There are some parenting firsts nobody really prepares you for.
The first smile. The first laugh. The first time they sleep for longer than you expected and you wake up wondering why they haven't woken up.
And then there's the first cold.
Suddenly the tiny person who normally breathes quietly beside you sounds unbelievably congested. Feeding isn't quite right. Sleep goes completely out of the window. You're listening to every snuffle at 2am and wondering whether this is just a cold or something you should be worried about.
We've been looking through the questions UK parents ask when their baby gets that first cold, alongside current NHS and UK safer-sleep advice.
And one thing becomes obvious very quickly: it's often not the runny nose that frightens new parents.
It's the breathing.
Why does a baby's first cold feel so frightening?
Because everything is new.
An older child can tell you their nose is blocked or their throat hurts. They can blow their nose, ask for a drink and complain quite loudly about how terrible life is.
A small baby can't.
Instead, you notice that feeding suddenly takes longer, they're waking more often and their breathing sounds different.
We found UK parents describing exactly this. One parent said they actually picked their baby back up after putting them to bed because their breathing sounded so strange. Another described sitting upright in the early hours with a four-week-old who would settle on them but barely sleep in the cot.
If that sounds familiar, you're not being ridiculous. A congested tiny baby can sound quite dramatic.
The important thing is knowing the difference between a baby who sounds snuffly and a baby who is actually struggling to breathe.
What does a normal baby cold look like?
A straightforward cold can include:
- a blocked or runny nose
- sneezing
- a cough
- being more unsettled than usual
- waking more often
- feeding being slower or more frustrating
- and sometimes a temperature
Children get a lot of colds. The NHS says young children average around five to eight a year because there are hundreds of different cold viruses and they haven't yet built up immunity to them.
Most colds in younger children improve within around two weeks, although a cough can hang around longer.
Why is feeding suddenly so difficult?
This is one of the things that catches parents out.
Try drinking something while holding your nose and you get some idea of the problem.
A blocked nose can make feeding harder for a young baby, so you may find them repeatedly coming off the breast or bottle, becoming cross, taking less than usual or needing more breaks.
That doesn't automatically mean something serious is wrong, but feeding is also one of the things worth watching closely when a baby is unwell.
If they're taking much less than normal, having fewer wet nappies or showing signs of dehydration, contact your GP or NHS 111.
For babies struggling with larger feeds, healthcare guidance may suggest smaller feeds more often.
What actually helps a baby with a blocked nose?
This is probably the question parents ask most.
And happily, one of the simplest options is also one recommended by the NHS:
saline nose drops or saline spray.
Saline can help loosen dried mucus and relieve a stuffy nose. Your pharmacist, GP or health visitor can advise you about an appropriate product for your baby's age.
Lots of parents also use a baby nasal aspirator – otherwise known by considerably less glamorous names such as a snot sucker.
This came up constantly in the parent discussions we read.
The reviews were basically:
Baby hates it. Parent hates doing it. Everyone is slightly horrified by what comes out. Baby can breathe better afterwards.
Not exactly a beautiful parenting moment, but potentially a useful one.
If you're using any nasal product or aspirator, follow its instructions carefully and don't overdo it simply because you can still hear some congestion.
A useful time to clear their nose: before a feed
If congestion is making feeding difficult, it can make sense to deal with the blocked nose shortly before feeding rather than waiting until your baby is already hungry and furious.
Give yourself a little time.
Trying saline for the first time while holding a screaming hungry newborn isn't particularly enjoyable for anybody involved.
What about sleep?
This is where the first cold can become exhausting.
A baby who normally settles flat in their cot may suddenly seem much happier upright against your chest.
Parents repeatedly describe babies sleeping beautifully while being held and waking almost immediately when transferred.
It's understandable. Being upright can feel more comfortable when they're congested, and being held is comforting when they're poorly.
But the safer-sleep rules don't disappear because your baby has a cold.
For sleep, continue to put your baby:
- on their back
- on a firm, flat sleep surface
- in a clear cot, crib or Moses basket
- without pillows, sleep positioners or loose soft items around them
Please don't prop up the cot mattress
This one deserves its own section because you'll see the advice everywhere.
Books under the cot legs.
A towel under the mattress.
A wedge.
A pillow underneath one end.
And you'll find plenty of parents saying it worked for them.
Current UK safer-sleep guidance, however, is clear: keep your baby's sleep surface flat.
The Lullaby Trust specifically advises against inclining, tilting or propping the mattress or cot. It isn't recommended for reflux and is unlikely to improve cold symptoms.
So this is one of those occasions where we'd ignore the parenting hack and stick with the safer-sleep guidance.
What if they'll only sleep upright on me?
Anyone who has spent hours pinned to the sofa by a poorly baby will understand this one.
Comforting and cuddling your baby while you're awake is one thing.
The problem comes when you're so exhausted that you might fall asleep too.
