If your baby is coughing or experiencing nasal congestion, it may be the result of an upper respiratory infection (URI). This is a common type of illness that affects kids and babies.

In fact, young children have between 2 and 8 URIs each year, according to 2015 research. This is particularly common in the winter and spring months. The researchers suggest that babies in day care may deal with 14 or more URIs in a year.

Here’s what you need to know about specific URIs, how to spot the signs and symptoms, and which treatments can get your little one feeling better.

An upper respiratory infection is an illness that leads to symptoms in the upper respiratory tract.

You can think of this as any symptoms above the chest, such as those in the ear, nose, and throat. Influenza, for example, is not considered a URI because it affects both the upper and lower respiratory tracts.

Both viruses and bacteria can cause URIs. Since babies have smaller nasal passages than older kids and adults, they may deal with different symptoms.

When you observe these symptoms all clustered together, you may be inclined to call it a cold — and you may be right. However, there are actually a number of different URIs. Each has its own unique set of symptoms or progression of symptoms.

URIs include but are not limited to the following conditions:

Also referred to as the common cold, rhinitis makes up between 25 and 30 percent of all URIs. Babies and young children are more likely to have a fever with colds than adults, according to 2017 research.

Sinus infections (sinusitis) may develop as a complication of the common cold. Children younger than 15 years old are at higher risk than teens and young adults.

Symptoms include thickened nasal mucus, which may block the sinuses and create pain and pressure.

While uncommon due to the HIB vaccine, epiglottitis is an upper respiratory infection caused by the bacteria H. influenzae, per 2021 research.

Also called tonsillitis, this infection affects the tonsils.

It’s important to note that the related pharyngitis (strep throat) is uncommon in children under 5 years old, per a 2006 overview.

Acute laryngitis is caused by a viral infection that affects the larynx. Symptoms in babies and children include:

The classic sign of croup is a barking cough that tends to develop in the overnight hours, according to 2018 research.

Researchers note that this viral infection primarily affects the larynx and trachea, but it may also travel to the bronchi in some cases.

Ear infections may accompany up to 30 percent of URIs.

Symptoms may include pain and fluid in the ear, which can lead to eardrum rupture or trouble with hearing. Between 2 and 6 percent of kids may deal with chronic ear infections.

If you had your baby in the fall, winter, or spring, you’ve probably heard of RSV. It stands for respiratory syncytial virus. This URI is of particular concern for babies younger than 6 months old or those with weakened immune systems or other health concerns.

While RSV generally causes mild cold symptoms, including runny nose and cough, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 1 or 2 out of every 100 babies with RSV may be hospitalized with the virus, due to complications and trouble breathing.

RSV can become more serious, causing a baby to be irritable, lose their appetite, or have episodes of apnea (paused breathing). It may lead to bronchiolitis or even pneumonia.

If a baby is hospitalized, the outcome is generally good after treatment with oxygen or mechanical ventilation, per the CDC.

Many URIs will self-resolve, which means they will go away on their own without medical treatment, per 2021 research.

That said, you know your baby best. If your child is inconsolable or not taking in feeds, it may be a sign to call your doctor.

Other worrisome signs include high temperatures or symptoms that just won’t go away.

You may call your pediatrician at any time you have concerns about your baby’s health.

Even if your child does not have a high fever and is not acting differently than usual, it’s more than OK to ask for guidance or suggestions for how to make your baby feel better.

URIs generally get better with time, rest, and fluids. The common cold, for example, may last anywhere between 10 and 14 days before resolving on its own. If your baby’s symptoms last longer than this period of time or seem to get worse, you should consider making an appointment with your pediatrician.

Diagnosis may include listening to your child’s symptoms and conducting a physical exam to look at the ears, nose, and throat. Your doctor may be able to see things like swollen tonsils, inflamed nasal passages, or fluid behind the eardrums, indicating an infection that may need treatment with medication.

If there’s a question about exactly what virus or infection is causing your little one’s symptoms, your pediatrician may order further testing. For example, a throat or nasal swab test can help identify specific strains of virus or bacteria, like RSV.

There are also a number of things you can do at home to keep your baby comfortable when they’re sick, including:

Whether this is your baby’s first cold or fifth, pay attention to the symptoms, their duration, and their severity.

In many cases, upper respiratory infections will get better with time, rest, and fluids. If your baby’s symptoms are progressing or if you have any other questions about how to make them comfortable, call your pediatrician.

Depending on the URI, your child may need prescription medication or a bit more time to recover.

Last medically reviewed on June 20, 2022

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