Infant coughs can be very distressing for parents, but they are usually normal and do not require medication, according to KidsHealth. Infants may cough for a number of reasons, from an irritated airway to a common cold to allergies, asthma or whooping cough, according to the American Association of Pediatrics. While your baby's cough may not be serious, consult your pediatrician if you believe that your child's cough may be an indication of a more serious condition.
Step 1
Listen to your child's cough. If it sounds like a normal cough, she probably just has a cold or an irritated throat. However, her cough might indicate a more serious condition. If her cough sounds like a seal barking, she may have croup. If she coughs so much she can't breathe and then takes in air with a whooping sound, she may have whooping cough. If her cough is accompanied by wheezing, she may have asthma. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect that she has any of these conditions.
Step 2
Give your child asthma medication or other prescription medication as directed by his pediatrician, if applicable. Never give a child under two years of age an over-the-counter cough or cold medication unless you are advised to do so by your pediatrician, says Dr. Robert H. Pantell, author of "Taking Care of Your Child." The American Association of Pediatrics advises that these medications can cause severe illness or death in infants.
Step 3
Place a cool-mist humidifier in your baby's room if her coughing bothers her at night. The mist might help to soothe her irritated airways and help her sleep.
Step 4
Take your child outside to play if the temperature outside is cool and the weather permits. The cool weather might loosen the phlegm and help him to get it out, notes KidsHealth.
Step 5
Consult your pediatrician if your child develops a fever or if she is coughing up blood, is weak or appears to feel very ill, if she is dehydrated, or if the cough lasts more than five to seven days, according to Valley Stream Pediatrics.
Things You'll Need
- Asthma medication or other medication, if applicable
- Cool-mist humidifier
