaces. A baby of less than one year tends to put almost everything in the mouth while doing playful explorations, and contact with contaminated surfaces increases his chance of catching a cold.

4. Close Proximity

Cold issues in kids is also due to close proximity. Since children are very close to others, whether in a daycare or playgroup or in their home environment, the likelihood of developing cold increases as viruses are easily spread through congested areas.

How Do You Know Your Baby Has a Cold? Major Symptoms 

Because babies often can’t tell a parent or caregiver what they feel, detecting cold symptoms in babies can be challenging. It’s crucial, however, to understand what to look for so you can give them the best care. Here are all of the possible symptoms that could indicate your baby has a cold:

1. Runny or Stuffy Nose

This is one of the most common signs of a cold. Infants may experience a watery discharge that can grow thicker and even yellowish or greenish colored as the cold progresses. When such a blockage occurs in the nose, babies may not feed very comfortably or have a good time sleeping.

2. Coughing

The latter might be a dry one or sounding wet, but it never ceases. The reason the body attempts to dispose of mucus inside the throat. All this depends on the severity of the cold.

3. Sneezing

Sneezing is a natural reflex that helps clear the nasal passages of irritants, including the viruses that cause a cold. When your baby sneezes, it’s often a sign that their body is trying to expel mucus, dust, or other foreign particles from their nose or throat.

4. Fever

A cold might sometimes be accompanied by a low-grade fever of less than 100.4°F or 38°C. If the fever is more severe or prolonged for more than a day or two, it may be a sign of a secondary infection or even another illness.

5. Being Irritable or Fussy

Believe it or not cold issues in kids make them irritable. They become cranky or fussy, mostly due to breathing through the nose being disquieted or sore throat/fever. so, this can be counted as another symptom.

6. Feeding Trouble

Babies may also have trouble nursing or bottle-feeding because they have less ability to breathe through their nose, or the mucus can also irritate their throat. This will lead to decreased appetite.

7. Difficulty Sleeping

Congestion and coughing can be distressing for your baby as they may find it hard to sleep, especially when they cannot breathe through their nose.

8. Running Eyes

When a baby has a cold, their body often produces extra mucus to fight the virus, which can lead to fluid buildup in the tear ducts. Additionally, the inflammation of the nasal passages (from the cold) can also affect the sinuses and eyes. This can lead to watery, teary eyes because the tear ducts and nasal passages are connected, and the congestion can cause tears to overflow.

9. Sore Throat

Even though babies can’t tell you, they might have a sore throat, although you probably will notice your baby pulling on their ears, which indicates ear pain or ear discomfort from an irritated throat.

10. Chills or Shivering

Chills and shivering occur when the body’s internal temperature regulation system is responding to a fever or infection. A fever is a common response to a viral infection like the cold. The body raises its temperature to fight off the virus, and in the process, it can cause a baby to feel cold, even if their body temperature is actually rising. The shivering is the body’s way of generating heat to raise its temperature to fight the infection.

11. Ear Tugging or Ear Pain

Ear pulling may sometimes be an indication of a cold resulting in a slight ear infection, but not all babies with a cold will exhibit this sign. If your baby is pulling on his ears more often than not or is extremely cranky, it may be an indication that he has an ear infection.

12. Decreased Activity or Lethargy

A cold-stricken baby is likely to become drowsier and more inactive. While rest is an integral part of the body’s fight against infection, if your baby appears wildly lethargic or uncooperative, it is likely that you should seek medical attention.

13. Minimal Rashes

There may sometimes be minimal rash where a baby has caught a cold. This is very rare. And if the rash is more pronounced or appears irregular, it is time to go to the doctor.

What Can You Do If Your Child Has a Cold? Treatments at Home 

When your child has a cold, it can be tough to see them feel under the weather, but there are several ways you can help them feel more comfortable while their body fights off the virus. Treatment varies depending on their age, so here are some helpful steps for infants and toddlers.

Home Remedies for Infants

Infants are much more sensitive to medicines, so the treatment for cold issues in kids is mainly comfort and symptom management.

1. Hydrate Them

Breastfeed or formula-feed your little one on schedule to keep them hydrated. These help dilute mucus and decongest them. You can give your baby small amounts of water, too, if they’re above six months old.

