15 Questions First-Time Parents Ask About Common Illnesses and Their Babies

Once upon a time, your adorable baby was warm and cozy in your womb, safe from most of the world's dangers. However, not long after your wee one made his debut, you realized how impossible it is to keep your baby out of harm's way, particularly that of germs, viruses, and infections. What can a parent do?

First-time parents may be surprised by how easily their newborn can catch illnesses, which, if not handled well, could become more serious. Driven by a strong desire to do something—anything—that could help their baby, some parents turn to the internet's mixed bag of information.

Having found myself in such a situation multiple times over the years, I combined the most common questions newborn parents ask about illness into one article.

To be clear, I am not a doctor, so you should always consult your pediatrician before acting on any advice. Most of the following answers are linked to articles and studies so you can dig deeper.

1. Which Illnesses Are the Most Common in Newborns?

Newborns are particularly susceptible to common illnesses because they do not have a mature immune system until around three months old (source). They can catch just about anything you can, and plenty of things that are mere inconveniences to an adult's immune system could be overwhelming to a newborn's.

This list can be impossibly long, so here are a few of the most common illnesses and infections to watch out for (and the ones you will hear the most about):

• the common cold (often from rhinovirus)

• RSV

• Influenza (flu)

• Pneumonia

• Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease

• Gastroenteritis

• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

• Whooping Cough

• Otitis Media (ear infection)

• Bronchitis

• Bronchiolitis

Treatment for these illnesses depends on whether a virus or bacteria causes them, the age of your baby, and the extent of the illness. Your pediatrician will give you specific instructions on treatment and managing your baby's symptoms safely at home.

Some illnesses and diseases can be avoided or lessened by vaccination. Read A Quick Guide to Baby Vaccinations in the U.S. to learn more about your baby's vaccination schedule, which ones are necessary, and which ones are optional.

2. How Do I Know If It Is Just a Runny Nose or Something Worse?

This age-old question will pop up relentlessly throughout your little one's first years! A runny nose is one thing, but if it is unfortunately accompanied by fever, difficulty breathing, or diarrhea, you should immediately assume it is something worse and contact your pediatrician.

More seriously, go to the Emergency Room if your newborn displays any of the following symptoms:

• diarrhea (3 diapers or throughout the day or night)

• fever (above 100.4°F or 38°C for 1-3 month olds)

• "rattle" in the chest

• decreased appetite

• less than 3 poopy diapers in 24 hours

• less than 8 wet diapers in 24 hours (dehydration)

• vomiting (hardly keeping anything down)

• persistent or spreading skin rash

• wheezing

• labored breathing (sucking in the top of the belly or the trachea)

The danger for newborns is that their rapidly developing bodies and weak immune systems do not handle medicine well (or do so unpredictably), and their young systems cannot easily overcome illnesses on their own (source).

So, should any of the symptoms above happen, go to your nearest Emergency Room to get immediate help for your newborn. The risk of one symptom leading to another is high at this age, and it happens quickly!

What Medical Tools Will Help My Baby At Home?

You don't need tons of medical gear to safeguard your baby at home, though having a few tools in addition to your typical first aid kit will ease your mind. 

Add a stethoscope to listen to your little one's lungs when sick with a respiratory illness. Wheezing and rattling are indicators of more serious illness and can be monitored easily by a stethoscope.

Another welcome addition to a newborn's first aid kit is a baby saline spray, a nose bulb, and a NoseFrida. As gross a concept as a NoseFrida is, it is a fantastic way to help manage your little one's excess mucus!

On the pricier end, a pulse oximeter for babies brings peace of mind during a respiratory illness, particularly after a hospital stay. Illnesses like RSV and its common companion, bronchiolitis, make breathing so difficult that getting enough oxygen can be a struggle.

Diaper rash cream and Aquaphor are incredibly helpful for easing your baby's diaper rash discomfort. Unscented soap will also reduce irritants!

3. Can a Newborn Have Antibiotics?

Yes, a newborn can be given antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection when necessary. Ideally, antibiotics can be avoided altogether, but it is better to treat an infection than to allow it to spread.

The most common antibiotics for babies are amoxicillin and gentamicin (source). However, antibiotics should only be given to your newborn when prescribed by a pediatrician.

4. Can a Newborn Have Over-the-Counter Medicine?

Never give a newborn over-the-counter medicine without a pediatrician's approval. Such medicines are not approved for newborns and could have serious side effects. Even babies and toddlers under the age of 2 should not receive over-the-counter medication without approval from a pediatrician.

