Father cuddling his smiling baby at home

Essential Baby Cold and Flu FAQ: A Parents Guide

Updated October 2026 · Reviewed for safety and accuracy by the Lively Living team

It's scary when your little one is unwell, and searching the internet at 2am for answers can leave you more confused than when you started. This guide answers the questions parents ask us most about colds and flu in babies: what's normal, how to keep your baby comfortable at home, how to lower the chance of them getting sick, and when to see a doctor.

Colds and flu in babies

Babies' immune systems are still developing, so they catch a lot of colds. It's common for young children to have several colds a year, and even more once they start childcare. Most are mild and get better on their own in 7 to 10 days.

A cold is a viral infection of the nose and throat. The flu (influenza) is caused by a different virus and usually makes children sicker, with a high temperature, aches and tiredness. Pregnancy, Birth and Baby explains the difference.

Common symptoms

Cold symptoms in babies include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a cough, and sometimes a mild temperature, grizzliness and a smaller appetite. Flu symptoms are similar but usually more intense, often with a high temperature, shivering and aches. The Royal Children's Hospital has a helpful fact sheet on flu in children.

RSV in babies

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a very common virus that's most active in the cooler months. In most children it causes a cold, but in young babies it can lead to bronchiolitis, which makes breathing harder. Watch for fast breathing, the skin sucking in around the ribs or neck, or trouble feeding, and see a doctor if you notice them. Read more about bronchiolitis and RSV.

Parent comforting a baby who is unwell

Caring for your baby at home

There's no cure for a cold, so care is all about keeping your baby comfortable while their body does the work. Lots of cuddles go a long way.

Step 1. Keep up the fluids

Offer extra breastfeeds or bottles. Little and often works well if your baby is too stuffy to feed for long. Babies over 6 months can also have small sips of cooled boiled water.

Step 2. Clear their nose

Babies breathe mainly through their nose, so a blocked nose can make feeding and sleeping hard. A few drops of saline loosen the mucus, then a gentle rechargeable nasal aspirator removes it, so you can clear their nose before feeds and sleep. Our nasal aspirator guide shows you how, and our tips on clearing a baby's nose for feeding can make mealtimes easier.

Step 3. Keep the air moist

A cool mist humidifier in the nursery keeps the air comfortable, which many parents find makes stuffy nights easier. Our Aroma-Snooze Plus combines a cool mist humidifier with soothing sounds and a soft red night light. Clean any humidifier regularly so mould and bacteria don't build up. Read does a humidifier help with a snotty nose? to learn more.

Our Sniffle Survival Bundle brings the Aroma-Snooze Plus, a nasal aspirator and organic oils together in one kit.

Step 4. Rest, and keep sleep safe

Plenty of rest gives your baby the best chance to recover. Even when they're congested, always put your baby to sleep on their back on a firm, flat mattress. Don't raise the head of the cot or use pillows or wedges, as Red Nose advises these aren't safe.

Step 5. Gentle chest balms

Only use chest rubs made for babies and children, and always check the age on the label. Adult vapour rubs aren't suitable for little ones. Our certified organic Chesty Kiddy Balm is made for children from 3 months. Apply a thin layer to the chest or back, away from the face and hands. For more on oils by age, see our guide to essential oils for kids.

A note on medicines

Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines aren't recommended for children under 6 in Australia. If your baby has a fever and is uncomfortable, ask your pharmacist or GP about the right dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen for their age and weight (ibuprofen isn't suitable for babies under 3 months).

When to seek medical help

Most colds can be managed at home, but trust your instincts. Call 000 if your baby:

is struggling to breathe, breathing very fast, or the skin is sucking in around their ribs or neck
has blue or pale lips
is very drowsy, floppy or hard to wake

See your GP if your baby:

is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C or more
has a fever that lasts more than 2 days, or seems to be getting sicker
is feeding much less than usual or has fewer wet nappies
has ear pain, a rash, or a cough that lasts more than a few weeks

healthdirect lists the signs of serious illness in babies and children, and you can call them on 1800 022 222 any time to speak with a registered nurse.

Preventing colds and flu

Wash hands often

Handwashing is the simplest and most effective step. Wash your hands before feeding or handling your baby, and after blowing your nose. Ask visitors to do the same, and put used tissues straight in the bin.

Clean shared surfaces

Wipe down toys, change tables and other surfaces that get touched a lot, especially when someone in the house is sick.

Talk to your GP about vaccines

Babies can have the flu vaccine from 6 months of age. There are also ways to protect young babies from RSV. Ask your GP or child health nurse what's recommended for your family.

Limit exposure

During cold and flu season, it's okay to ask unwell friends and family to visit another time, and to keep a little distance from crowded places with a young baby.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to stay away from my baby if I have a cold?

No, and you can keep breastfeeding. Wash your hands often, cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow, and avoid kissing your baby's face until you're better.

How long after exposure to a cold does a baby get sick?

Symptoms usually start 1 to 3 days after your baby catches the virus.

What should I do when my baby has a cold or flu?

Offer plenty of feeds, clear their nose with saline and a nasal aspirator, keep the air moist, and let them rest. See a doctor straight away if your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C or more, or if they seem very unwell.

Can I bathe my baby if they have a runny nose?

Yes. A warm bath can be comforting, and the steamy bathroom can make breathing feel easier. Keep the room warm and dry your baby quickly afterwards.

The bottom line

Colds are a normal part of a baby's first years. With plenty of fluids, a clear nose, comfortable air and safe sleep, most little ones bounce back within a week or so. Trust your instincts, and get help early if something doesn't feel right.