2. Use a Humidifier or Vaporizer

Have you heard of humidifier? Humidifier is a device that adds moisture to the air, increasing the humidity levels in a room. You can keep a cool-mist humidifier in your baby’s room. You can use it to relieve congestion and keep nasal passages moist so the baby can breathe better. Clean the humidifier often to avoid the accumulation of mold. 

3. Saline Drops or Spray

Saline drops or spray help flush out your baby’s nasal passages. It is safe and can be used multiple times a day. After you apply, just gently suck with a bulb syringe, but always take care to follow the instructions so you don’t irritate them.

4. Elevate the Head of the Crib

A slight tilting of the head part of the crib may help unblock the nasal passages and make your baby breathe better at night. Make sure, however, that the baby is sleeping on his/her back and in a safe place.

5. Comfort and Cuddling

Sometimes the best medicine is simply giving comfort. Sit your baby up to help them breathe more easily with congestion. Sometimes, additional snuggles calm the baby down, especially if he or she is fussy or restless.

6. Steer Clear of Over-the-Counter Remedies

Cold medicines, such as decongestants, antihistamines, and cough syrups, should be avoided in babies except in the case of a doctor’s prescription. Always consult your paediatrician before administering any medication.

Home Remedies for Toddlers

For toddlers who are a little older, you can offer some other treatments, but the primary thinking should still be about comfort and ease.

1. Rehydrate the Baby

Like babies, toddlers also require fluids. Offer water, diluted juice, or warm soups. For toddlers over 1 year old, a soothing drink of herbal tea with honey can ease a sore throat. Avoid these sweet beverages as they can sometimes make the mucus worse.

2. Saline Drops and Suctioning

Continue to use saline nasal drops to loosen mucus in your toddler’s nose. You can use a bulb syringe or, as your child gets older, teach her how to blow her nose (with support). Sometimes, just wiping her nose can help to cut down on irritation and discomfort.

3. Humidifier or Steam

Just like with babies, a cool-mist humidifier can help calm cranky, congested airways and keep a toddler’s nasal passages moist. If you don’t have a humidifier, starting with a hot shower and sitting your toddler in the steamy bathroom for a few minutes can loosen up mucus.

4. Warm Baths

A hot bath may soothe and heal your ailing toddler. The steam from the warm water helps relieve congestion, and it gives a toddler time to relax.

5. Honey and Lemon

Honey can actually soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing in your toddler if he is over 1 year old. Sometimes, mixing a teaspoon of this food-grade honey with warm water or herbal tea does the trick. However, do not give honey to a child under 1 year, as this may cause botulism.

6. Rest and Comfort

Always encourage your toddler to rest as much as possible because sometimes they will want to sleep more when they’re sick – this is a natural way for the body to heal. If your child is getting very irritable or uncomfortable, try holding them or letting them spend extra time resting on the couch or in bed.

7. Mild Cough Treatments

If your toddler’s cough is: Use a cool-mist vaporizer or try rubbing a small amount of baby-safe vapor rub on the chest or feet. Make sure to read the label to ensure it does not contain age-restricted vapors and to avoid applying vaporub to the under-nose or around the mouth areas.

8. Watch for Fever

A low-grade fever in your little one, under 102°F, would best be treated by letting the body itself fight off the invading virus or bacteria. Dress them appropriately to stay comfortable and give them fluids. 

9. Give Cold Suitable Food 

When your toddler is sick, it’s important to offer them food that’s easy on their stomach and helps support their recovery. Focus on light, nourishing options that are gentle on the throat and easy to digest. You can offer them scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, Applesauce or mashed fruits, etc.

It’s also important to avoid foods that may increase mucus production, such as dairy products, for some children. However, this varies from child to child, so pay attention to how your toddler reacts after eating certain foods.

If the fever increases or persists, call the pediatrician. Infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen can reduce the fever, but this should always be done according to the dosing instructions for your child’s weight and age.