Under two years of age, medication is given based on the weight and age of your child. Since every child is different, asking your pediatrician for specific instructions is best. Most pediatricians can provide an age and weight chart for common over-the-counter medications.

At one of your newborn's first checkups, ask your pediatrician for amounts of infant Tylenol that are allowed in cases of fever under 100.4°F (fevers above this before three months of age require a trip to the Emergency Room). This will ensure you can manage your newborn's mild fever at home.

It is NEVER okay to give your child a fraction of adult medication or aspirin! Doing so could cause serious side effects or death (source).

Avoid cough and cold medications for your baby entirely. Most of these liquid medicines contain several ingredients to manage multiple symptoms, but they are not rated for children under the age of two.

Finally, if your pediatrician prescribes a liquid medication for your baby or toddler, measure the dosage carefully with the measuring cup or syringe it came with. A kitchen teaspoon can range between 2 and 10mL, which makes it easy to accidentally overdose your child (source).

5. What Are Some Home Remedies That Can Help My Newborn Cough Less?

With healthcare costs through the roof and wait times ridiculously long, many parents turn to home remedies to manage their child's coughing. Thankfully, you can do a few things to avoid a full-blown respiratory illness.

Sitting in the bathroom with a hot, steamy shower going helps loosen mucus. Combined with saline nasal spray and a nose bulb or NoseFrida, you can relieve your newborn by sucking mucus out of the nasal passages.

Another way to help your newborn is to make her cough more. In cases where your newborn has an upper respiratory infection, ask your pediatrician about chest physiotherapy.

This technique involves using a cupped hand or percussor cup to make vibrations that loosen mucus so your baby can cough it up where you can suck it out. Chest percussion should never be done on bare skin, right after a meal, or over the spine. Just a few firm, regular pats for two to four minutes should do the trick (source)!

Which Home Remedies Should I Avoid Giving My Newborn?

However, home remedies that work for toddlers and older children are not always safe for newborns. For instance, honey is an amazing traditional remedy for suppressing coughs and reducing cough frequency for those battling upper respiratory tract infections (source). 

But, babies under one year old should NOT eat honey due to the risk of developing infantile botulism from the Clostridium botulinum bacteria in honey. Infantile botulism causes weakness, constipation, poor feeding, difficulty swallowing, and shortness of breath, among other scary symptoms (source).

You should also avoid giving your newborn herbal teas, juice, and water. Newborns have tiny stomachs and rapidly developing bodies, so they need nutrient-dense breastmilk or formula. Every calorie counts.

Herbal teas have not been tested thoroughly on newborns, while juice contains lots of sugar. Moreover, giving water to your newborn can make less room for nutritious breastmilk or formula, leading to fewer helpful calories to feed the body as it fights illness.

6. Is Laying My Baby on Her Back Dangerous When She Has a Lot of Mucus?

Yes, laying your newborn flat on her back when she is battling mucus can be dangerous. It doesn't take long to hear your wee one struggle once you lay her down! Fortunately, you can make things easier for her.

Holding your newborn upright in a comfy chair throughout the night also helps reduce coughing. Your warmth and closeness offer comfort while loosening mucus and regulating your newborn's temperature and breathing (source).

At the very least, put your baby's crib at a gentle incline to keep mucus from pooling in the back of her throat. This could be done with a towel rolled up under the head of the mattress or with something under two legs of the crib.

Avoid using pillows or blankets rolled up under your baby's head, as these increase the risk of suffocation (source).

7. How Can I Help My Sick Baby Sleep?

Sleep is precious to newborns and their parents, but even more so when sickness strikes! You can do several things to help your little one sleep, but you may get less sleep yourself!

First, get the space ready. Keep the room dark and quiet, and avoid using your phone near your baby. Bright screens will not help! Putting a cool-mist humidifier in the room can ensure the room is not dry enough to irritate that little nose and throat.

Avoid using essential oils in lotions, candles, wax melts, or diffusers in your baby's room. Their effects on newborns are not well-documented and may be too strong for their delicate senses.

Gently rocking, patting, cuddling, or walking around the room with your baby can also get your little one to sleep. But if mucus is part of your little one's problem, know that changing positions will move mucus and agitate coughing again.

As mentioned above, holding your baby upright in a cozy chair throughout the night will almost certainly give your newborn rest, but it is taxing on you.

Clearing nasal passages with saline spray and suction before bed causes a huge fuss beforehand but ultimately makes it easier for your wee one to breathe in his sleep. Likewise, a warm bath or shower and feeding before bed can help soothe a sick baby.

