Understand the cause of your baby's cough to help alleviate it. Most causes are harmless and associated with other symptoms such as a runny nose. If your baby's cough is indeed harmless and not caused by more serious illness, the coughing should subside within a few days. In the meantime, provide some relief to your baby with at-home remedies that should allow your baby to sleep and feel better.
Causes
Common causes of cough in babies include colds, respiratory viruses, croup, allergies, asthma, environmental irritants such as smoke, sinusitis, pneumonia and whooping cough. A cough not associated with other signs of illness sometimes indicates your baby has swallowed a small object and it is stuck in her lungs or throat. If your baby has a constant cough along with a green or yellow discharge, your baby could have cystic fibrosis, an inherited disease that can cause serious lung infections and digestion problems.
Medication
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Pediatrics advsies against giving cough medications to children under age 2. Cough medications are over-the-counter products that are often marketed under the name expectorants or cough suppressants. Since these products are not proved safe for young children, don't treat your baby's cough with one of these medications.
At-home Remedies
Provide some relief to your baby at home by exposing him to hot or cold air. Croup, in particular, is often best relieved by bundling up your baby and stepping out into the cold air. Other non-barky coughs often are alleviated by exposure to steam and hot air. Sit with your baby in a bathroom with the hot shower running and the door closed or place a warm mist humidifier in your baby's room while he sleeps.
Calling the Doctor
Anytime your baby's cough lasts more than one week, consult your physician. If you suspect your baby has swallowed an object, consult your physician immediately and call 911 if your baby is having problems breathing. Call your physician any time your baby has a fever over 103 degrees if he's older than 6 months old or over 101 degrees if he's 3 to 6 months old.