When to See a Doctor 

Most cases of the common cold are mild and can heal on their own within seven to 10 days. Nevertheless, there are times when you will need to call a healthcare professional, especially in a baby under three months old or if the following happens:

• High fever above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius lasts for over two days
• Trouble breathing or wheezing
• Severe irritability or crying
• Refusal to feed or drink (chances of dehydration).
• Lasts longer than 10-14 days
• Ear infection signs (ears pull, cry other than normal, or have trouble sleeping)
• Prolonged cough not clearing airways

How Can You Prevent Cold Issues in Kids? Best Prevention Tips 

It is hard to stop colds in kids because they inevitably get exposed to the germs through daycare, school, or playdates. Whilst you can never prevent a child from catching a cold, there are some practical steps that you can take to decrease the chance of catching a cold and make the symptoms less if the child has already caught it.

1. Teach Them About Good Hand Hygiene

One of the best ways is education on preventing the spread of germs by forcing children to take soap and water and hand wash for at least 20 seconds often. Emphasize to your child the importance of washing his or her hands with soap and water, especially:

• After coughing or sneezing
• Before and after eating and preparing food
• After using public places (such as shopping carts and playground equipment)
• If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

2. Cough and Sneeze Manners

Teach your child to cough and sneeze into a tissue or their elbow. That protects the environment from a germ spread as much as protecting others. Ensure they have an adequate number of tissues and hand sanitizer readily available to use at their discretion.

3. Immunize Right Diet

A sound immune system is the key to warding off colds. Focus on providing a well-balanced diet rich in:

• Fruits and vegetables, especially vitamin C-rich fruits such as oranges and strawberries and vitamin C-rich vegetables like broccoli
• Whole grains such as oats, quinoa, and brown rice
• Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, eggs, and beans
• Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and avocado. Fattening up your diet with foods rich in antioxidants, zinc, and more will support your child’s immune system.

4. Make Sure They Are Slept Enough

Sleeping enough is a requirement for good health and enables the right functioning of the immune system. Hours of sleep differ with age in children:

• Infants (4-12 months) 12–16 hours
• Toddlers (1–2 years) 11–14 hours
• Preschoolers (3–5 years) 10–13 hours
• School-age children (6-12 years) 9–12 hours

A consistent bed routine, along with a quiet sleep environment, will ensure your child gets the rest he or she needs.

5. Keep Your Child’s Environment Clean

Germs linger on surfaces for hours. So, especially now, it’s good practice to regularly clean and disinfect high-touch areas, such as:

• Doorknobs and handles
• Light switches
• Remote controls, phones, and tablets
• Toys – especially if shared

Also, teach your child not to often put their hands in their mouth or touch his face since that is one of the easiest ways germs can find their way into the body.

6. Encourage Physical Activity

You cannot just ignore physical activities if you want a healthy kid. Strengthen the immune system. Encourage your child to go out and play, and ride bikes or participate in sports or active games. Exercise improves blood circulation and boosts overall health which might help prevent infection.

7. Proper Hydration

Ensure that your child is well-hydrated for good health in general and to help loosen up thick respiratory secretions to be cleared more easily if infected. Offer water, thinned fruit juices, or herbal teas (for school-aged children) throughout the day. For infants, breast milk or formula is the best hydration.

8. Minimize Exposures to Infected Persons

While you cannot always keep your child away from other diseased children, especially in daycare or school, try to minimize his contact with active infected cases of cold, such as when they are coughing and sneezing very often. Teach your child to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from someone who is coughing and sneezing often.

If your child has a fever, you might consider keeping them home from school or daycare until they’re no longer contagious, meaning they’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours.

9. Avoid Overheating or Overdressing

Overheating or overdressing can stress the immune system and thus increase the chance of getting an infection. While your infant needs proper clothing, it’s crucial to note that dress your child in layers so you can add or remove them according to the temperature conditions. Ensure they are warm enough outside, yet not too bundled up when they will be moving indoors to warmer spaces.

10. Use a Humidifier in Winter Months

Indoor air can get very dry in the colder months, which dries out the mucus membranes inside your child’s nose and allows viruses to take a better hold. Consider using a cool-mist humidifier in their room to keep moisture in the air. Don’t forget to clean out the humidifier so it doesn’t grow mold.

