Hailey Tran
Newborns are susceptible to viral infections, which cause colds, as their immune systems are still developing. Colds are common in newborns, especially those exposed to older children or people who smoke. While colds are not usually serious, they can sometimes develop into more severe illnesses, such as croup, pneumonia, or other respiratory infections. It is important to monitor newborns with colds and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist. In newborns, a fever at or above 100.4 °F warrants a call to a pediatrician.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Cold in Newborns | Yes |
| Cause | Viral Infection |
| Number of Virus Types | 200+ |
| Most Common Virus | Rhinovirus |
| Symptoms | Nasal Discharge, Fussiness, Fever, Cough, Congestion, Sneezing, etc. |
| Treatment | Fluids, Moist Air, Saline Nose Drops, Suctioning Nose, Humidifier, Breast Milk, etc. |
| Prevention | Wash Hands, Avoid Sick People, Wipe Surfaces, Vaccination, etc. |
| Serious Illnesses with Similar Symptoms | Flu, Croup, Pneumonia, Pertussis, Bronchiolitis, etc. |
| Average Number of Colds per Year | 6-8 |
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What You'll Learn
- Babies' immune systems take time to mature
- Newborns retain passive immunity from their mothers for a short period
- Babies are likely to get the common cold due to exposure to older children
- Colds in newborns may be similar to other illnesses, like croup and pneumonia
- Treatment for newborns with a cold involves easing their symptoms
Babies' immune systems take time to mature
Babies are frequently hospitalized with bronchiolitis, an inflammatory respiratory condition that affects the smallest air passages in the lungs. It is the most common cause of hospitalization in preterm infants. Although all babies are born with some immunity to illness, their brand-new immune systems take time to fully mature. This makes them susceptible to viral infections, which cause colds. There are over 200 types of viruses that can cause colds, and babies and young children usually have 6 to 8 colds a year. They might have more if they attend childcare.
A baby's immune system is not fully developed when they are born, but it gets stronger as the baby gets older. A mother's antibodies are shared with her baby through the placenta during the third trimester of pregnancy. These antibodies continue to be passed from mother to baby in breast milk, which also contains proteins, fats, and sugars that help build the baby's immune system.
Breastfeeding boosts early immunity, and breast milk offers extra protection from cold-causing germs. Babies who are breastfed have greater immunity than babies who are not. However, it is important to note that premature babies do not get as many antibodies from their mothers as full-term babies, and their immune systems are not as strong.
As babies grow, their bodies build up protection against infections, which is called immunity. Once a baby's body has fought off a virus, it can usually combat that same virus in the future. This is because the immune system will 'remember' the virus and be able to fight it more easily the next time.
While it is impossible to keep a baby in a bubble, there are ways to reduce their risk of sickness. It is important to limit their contact with other people, especially those who are sick, and to ensure that visitors wash their hands before touching the baby. Keeping babies away from older children can also reduce their exposure to viruses.
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Newborns retain passive immunity from their mothers for a short period
Newborns are highly susceptible to infections due to their immature immune systems. Fortunately, they benefit from their mother's passive immunity, which protects them from pathogens they may encounter after birth. This immunity is temporary and typically lasts for a few weeks or months, giving the baby's immune system time to develop its own antibodies.
Maternal antibodies are special proteins that a baby receives from its mother, offering protection against bacteria and viruses. These antibodies are transferred transplacentally during pregnancy and through breast milk after birth. The amount of antibodies passed to the baby depends on the mother's immunity and antibody concentrations. For example, if a mother has had chickenpox and developed immunity, some of the chickenpox antibodies will be passed to her baby, offering protection. However, if the mother has not had chickenpox, the baby will not receive these antibodies and will be susceptible to the infection.
Breast milk is particularly rich in antibodies, and breastfeeding provides additional immunity to the baby. The thick yellowish milk (colostrum) produced in the first few days after birth contains high levels of antibodies. Breastfed babies have greater immunity than those who are not breastfed, and their colds may be less severe.
To enhance maternal antibody production and further protect newborns, vaccination during pregnancy is recommended. Vaccines such as Tdap and the new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine can increase antibody concentrations and improve the degree of passive immunity transferred to the baby. However, some vaccines containing live, weakened viruses, like MMR and chickenpox, are typically avoided during pregnancy due to theoretical risks.
While maternal antibodies provide initial protection, newborn babies are still vulnerable to infections. It is important to take precautions to minimise the risk of exposure to pathogens. This includes practising good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, wiping down surfaces, and ensuring that individuals interacting with the newborn are vaccinated and healthy. Despite these measures, newborns may still catch colds, as there are over 200 types of viruses that can cause them. Most colds in newborns are mild and clear up within 7 to 14 days, but it is crucial to monitor the baby's symptoms and seek medical attention if they worsen or persist.
