How many colds a year do toddlers get

The common cold upper respiratory infection is one of the most common illnesses in children. Each year it leads to more healthcare provider visits and missed days from school and work than any other illness.

Millions of people in the U. Most children will have at least 6 to 8 colds a year. Children who attend daycare will have more. Colds happen when a virus irritates inflames the lining of the nose and throat. Colds can be caused by more than different viruses. But most colds are caused by rhinoviruses. To catch a cold, your child must come in contact with someone who is infected with one of the cold viruses.

The cold virus can be spread:. Through the air. If a person with a cold sneezes or coughs, small amounts of the virus can go into the air. By direct contact. This means that your child touches an infected person. A cold is easy for children to spread. This can spread the virus.

All children are at risk for the common cold. They are more likely than adults to get a cold. Here are some reasons why:. Less resistance. Some germs, including those that cause colds and diarrhea, can stay on surfaces for many hours. Through the air when a person coughs or sneezes. How do I know if my child has a cold?

Typical cold symptoms include: runny or stuffed-up nose, sneezing, coughing, headache, mild sore throat, loss of appetite, fatigue being tired , and mild fever. When should I call my doctor? Call your doctor to make an appointment or take your baby to an emergency department if your baby: is having trouble breathing, is not eating or is vomiting, or has a fever rectal temperature of What can I do if my child has a cold?

Keep your child as comfortable as possible. Offer plenty of fluids and small, nutritious meals. To ease pain, aches or a fever, use acetaminophen. Ibuprofen may be used for children over 6 months old.

Don't give acetylsalicylic acid ASA [eg, Aspirin] —or any medicine containing it—to children and teenagers with colds because it can lead to brain and liver damage Reye syndrome. If your baby or toddler is having trouble breastfeeding because of a stuffed-up nose, use a suction bulb to clear mucus from the nose. Use can use saline nose drops or spray if the mucus is very thick. Decongestants and antihistamines medicine to clear nasal and sinus congestion will not help with coughing.

Decongestants taken by mouth do not work very well and can cause your child to get a rapid heartbeat or to have trouble sleeping. Antihistamines do not work for colds. They can actually make the congestion worse. Cool mist humidifiers are not recommended because of the risk of contamination from bacteria and mold. If you do use one, disinfect it daily.

Hot water vaporizers are not recommended because of the risk of burns. Common cold symptoms are usually on the mild side, come on gradually and may include a low-grade fever, while the flu is accompanied by abrupt symptoms and a sudden temperature spike, usually over degrees F. In general, the flu hits kids harder than a common cold, leaving them feeling sicker and more uncomfortable. A warm liquid like warm water with lemon you can add honey if your child is over a year old or agave syrup if he's under 1 offers hydration and soothes a sore throat, plus it may ease swelling in the upper respiratory tract.

Ask your doctor about acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower your child's temp — if taken as directed, both are safe for toddlers. Keep the tissues handy and teach your toddler to blow his nose. Saline nasal drops can also help loosen up crusty mucus that may be clogging his nostrils. Otherwise, prop up the crib mattress as described above. Experts strongly advise parents never to give over-the-counter cough and cold medications to toddlers under the age of 4.

Studies have shown that these drugs are ineffective and can cause serious side effects in younger children. In fact, the AAP recommends parents always check with their pediatrician before offering cough or cold medications to children under the age of 6. If your doctor does give you the okay, be sure to use the dosing syringe or cup that comes with the medicine to avoid potentially dangerous dosing errors. Call your doctor if your toddler has a temperature of more than Also check in with your pediatrician if your child is pulling on his ears a lot or has symptoms that last longer than 10 days.

Allergies could be responsible if your toddler seems to have frequent to continuous colds and a chronically runny nose, especially when accompanied by dark under-eye circles.

If your child experiences these symptoms, talk to your doctor. You should also call the pediatrician for a cold if you notice any of the following symptoms:. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations.

Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy. The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice.