When your baby is ill, it can be hard to know whether it’s just a slight cold or something more serious. But trust your instincts: most parents sense when their baby is unwell.

And if you’re at all worried, always speak to your GP or health visitor. Here’s what to expect from baby coughs and colds.

Most babies catch a cold at some time during their first year. It’s even more likely to happen if they have older brothers or sisters who go to playgroup or school, because they could bring a cold home with them. Meanwhile, a blocked nose can make it very difficult for a baby to feed.

Your baby may start to feed and then break off because she can’t breathe, get very frustrated and cry. Your doctor may prescribe saline nose drops to help with feeding. Your feeding routine may be very disturbed until your baby is well again. Be prepared for some sleepless nights and fretful days.

Coughs generally come with colds. Your baby coughs because mucus from her nose trickles down her throat and irritates it.  To remove mucus from your baby’s nose:

• see your doctor who may prescribe nose drops
• tickle your baby’s nose with some cotton wool to make her sneeze; this may help clear her nose
• use a menthol rub from your pharmacist; ask for a product suitable for your baby’s age. The menthol can be put on your baby’s clothes to help unblock her nose.

Your baby may get nappy rash when she has a cold so watch out for a sore bottom and apply a protective cream if the skin looks sore. Comfort your baby by lots of cuddling. Keep her warm, but don’t overheat her, especially if she is feverish.

If the cold or cough persists for more than a few days, or your baby seems very unwell, consult your health visitor or doctor.

Treatment for coughs and colds

Most colds are caused by a virus. Your doctor will not prescribe antibiotics because they have no effect on viruses. You have to wait for the cold to pass.

Find out more about which medicines are safe to give your baby here. Do not give your baby paracetamol or any other medicines without asking your GP first. Gently clear mucus from around her nostrils with some cotton wool and warm water. A little petroleum jelly around the nostrils will help prevent the skin from getting sore – make sure it doesn’t block her nose.

Your baby may get nappy rash when she has a cold so watch out for a sore bottom and apply a protective cream if her skin looks sore. Comfort your baby with lots of cuddling. Keep her warm, but don’t overheat her, especially if she is feverish. If the cold or cough persists for more than a few days, or your baby seems very unwell, consult your health visitor or doctor.