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Babies are likely to get the common cold due to exposure to older children
All babies are likely to get the common cold, and this is often due to exposure to older children. Babies' bodies are not yet ready to fight off many common infections, and their immune systems take time to mature. Before turning 2 years old, a baby can get as many as eight to ten colds a year, and they might have more if they go to childcare. This is because children are in close contact with each other and don't always cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing or wash their hands before touching their faces.
Colds are caused by viruses and are common in newborns. They can be serious for babies under one year of age, and even breastfed babies can get colds. Although their immunity is greater than that of babies who are not breastfed, they are still susceptible to viral infections, as there are over 200 types of viruses that can cause colds.
It is important to take babies' symptoms seriously. If symptoms don't improve or if they get worse, it's time to talk to a healthcare professional. For babies younger than 3 months old, call a healthcare professional early in the illness. In newborns, it's important to make sure they don't have a more serious illness, such as croup, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, or bacterial infections of the ears or lungs.
The best way to prevent your baby from catching a cold is to keep them away from people who have colds and to avoid public transportation and crowded places. Hand washing is also critical to reducing the spread of colds. Adults who have contact with babies and young children should wash their hands after coughing, sneezing, or wiping their noses, and they should teach older children to do the same.
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Colds in newborns may be similar to other illnesses, like croup and pneumonia
All babies are likely to catch the common cold, which is a viral, upper respiratory infection. This is partly because they are often around older children and their bodies are not yet ready to fight off many common infections. While colds are common, they can turn into more serious illnesses, such as croup and pneumonia.
Croup is a common condition that mainly affects babies' and young children's airways. It is usually mild, but it can be more severe in newborns. Croup is caused by the human parainfluenza virus in most cases, but other types of infections, allergies, and reflux can also cause it. The core symptoms of croup are a barking cough and stridor breath sounds when inhaling. Croup symptoms usually come on after a few days and are often worse at night. If you think your newborn has croup, it is important to seek medical advice.
Pneumonia is an infection of the small air sacs of the lungs (alveoli) and the tissues around them. It is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Newborns may become infected after passing through the mother's birth canal or after coming into contact with organisms in the NICU or hospital nursery. Symptoms of pneumonia vary depending on when the newborn is infected. Early-onset pneumonia has symptoms similar to sepsis in newborns, including appearing listless and not feeding well. Late-onset pneumonia causes unexplained breathing problems and may require extra oxygen or breathing support. If you suspect your newborn has pneumonia, seek immediate medical attention.
It is important to note that newborns are susceptible to viral infections due to their immature immune systems. While most colds don't cause problems, it is crucial to take your newborn's symptoms seriously. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, consult a healthcare professional.
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Treatment for newborns with a cold involves easing their symptoms
Newborns are susceptible to colds because they are still building their immune systems. While colds are not often serious, they can sometimes escalate into more dangerous conditions, such as pneumonia or croup. Therefore, it is important to keep a close eye on your newborn's symptoms and seek medical advice if you are concerned.
- Keep them hydrated: Liquids are important to avoid dehydration. Offer your baby formula or breast milk, encouraging them to take in their usual amount of fluids. Breast milk offers extra protection from cold-causing germs.
- Clear their nasal passages: Clean out your baby's nose with nasal saline drops and a rubber syringe to help them breathe more easily.
- Moisten the air: Use a cool-water or cool-mist humidifier in your baby's room to ease a stuffy nose and relieve congestion.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol. Ask visitors and anyone else in contact with the baby to do the same.
- Avoid sick people: Keep your baby away from people who are sick, and avoid taking them to crowded places or using public transportation.
- Clean surfaces: Wipe down surfaces that have been touched by people who are coughing or sneezing, and clean baby toys and pacifiers frequently.
- Cough and sneeze etiquette: Teach everyone in the household to cough or sneeze into a tissue or into their elbows, rather than into their hands.
If your baby is under 3 months old and has a cold, or if they have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, be sure to call your paediatrician. They will be able to rule out more serious conditions and advise you on the best course of action.
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Frequently asked questions
All babies are likely to catch a cold, especially if they are around older children or people who smoke. Children usually have 6 to 8 colds a year, but they might have more if they go to childcare.
Symptoms of a newborn cold include nasal discharge, fussiness, congestion, sneezing, and a cough. In newborns, it is important to ensure that these symptoms are not indicative of a more serious illness, such as croup, pneumonia, or flu.
It is recommended to call a pediatrician for any sickness in a baby under 3 months old, especially if they are running a fever or have other symptoms. For babies 3 months or older, call a healthcare professional if the baby is not wetting as many diapers as usual, has a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), seems to have ear pain, or has yellow or green fluid coming from their eyes. Treatment for a newborn cold involves easing their symptoms, which may include giving them fluids, keeping the air moist, and helping them keep their nose clear.
