ask mamis

Este artículo es solo informativo y no reemplaza la consulta médica. Si tienes dudas, contacta a tu pediatra o matrona.

😷

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.

Posibles Causas

  • 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)

Qué Puedes Hacer

  • 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

¿Cuándo Consultar al Médico?

  • 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

Notas Según la Edad

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.

Preguntas Frecuentes

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.

Guías Relacionadas

🤱

Breastfeeding Guide

Latching, clogged ducts, pumping & weaning

Ver todas las guías
👩‍⚕️
Premium

Acceso a Expertos

Pregunta a una matrona o pediatra — directa y personalmente.

Ver planes

Consejos semanales para ti

Información personalizada para tu etapa — gratis, sin spam.

🏥

Todos los Síntomas

Salud del Bebé A-Z

👶

Desarrollo del Bebé

Mes 1-24

Pregunta sobre Baby Cough?

Nuestra IA responde al instante — con empatía y evidencia.

Este artículo es solo informativo. No reemplaza el asesoramiento médico individual. Si tienes preocupaciones, contacta a tu pediatra, matrona o llama a urgencias.