11. Make Sure Their Vaccines Are Up to Date

However, many of the vaccines protect from serious respiratory diseases that could masquerade as a bad cold, like flu, pneumonia, and whooping cough. Ensure that your child is up to date on all his or her recommended vaccines, including his or her annual flu vaccine.

12. Practice Social Distancing During Cold and Flu Season

Another way to prevent cold issues in kids is to get out of crowds as much as possible or take extra precautions with your child when they are in crowded places. Try to avoid large gatherings and crowded indoor places, especially in those times when someone in the household or close contact is ill.

13. Educate Your Child on the Prevention of Public Surface Contact

Even though their exposure to public surfaces, like handrails, elevator buttons, or even door handles of a public restroom, is hard to regulate, tell your child not to touch them. However, the first moment they touch such places, remind them immediately to wash their hands.

14. Probiotics

There is some evidence to back up probiotics, which can help with gut health, thereby directly helping the immune system. If your child is experiencing chronic colds or gastrointestinal illnesses, you may find it beneficial to add a probiotic-rich food, like yogurt (containing live active cultures), to their diet. Additionally, you can talk to your pediatrician about using probiotic supplements.

15. Stress Management 

The last trick to avoid cold issues in kids is stress management. Stress interferes with the immune system. Thus, creating a peaceful and positive environment at home will help the child to maintain wellness. The routine should be maintained when playing, sleeping, or relaxing. Avoid over-scheduling one’s activities and give your child enough free time.

Are Cold Medicines Safe for Kids?

Cold and cough medicines are commonly used to treat symptoms like congestion, coughing, and a runny nose, but they are not typically recommended for children under 12. Medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), generally advise against using over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medicines in young children, especially those under 2, and sometimes even for older children.

These medications do not treat the actual viral infection causing the cold—they simply mask symptoms, such as coughing and congestion, without addressing the underlying cause. Since colds are caused by viruses (most commonly rhinoviruses), there is no “cure” for the illness itself. Cold medicines can provide temporary relief, but they do not help the body fight the infection.

For young children, there are concerns about the safety of cold medicines. Some of the ingredients in these medicines—such as decongestants, antihistamines, and cough suppressants—can have side effects, including dizziness, restlessness, rapid heartbeat, and even more serious issues when used incorrectly or in high doses. The risk of accidental overdose is particularly high in younger children.

Instead of relying on medications, it’s often more effective and safer to focus on non-medical ways to relieve your child’s symptoms and make them more comfortable.

Is It Normal for a Child to Vomit Due to Cold? 

Yes, vomiting can be a symptom of a cold in children. While it might be concerning, it’s usually temporary and resolves as the cold disappears. There are several reasons why a child with a cold might vomit:

• Coughing: If your child is coughing persistently, the forceful coughing can trigger their gag reflex, sometimes leading to vomiting.

• Mucus drainage: Excess mucus from a cold can drain into the stomach, causing nausea and vomiting.

• Difficulty coughing up mucus: Younger children, especially toddlers, may swallow mucus instead of coughing it up, which can upset their stomach and lead to vomiting.

Vomiting in children is common and often improves as their body fights off the cold. However, other conditions can also cause vomiting in children, such as:

• Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)
• Motion sickness
• Minor stomach infections (like gastroenteritis)
• Ear infections

To help your child manage vomiting and stay comfortable during their illness, consider the following tips:

• Ensure proper hydration: Vomiting can lead to dehydration, so it’s important to offer your child plenty of fluids. Opt for clear liquids like water, diluted juice, or an electrolyte solution.

• Offer small, frequent doses: Instead of giving large amounts of fluid at once, offer small sips regularly to prevent overwhelming their stomach.

• Ice cubes or cold washcloths: Have your child suck on ice cubes or use a cold, wet washcloth to soothe their throat and help with hydration.

If your child’s vomiting persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, such as high fever or signs of dehydration, contact a pediatrician for further guidance.

Final Thoughts 

That’s all about it. We hope all your doubts about cold issues in kids are resolved by now. Just remember, while colds are a normal part of childhood, there are plenty of ways to manage your child’s symptoms and help them feel more comfortable. Focus on hydration, rest, and comfort, and take preventive measures to reduce their chances of getting sick. If you ever feel concerned or their symptoms worsen, don’t hesitate to contact your paediatrician.

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