If you feel yourself becoming sleepy, your baby's own clear, flat sleep space is the safer place for them.
Don't try to solve congestion by leaving a baby sleeping propped on pillows, in a bouncer or in another inclined position.
And be especially careful if you're sitting on a sofa or armchair while exhausted.
Do you need a humidifier?
Humidifiers come up frequently in parent recommendations for blocked noses.
Some families feel they help, particularly when indoor air is dry. They're not an essential piece of baby-cold equipment, though, and they aren't a substitute for medical advice if your baby's breathing or feeding concerns you.
If you choose to use one, follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions very carefully. A humidifier that isn't properly maintained can harbour microorganisms.
And avoid trying to create a very steamy room with bowls or kettles of hot water. Burns and scalds are a much more immediate risk around babies and toddlers.
Should I wrap my baby up because they're poorly?
No extra wrapping simply because they have a cold.
It can feel instinctive to make an unwell baby extra cosy, but overheating isn't helpful.
The Lullaby Trust recommends a room temperature of around 16–20°C for babies.
Dress your baby for the room they're sleeping in rather than adding extra layers because they're ill.
To check whether they're too warm, feel their chest or the back of their neck. Hands and feet often feel cooler and aren't a reliable guide.
If their skin feels hot or sweaty, remove a layer.
What temperature is a fever in a baby?
This is one number worth knowing.
If your baby is under three months old and has a temperature of 38°C or higher, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent medical advice.
For babies aged three to six months, a temperature of 39°C or higher also needs urgent medical advice.
There are specific exceptions around recent vaccinations, so follow current NHS guidance if your baby has recently been immunised.
A digital thermometer is one of those fairly boring baby purchases that suddenly becomes extremely useful at 2am.
Can I give my baby Calpol?
This depends on their age, why you're giving it and the particular product.
NHS guidance says not to give paracetamol to babies under two months. Ibuprofen should not be given to babies under three months, babies weighing under 5kg, or dehydrated babies, and there are other situations where it may not be suitable.
Don't guess doses and don't automatically alternate paracetamol and ibuprofen. Follow the product instructions and ask a pharmacist, GP or NHS 111 if you're unsure.
With a very young baby, we'd always rather ask than improvise.
And what about baby cough medicine?
Skip the standard cough-and-cold aisle unless a healthcare professional has specifically advised otherwise.
The NHS says children under six should not be given over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, including decongestants, unless advised by a GP or pharmacist.
A cough itself isn't necessarily bad. Coughing helps clear mucus from the throat and chest.
When a 'cold' might be something more
This is the part that's useful to know without spending the next fortnight watching your baby breathe.
Bronchiolitis, for example, can initially look like an ordinary cold.
It often begins with a runny or blocked nose and cough. Over the following few days, the cough may worsen and breathing can become faster, noisier or require more effort.
Feeding may also become more difficult.
Contact your GP or NHS 111 urgently if your baby:
- is feeding or drinking much less than normal
- has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or shows other signs of dehydration
- seems to be working harder to breathe
- has a cold that's clearly getting worse
- is unusually tired, irritable or just doesn't seem themselves
- has a temperature that meets the urgent thresholds for their age
Call 999 if your baby is having severe difficulty breathing, has blue or grey lips/skin, is floppy, won't wake or stay awake, or you believe they're seriously unwell.
You know what your baby normally looks and behaves like. If something feels significantly wrong, seek help.
What UK parents told us online
One thing we liked about reading real parent discussions was how unpolished the advice was.
Parents weren't talking about creating an elaborate 'cold kit'.
They talked about saline. Thermometers. Endless tissues. Feeding little and often. Holding babies more than usual. Terrible nights. Nasal aspirators that everybody hated but some parents found genuinely useful.
And they talked about worrying.
One first-time mum with a 12-week-old described watching every cough and change in breathing and wondering whether what she was seeing was normal.
Another parent simply wished there were somewhere they could take their baby and have somebody say: yes, that's what a baby with a cold looks like.
We suspect quite a few new parents would pay good money for exactly that service.
Forums are reassuring for the shared experience. For deciding whether a baby needs medical attention, though, use NHS guidance, your GP, health visitor or NHS 111.
What changes when they're a little older?
The funny thing is that the first cold feels enormous.
By the time they're a toddler, you may feel as though somebody in the house has had a runny nose continuously since September.
Some things do become easier as children get older.
Once they're eating and drinking
Keeping fluids going becomes easier because you're no longer relying entirely on milk feeds.
Offer drinks regularly when they're unwell. Don't panic if appetite temporarily disappears – fluids are particularly important.
If you're worried about dehydration, seek medical advice.
Once they're over 1: honey becomes an option
This is an important age distinction.
Never give honey to a baby under 12 months.
