Young babies can catch colds, just like adults and older children. Cold viruses affect the upper respiratory tract, often causing numerous symptoms in your baby. Babies also go through teething phases as tooth buds develop and begin to emerge above the gum lines. Colds and teething may occur at the same time, causing considerable discomfort for your baby.
Teething
Although the appearance of teeth can vary between individual babies, most infants begin teething around 7 months old. The two bottom teeth, or lower incisors, generally emerge first, followed by the upper incisors. Most children finish getting their baby teeth by the time they reach 30 months old. Fussiness is a common symptom of teething. Other signs that indicate your baby may be teething include problems sleeping, drooling, swollen gums and lack of interest in eating. Other symptoms, such as a stuffy nose, a fever, coughing and diarrhea, do not occur in response to teething and may indicate the presence of another condition.
Colds
Colds are a common type of illness in young children. Most babies experience about seven colds during the first year of life, according to MayoClinic.com. These upper-respiratory infections usually cause your baby to develop a stuffy or runny nose. The accompanying nasal discharge generally goes from clear and thin to thick and yellow as the cold progresses. Other symptoms that indicate the presence of a cold include a low-grade fever, irritability, coughing, sneezing, difficulty sleeping and a decrease in appetite.
Treatments
Most colds and teething problems clear up on their own, although certain treatments can make your baby more comfortable. During teething, a cool object to chew on, such as a chilled teething ring, can help soothe the inflamed, tender gums. Over-the-counter teething gels can help provide temporary relief from teething pain. Using a humidifier can help moisturize the air and ease breathing difficulties during a cold. Using a bulb syringe to remove the nasal discharge may also help clear the air passages. Offering your baby plenty of fluids during teething and colds can help prevent dehydration.
Precautions
Although teething is normal and colds are common, certain symptoms may require medical attention. Contact your doctor about any fever in an infant younger than 3 months of age. Report any concerns to your doctor, especially if your baby refuses several feedings in a row, appears lethargic, runs a fever that fails to respond to medication or has diarrhea, eye discharge or cries without producing tears.
