Infant diseases · Educational
Baby Cough: Symptoms, Causes & Warning Signs
Cough is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Causes range from a common cold to bronchiolitis, pertussis, or aspiration. Infants do not receive over-the-counter cough suppressants.
Parental Care Hub helps parents learn about common infant diseases, baby symptoms, newborn care, safe sleep, feeding concerns and when to contact a pediatrician.
Emergency first
Chest retractions, grunting, pauses in breathing, blue lips, whoop, suspected inhaled object, or fever under 3 months. Emergency assessment.
What this means
A cough in a baby can follow a runny nose, or it can be the first sign of harder work of breathing. Honey is not used under 12 months. This infant diseases page helps you sort home supportive care from emergency signs.
Baby symptoms to notice
- Dry or wet cough, sometimes worse at night
- Runny nose and sneezing
- Feeding pauses to breathe
- Whoop, staccato spells, or vomit after coughing
Safe home care (not a prescription)
Saline drops and gentle suction before feeds. Small, frequent feeds. Smoke-free air. Back-sleep on a firm bare surface — never pillows to prop a congested infant. No infant cough syrups.