Newborn and Baby Coughs: Causes and How to Manage it
A child or baby may cough because mucus trickles down into their throat. Coughs and colds are common in little ones, and if they’re still behaving normally – eating, drinking and breathing without a wheeze – then a cough is typically not something you need to worry about.
However, hearing your baby cough due to an illness can be stressful. This guide to baby coughing will help you learn some common causes and how to help a baby cough. Plus, we'll help you discover when you may need to seek medical advice.
In this guide:
What could be causing my baby to cough?
The act of coughing helps to displace mucus that has settled in the back of your child’s throat and assists with moving phlegm from the chest. It can be important for your baby to cough, as coughing helps to protect their lungs and airway from irritant
Coughing from time to time assists with clearing the throat of not just mucus, but germs and dust, too – so it may sound worrying in a little one, but it can be necessary.
Some of the different causes of coughing in newborns and babies include:
Cold and flu – A baby cough caused by a cold can range from mild to moderate and will have a hacking sound. If your baby has the flu, they may have a dry cough.
Asthma – Although it can be hard to identify asthma in little ones, a cough with a wheeze that may increase in severity overnight can be an indication.
Allergies – A baby cough caused by allergies can linger for a while and may be accompanied by other signs, such as a rash, runny nose, or watering eyes.
Acid reflux – Your baby may have acid reflux if they cough and vomit or spit up on regularly.
Croup – If your baby or newborn has croup, their breathing will be loud, and the cough will sound like a bark. It’ll mostly affect them at night. Request an urgent GP appointment if you suspect your child has croup.
Whooping cough: This is characterised by back-to-back coughing, followed by a ‘whooping’ sound as your child inhales. They may also show other symptoms, including sneezing, a fever, and runny nose. If your baby is under six months and is showing symptoms of whooping cough, see a GP urgently.
Ear infection – These can be common in little ones, and one of the symptoms may include a cough. You may also notice your baby tugging or rubbing their ear.
Chest infection – If your baby is coughing a lot, has a high temperature, feels hot and is shivery, they may have a chest infection. You should consult a GP if you think your child may have a chest infection.
Please note, Benylin® products are not indicated for the above conditions
Why is my baby coughing in their sleep?
If your baby coughs at night, this could be due to them having asthma, allergies, or a common cold. Post-nasal drip – when mucus runs down from the nose into the throat – can also be a reason for nighttime coughing.
It’s normal for your baby’s cough to worsen at night8 and it isn’t always a sign that their illness is more severe
When to worry about a baby cough
You should seek medical attention or see your GP about a newborn or baby cough if your little one:
Has a cough that has lasted more than three weeks
Has a high temperature – which is 38C or above for a baby
Feels hot and shivery
Is showing signs of having asthma
Is making you feel concerned about their health
See a GP urgently if your baby’s cough appears to be due to a chest infection, you suspect your child has croup, or if your baby is under six months and has symptoms of whooping cough.
Call 999 or go to A&E if your baby is finding it difficult to breathe.
How to help with a baby cough
We understand it can be unsettling when your baby or newborn has a cough. But there are a few things you can do to help alleviate a cough in a baby or newborn.
Home remedies for baby cough
Some home remedies for a baby’s cough and chest congestion include:
Staying hydrated – Drinking fluids helps your baby with coughing, as it can help mucus to flow and clear quicker. Give them breastmilk or formula feeds as often as they need. Older babies can also drink water and unsweetened fruit juice.
Drinking hot lemon and honey if your child is over one year old – This can help to soothe a sore throat. Never give honey to a child under the age of 12 months, due to the risk of infant botulism (a rare type of food poisoning).
Turning on a humidifier – Like staying hydrated, moisture in the air can help keep mucus flowing
Creating a steam room – You can try standing with them in a warm shower or bathroom with running hot water for around 10 minutes. This can help clear their throat and sinuses with the steam.
Minimising irritants in the environment – If you can control irritants, do. Remove things such as smoke from tobacco, mould, excessive dust, and pet hair from the environment your little one is in.
Giving them lots of love and comfort – Your baby will likely be a bit fussy when they cough, so some extra love and cuddles will go a long way
Baby cough treatment products
A baby’s cough may need medical intervention in some cases. This can include antibiotics from the GP if the cause of the cough is bacterial.
As a parent or guardian, you can also try using saline drops. These can help prevent irritation from mucus, along with a bulb syringe to help remove mucus and prevent it from building up.
Children’s paracetamol or ibuprofen can help if your little one has a high temperature or is experiencing pain or discomfort. Always check the label before and check with a medical professional if you’re unsure of a medication’s suitability for your baby
If your baby is over three months and has a dry, tickly cough, BENYLIN® Infant’s Cough Syrup for 3+ months can help to relieve symptoms.
Baby cough FAQs
How long should a cough last in babies?
A baby or newborn cough can take weeks to improve – but a cough that lasts between two to three weeks does not mean they need antibiotics. That said, if your baby’s cough has lasted more than three weeks, or if they’re showing symptoms of croup or whooping cough, you should see your GP.
What does an RSV cough sound like?
RSV – or respiratory syncytial virus – comes with a wet- or dry-sounding cough and is also accompanied by wheezing or laboured breathing if serious
How many coughs is normal for a baby to have in a year?
As babies haven’t had the chance to build up their immune systems to fight off bugs and viruses, it can be normal for children to have around eight colds every year.
Is croup different from a normal cough?
Yes, croup is different from a normal cough and can be identified by a barking sound when your baby coughs. It may also be accompanied by a high temperature, sore throat, and runny nose. Once diagnosed by a GP, this can be treated at home – but if your little one seems like they’re struggling to breathe, go immediately to A&E or call 9991