After Care Instructions for an Infant Under 1 Year Old
Your baby has been diagnosed with a common cold (upper respiratory infection). This is caused by a virus, not bacteria, so antibiotics will not help and are not needed. Most colds get better on their own with supportive care at home. Symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose, cough, mild fever, and fussiness usually last 1 to 2 weeks. Cough can sometimes linger a bit longer.
What to expect
- Nasal congestion and runny nose (may become thick or discolored — this is normal and does not mean a bacterial infection).
- Cough, sneezing, mild fussiness, and reduced appetite.
- Low-grade fever, especially in the first few days.
- Symptoms often peak around days 3–5, then slowly improve.
How to help your baby at home
- Keep your baby hydrated. Continue breast milk or formula, offering smaller amounts more often if needed. Good feeding and normal wet diapers are reassuring signs.
- Clear the nose. Use saline nose drops or spray, then gentle suction with a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator, especially before feeds and sleep. This is one of the most helpful measures for babies who cannot blow their nose. I prefer the manual NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator. However, and brand that has a tip that covers the entire nostril work well. For electric option, choose a hospital grade product such as NozeBot or Nosiboo Pro
- Comfort and rest. Hold, soothe, and let your baby rest as needed.
- Comfort. If your baby is uncomfortable, acetaminophen may be given for babies over 3 months old and ibuprofen can be given for babies over 6 months old.
- Keep the air comfortable. A cool-mist humidifier in the room may help ease congestion.
Important safety warnings
- Do NOT give honey to any baby under 1 year old (risk of infant botulism).
- Do NOT give over-the-counter cough or cold medicines (including decongestants and antihistamines) to children under 6 years — they do not work and can cause serious harm.
- Do NOT give aspirin to infants or children.
- Never give more than one medicine containing acetaminophen at the same time, and always dose by weight.
- Do not prop bottles or add cereal to bottles to manage feeding.
Call your baby’s doctor if:
- Feeding much less than usual, or fewer wet diapers than normal (signs of dehydration).
- Fever lasts more than about 3 days, or symptoms are getting worse after they seemed to improve.
- Ear pulling, ear drainage, or new fussiness that could suggest an ear infection.
- Cold symptoms are not improving after about 10–14 days.
Get emergency care right away (call 911 or go to the ER) if your baby has:
- Any fever (100.4°F / 38°C or higher) in a baby under 3 months old.
- Trouble breathing — fast breathing, grunting, flaring nostrils, or the skin pulling in around the ribs or neck.
- Bluish or dusky color of the lips, face, or skin.
- Pauses in breathing (apnea).
- Poor feeding with signs of dehydration (no wet diapers for 12 hours, dry mouth, no tears).
- Very sleepy and hard to wake, limp, inconsolable crying, or otherwise not acting like themselves.
- Wheezing or noisy, labored breathing.
Preventing spread
- Wash hands often, especially before feeding and after wiping the nose.
- Keep your baby away from people who are sick and from tobacco smoke.
- Make sure your baby is up to date on recommended vaccines.
When in doubt about how your baby looks or is breathing, trust your instincts and seek care. You know your baby best.
