Infant (2–12 months) · Toddler (1–3 years) · Preschool (3–5 years) · School age (5–12 years) · Illness & symptoms, Seasonal
Coughs and colds: home care and when it is more than a cold
Children get 6 to 10 colds a year, each lasting 7 to 14 days with a cough that can linger for three weeks. Fluids, honey (over age 1), saline and a humidifier help; cough medicines do not and are not safe under 6. Watch breathing, not the cough.
Key takeaways
- Colds last 1–2 weeks; the cough can last 3
- No over-the-counter cough or cold medicine under age 6
- Honey (over 12 months), saline drops, suction and a cool-mist humidifier help
- Fast, labored breathing is the sign that matters
- Antibiotics do nothing for a cold
What helps a child with a cold?
- Fluids: warm or cold, whatever they will drink
- Saline drops and gentle suction for stuffy babies before feeds and sleep
- A cool-mist humidifier in the bedroom
- Half to one teaspoon of honey for cough, for children over 12 months
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen for discomfort, dosed by weight
- Time. Most colds peak on day 2–3 and improve by day 7–10
Why not cough medicine?
Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines do not shorten colds and can cause serious side effects in young children. The AAP and FDA advise against them under age 6.
Could it be something else?
- Ear infection: fever returns after day 3, ear pain, tugging with fussiness
- Sinus infection: thick nasal discharge and cough lasting more than 10 days without improving
- RSV or bronchiolitis: wheezing and fast breathing in babies and toddlers, usually November–March
- Strep throat: sore throat with fever and no cough, especially age 5–15
- Pneumonia: fever with fast breathing, chest pain or a cough that worsens after improving
- Croup: barking cough and noisy breathing in, worse at night
When to call us
- Fever lasting more than 3 days, or returning after improving
- Ear pain, or a sore throat with fever and no cough
- Cough lasting more than 3 weeks
- Thick discharge and cough beyond 10 days
- Wheezing, or a cough that keeps your child from sleeping or drinking
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if…
- Breathing that is fast, labored, with the ribs or nostrils pulling in
- Blue or gray lips
- A baby under 3 months with a fever
- A child who cannot swallow saliva or is drooling with a stiff neck
Questions parents ask
When can my child go back to school?
When fever-free for 24 hours without medicine and well enough to take part. A lingering cough alone is not a reason to stay home.
Not sure? Ask us
Call or text the office during hours, or send a portal message. For emergencies call 911.
(770) 615-7000Trusted further reading
- Acetaminophen dosing table (opens in new tab)HealthyChildren.org (AAP)
- Ibuprofen dosing table (opens in new tab)HealthyChildren.org (AAP)