It can be frustrating for parents to help babies cope with a runny nose. Most babies are not able to voluntarily blow their nose; many begin to acquire that skill as toddlers. For the first few months of life, babies instinctively breathe through their noses and not their mouths. This can cause problems in early infancy if a cold or allergies causes congestion. For the most part, a runny nose in babies is a nuisance and not dangerous.
Cold Virus
Among the most common causes of a baby's runny nose are cold viruses. According to DrGreene.com, an information website run by pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene, young children often get three to eight colds per year. Babies spend a lot of time putting their hands and other objects to their mouths, which increases the risk of contracting illnesses. Exposure to other children can also provide an opportunity to catch a cold and the runny nose that often accompanies one. If a runny nose makes breathing difficult, or if a sinus infection is suspected, consult with your baby's doctor.
Allergies
Allergies are another possible cause of a baby's runny nose. Pollen, pet dander, dust mites and foods are examples of common allergens that can cause a runny nose, often with an itchy throat, sneezing and watery eyes. MedWire News notes that allergic rhinitis may manifest in babies as young as 18 months.
Teething
Many parents notice that a runny nose often coincides with teething. While symptoms such as drooling, irritability and a low-grade fever are commonly associated with the appearance of a baby's new teeth, the relationship between a runny nose and teething has not been so clear. Babies may put their hands and fingers into their mouths more often to alleviate teething pain, thereby exposing themselves more easily to a cold virus.