For children over one, NHS guidance says a little honey, including in a warm lemon-and-honey drink, can be used to soothe a cough.
Just make sure the drink isn't hot.
Once they're toddlers: teach nose blowing before you desperately need it
This is one of those very small parenting skills that suddenly feels like an enormous achievement.
Rather than trying to teach a miserable, completely blocked two-year-old how to blow their nose for the first time, practise when they're well.
Make it silly.
Show them how you blow your own nose. Practise blowing air out through the nose. Let them try with a tissue.
It may not work immediately, but eventually the nasal aspirator can retire.
Possibly with full honours.
For children over 2: some vapour rubs may be appropriate
NHS-linked children's health guidance notes that vapour rubs containing ingredients such as camphor, menthol or eucalyptus may help children over two sleep better when they have a cold.
Age limits and formulations vary, so always check the actual product rather than assuming a vapour rub is suitable because it's marketed for families.
Nursery age: prepare for a lot of colds
If your child starts nursery and suddenly seems permanently snotty, you're not imagining it.
Young children can have five to eight colds a year on average, and during autumn and winter one virus can arrive shortly after another.
That can make it feel as though the original cold lasted for two months when you're actually dealing with several infections in succession.
Hand washing helps reduce spread, although anyone with a toddler will appreciate that 'stop the toddler sharing germs' isn't always an achievable household goal.
A very simple cold kit we'd have at home
You don't need an entire pharmacy cupboard.
For a baby, the things we'd genuinely want available are:
- a reliable digital thermometer
- baby saline drops or spray suitable for their age
- a nasal aspirator if you find one useful
- the number 111 firmly stored in your brain
- and enough basic supplies that you don't need a late-night pharmacy trip
As they get older, age-appropriate medicines can be useful to have at home too – but always follow the instructions and check with a pharmacist when you're unsure.
Things we'd skip
A surprising amount of baby-cold advice online involves trying to make a baby sleep upright.
We'd skip:
- propping or tilting the cot mattress
- pillows under a baby
- sleep positioners
- leaving a baby sleeping in a bouncer because they sound less congested
- over-wrapping an unwell baby
- giving honey before 12 months
- adult or children's cough and cold medicines that aren't suitable for your child's age
- and following a forum hack when your instinct is telling you your baby needs medical attention
The part nobody tells you
Your baby's first cold may be harder on you than it is on them.
You'll probably sleep badly.
You may check their temperature far more often than necessary.
You may find yourself listening to their breathing in the dark wondering whether it sounded like that five minutes ago.
That's the strange thing about becoming a parent. A runny nose suddenly feels like something you should have studied for.
Most childhood colds get better on their own.
Your job isn't to diagnose every noise.
Keep them comfortable. Keep an eye on feeding, wet nappies, temperature, breathing and how they seem generally. Stick to safer sleep even when congestion makes bedtime difficult.
And if you're worried, ask.
That's exactly what your GP, pharmacist, health visitor and NHS 111 are there for.
Baby Cold FAQs
How long does a baby's cold last?
The NHS says most colds in younger children improve within around two weeks. A cough can sometimes last longer. If your baby's symptoms are getting worse rather than better, or you're concerned about their breathing, feeding or general condition, seek medical advice.
Can I use saline drops for my baby's blocked nose?
NHS guidance says saline nose drops can help loosen dried mucus and relieve a blocked nose. Ask your pharmacist, GP or health visitor if you're unsure which product is suitable for your baby's age.
Should I raise the cot mattress when my baby has a cold?
No. Current Lullaby Trust safer-sleep guidance recommends keeping the sleep surface firm and flat and advises against tilting, inclining or propping the cot or mattress.
What temperature is dangerous for a newborn?
If a baby under three months has a temperature of 38°C or higher, contact NHS 111 or seek urgent medical advice. For babies aged three to six months, the NHS advises urgent medical advice at 39°C or higher. Follow NHS advice around fever following vaccinations.
Can babies have cough medicine?
Children under six should not have over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, including decongestants, unless advised by a GP or pharmacist.
Can babies have honey for a cough?
No. Honey should not be given to babies under 12 months. For children over one, honey can be used to help soothe a cough.
Can my baby sleep in their cot when they have a cold?
Yes. Continue following safer-sleep guidance: put your baby on their back on a firm, flat mattress in a clear cot, crib or Moses basket. Don't prop the mattress or add pillows or sleep positioners because they're congested.
When should I call NHS 111 about my baby's cold?
Seek advice if your baby is very young and has a fever, is feeding much less than usual, has signs of dehydration, is working harder to breathe, is getting worse or seems unusually tired or unlike themselves. For severe breathing difficulty, blue or grey colour, unusual floppiness or difficulty waking, call 999.
Important: This article provides general information for UK parents and isn't a substitute for individual medical advice. If you're worried about your baby or child, contact your GP, NHS 111 or emergency services as appropriate.
