How to Recognize Cold Symptoms in Newborns: A Parent's Guide

How can a newborn tell if they have a cold?

My baby is almost one month old, but recently he has been crying a lot.
I prepared 120 cc of formula for him, and he stopped crying.
The elders say he might not be full.
Is 120 cc too much for a baby close to one month old? His current weight is just over 4 kilograms, measured during his last visit for the BCG vaccine.
He will be one month old on May 1st.
Is it necessary to wait four hours before feeding him again? Sometimes he cries for a feed after just three and a half hours, and when I don't let him eat, he cries until his voice becomes hoarse.
Should I take him to see a doctor if his voice is hoarse? Additionally, the nurse mentioned he had a slight nasal congestion when he was discharged and gave me a nasal aspirator.
He still occasionally makes strange sounds due to nasal congestion.
Could this be a cold? Should I take him to see a doctor? Also, I have recently caught a cold; could I transmit it to my baby? What are the symptoms of a cold in newborns?

Youying de Huang Mama, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/04/27

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics

There is no specific guideline for how often newborns should be fed formula.
Some babies have a small stomach capacity and may experience spitting up, so they should be fed smaller amounts more frequently.
Other babies can take larger amounts and have longer intervals between feedings.
Generally, most newborns consume about 25-30 cc of formula per kilogram of body weight (for example, a 4 kg baby would take approximately 100-120 cc) every 3-4 hours.
As long as there is no concern about excessive weight gain (a 4 kg baby at one month is typically acceptable) or severe spitting up, the amount should not be considered too much.
If a baby cries to the point of hoarseness, it usually resolves on its own, and observation is sufficient unless it persists for an extended period (such as a month), in which case medical evaluation may be necessary.
Most of the strange sounds that resemble nasal congestion in newborns are due to the soft tissues in their nasal passages vibrating during breathing; this typically improves as they grow.
A cold in newborns is characterized by significant coughing and nasal discharge.

Reply Date: 2009/04/27

More Info

When it comes to recognizing cold symptoms in newborns, it’s essential for parents to be vigilant and informed. Newborns, especially those under one month old, have immature immune systems, making them more susceptible to infections, including the common cold. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you identify potential cold symptoms in your newborn and understand how to respond appropriately.

Common Cold Symptoms in Newborns
1. Nasal Congestion: If your baby has a stuffy or runny nose, it could be a sign of a cold. You mentioned that your baby sometimes makes strange noises due to nasal congestion. This is common in infants, as they are primarily nasal breathers. If the congestion is persistent, it may require suctioning with a bulb syringe or a nasal aspirator.

2. Coughing: A mild cough can accompany a cold. However, if the cough is persistent, sounds wheezy, or is accompanied by difficulty breathing, you should seek medical attention.

3. Fever: A slight increase in body temperature can occur with a cold. However, any fever over 100.4°F (38°C) in a newborn under three months old is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate evaluation by a healthcare provider.

4. Irritability or Fussiness: If your baby is unusually fussy, it might be due to discomfort from a cold. Crying can be a way for them to express their discomfort.

5. Decreased Appetite: If your baby is not feeding well or seems uninterested in feeding, it could be a sign of illness. You mentioned that your baby cries until fed, which is a normal response to hunger, but if this behavior changes suddenly, it may warrant a check-up.

6. Difficulty Sleeping: A congested baby may have trouble sleeping comfortably. If your baby is waking frequently or seems restless, it could be due to cold symptoms.

What to Do If You Suspect a Cold
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your baby’s symptoms. If they worsen or if you notice any alarming signs (like high fever, difficulty breathing, or lethargy), contact your pediatrician.

- Maintain Hydration: Ensure your baby stays hydrated. If they are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, continue to offer feeds as needed. It’s okay if they want to feed more frequently than every four hours, especially if they seem hungry.

- Use a Humidifier: A cool-mist humidifier in your baby’s room can help ease nasal congestion and make breathing easier.

- Nasal Suctioning: If your baby has nasal congestion, using a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator can help clear their airways. Be gentle and do not overdo it, as this can irritate their nasal passages.

- Keep Them Comfortable: Dress your baby in light layers to avoid overheating, and ensure they are comfortable. If they seem too warm, remove a layer.

Regarding Your Concerns
- Feeding Amounts: At four kilograms, your baby’s feeding needs may vary. Generally, newborns consume about 150-200 ml per kg of body weight per day, divided into several feedings. If your baby seems hungry before the four-hour mark, it’s okay to feed them sooner, especially if they are showing signs of hunger.

- Nasal Congestion: If your baby continues to have nasal congestion and it’s affecting their feeding or sleeping, it’s advisable to consult a pediatrician. They can assess whether it’s a simple cold or something that requires further intervention.

- Transmission of Illness: If you have a cold, it’s wise to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding close face-to-face contact with your baby. Newborns can catch colds from their caregivers, so being cautious is important.

In summary, while some symptoms may indicate a cold, it’s crucial to differentiate between mild illness and more serious conditions. Always err on the side of caution and consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your newborn’s health. Your attentiveness and care are vital in ensuring your baby remains healthy and comfortable.

Similar Q&A

Managing Colds in Premature Infants: A Guide for Concerned Parents

I would like to ask: My child was born prematurely at 35 weeks and 3 days! They did not require oxygen! Now they are about 50 days old! Due to too many visitors at home, they have caught a cold! They have throat inflammation! Their temperature ranges between 37.3 to 36.8 degrees ...

Dr. Gu Qingxian reply Pediatrics
Hello! For a premature infant born at 50 days, a body temperature exceeding 37.5°C is considered a fever due to their low immunity. If there is a decrease in appetite, reduced activity level, or symptoms of a cold, please make sure to seek medical attention from a physician. Than...

Understanding Colds in Newborns with Heart Conditions: Key Insights

Dr. Hsiao, I would like to ask again about my child who has a patent foramen ovale. How will a cold affect her? What should we pay attention to? The baby does not have a fever, is active, and has a good appetite, but she does have a cough. I heard from a doctor that coughing betw...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
1. The majority of patent foramen ovale cases are benign and will gradually close on their own. If there are no cardiac complications, a common cold does not have any impact. 2. Coughing between 2 to 5 AM does not necessarily indicate pneumonia; there is no such assertion. 3....

Is My Baby Sick? Signs to Watch for in Infants

Hello, doctor. My baby is currently 8 months old. For the past couple of nights, my baby has been having trouble sleeping, crying or making sounds approximately every hour. It seems like there is some phlegm. There is more nasal mucus than usual, but no runny nose. Sometimes, the...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
Generally, when there is phlegm in the trachea, it tends to cause noticeable coughing. A cold in the nose may lead to sneezing, nasal congestion, or increased nasal secretions (including more nasal mucus). It is possible that your baby has a slight cold (as it is difficult to ass...

Persistent Cough and Cold in Preschoolers: What Parents Should Know

Doctor: Hello, our child is 4 years old. Since starting preschool in August, he has been coughing and has a runny nose. The cough is productive, and the nasal discharge is yellow. At night, he often wakes up with a high fever, sometimes reaching 38 degrees Celsius, and other time...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
In general, when a young child has a persistent cough, the most common causes are allergic bronchitis, followed by sinusitis. Other less common causes include foreign body aspiration and tuberculosis. Given your child's situation, allergic bronchitis and sinusitis should be ...