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This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. If in doubt, contact your paediatrician or midwife.

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Baby Cough

Coughing is a protective reflex that clears the airways. It can sound alarming in babies but is usually harmless. Pay attention to the type of cough and accompanying symptoms.

Possible Causes

  • 1Viral infections (common cold) — most common cause, 8-10 infections per year are normal
  • 2Croup (barking cough, worse at night, age 6 months to 3 years)
  • 3Bronchiolitis (RSV virus, especially serious in babies under 6 months)
  • 4Swallowed object (sudden cough without prior illness)
  • 5Allergies or asthma (chronic cough, often at night or during exertion)

What You Can Do

  • Increase humidity: damp cloth on radiator, brief steam from hot shower
  • Elevate upper body slightly (wedge pillow under mattress)
  • Plenty of fluids: breast milk, water, warm drinks for older babies
  • Saline nose drops for blocked nose
  • No honey under 12 months (botulism risk), no cough syrups without medical advice

When to See a Doctor

  • Breathing difficulty: nasal flaring, chest retractions, bluish lips
  • Stridor (whistling on inhaling) — may indicate croup or foreign body
  • Cough with vomiting or food refusal
  • Baby under 3 months with cough → always get medical evaluation
  • Cough lasting more than 2 weeks without improvement
  • High fever (>39°C) together with cough

Age-Specific Notes

Newborns: Any cough needs medical evaluation. Infants (3-6 months): RSV bronchiolitis is particularly dangerous. Babies (6-12 months): Croup often starts at this age. Toddlers: 8-10 colds per year with cough are developmentally normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I recognise croup?
Croup shows as a barking, harsh cough (like a seal), often at night. Along with a hoarse voice and whistling on inhaling. Cool air often helps immediately: go to an open window or briefly outside. If breathing is difficult: call emergency services.
Can I give my baby cough syrup?
Cough syrups are NOT recommended for babies under 2. They can have dangerous side effects and studies show they're no more effective than a placebo. Saline nose drops and humidification are safer and often more effective.
When should I see a doctor for a cough?
Immediately for: breathing difficulty, bluish lips, baby under 3 months. Within 24 hours for: fever above 39°C, cough with vomiting, food refusal. Scheduled for: cough over 2 weeks, night cough disrupting sleep.

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This article is for general information only. It does not replace individual medical advice. If you have concerns, contact your paediatrician, midwife, or call emergency services.