8. Does Breastmilk Help My Baby Fight Illnesses?

Yes, breastmilk helps your baby fight illness because it is packed with everything her immature digestive system can break down and use: fats, sugars, proteins, antibodies, and probiotics (source).

Even better, breastmilk is different from person to person and adapts to what your baby requires at various stages of development—it provides what your baby needs when she needs it (source)! As such, breastfed babies have fewer digestive, lung, and ear infections (source).

Are There Foods or Drinks I Should Avoid While My Breastfed Baby Is Sick?

Generally speaking, what you eat is what your baby eats (and tastes) (source). So, it makes sense that eating a well-balanced diet rich in fiber, vitamins, protein, and minerals will lead to fantastically nutritious breastmilk--the more nutritious, the better for your sick baby.

A common myth is that certain foods make your baby gassy: broccoli, dairy, fried food, spicy food, or lots of veggies. This has not been proven, however (source).

Your baby may negatively react to strong flavors, but unless you notice a tight belly and lots of gassy upset a few hours after eating something, don't worry about causing gas.

When your little one is sick, do him a favor, and don't give him bad flavors!

9. Should I Keep Other Kids and Adults Away From My Sick Baby?

Has more than one family member come down with sickness? They should keep their distance from your baby, even if your baby is already sick with the same illness.

However, when others are not sick, they should either wash their hands right before holding your sick baby or keep their distance. Adding more germs to the mix can make your already sick baby catch something else.

Washing hands frequently, wiping down surfaces, wearing clean clothes, keeping fingers and hands away from the baby's mouth, and avoiding breathing on a baby's face are all ways to prevent sickness.

For more on avoiding illness, read Keeping Your Baby Healthy: Tips for Protecting Your Baby's Health.

10. What Is the Best Way to Take My Baby's Temperature?

The most accurate way to take your baby's temperature is rectally, which is why the Emergency Room will likely use this method. However, using a temporal artery thermometer on the forehead or an axillary thermometer in the armpit also works (source).

The armpit measurement is not as accurate as the other two, but you can use it as a start. Switch thermometers to one of the other two methods if it shows a fever.

When done inside, the forehead reading is far less stressful than a rectal thermometer and more accurate than an armpit reading.

11. How Do I Keep My Baby Hydrated While Sick?

Sick babies tend to eat less due to excess mucus interfering with breathing and swallowing or weakness from fever and exhaustion. Regardless of how sick your baby is, staying hydrated is key for recovery.

Dehydration causes a whole slew of symptoms and issues, not the least of which is thicker mucus, causing more difficulty and discomfort.

Illness often necessitates more frequent yet lighter feedings, even for five minutes every hour. This results in lighter sleep or shorter naps, but keeping your little one hydrated and nourished is worth it!

Bottle-fed babies may need a slower-flowing bottle nipple while sick. Again, breathing and eating are more difficult when sick, so slowing the flow will make it easier to handle feedings.

How Do I Know When My Baby Is Dehydrated?

Dehydration is dangerous in newborns because it indicates that they are not getting enough milk, which leads to weight loss, decreased appetite, and even exhaustion. Luckily, you can easily tell when your baby is nearing or already dehydrated.

The first indication of nearing dehydration is fewer wet diapers. Once your milk comes in (if breastfeeding), you should see at least 6 to 8 wet diapers in a 24-hour period. If less than that, try doing more feedings and drinking more water yourself.

If your baby has three or fewer wet diapers in 24 hours, your baby is likely dehydrated and needs medical attention before other problems arise.

Another way to check for dehydration is to watch for the color to come back after pressing your baby's arm, head, leg, or belly. Your baby is hydrated when the color returns to normal before 3 seconds. If the spot stays pale longer than 3 seconds, contact your pediatrician.

12. Does Cold Weather Make My Baby More Likely to Get Sick?

Believe it or not, cold weather doesn't directly make a person sick. It does, however, make the body more susceptible to viruses by constricting blood vessels to maintain body temperature--effectively weakening the immune system (source).

That's why the cold months of October to May in the U.S. are the peak months of illnesses caused by viruses such as the flu, RSV, COVID-19, and rhinovirus. Of course, the nasty counterparts of these viruses are bronchiolitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia--all of which are a serious danger to babies.

You can mitigate the risk of illness for your newborn by avoiding unnecessary outings, washing hands frequently (especially before picking up your baby or eating meals), breastfeeding your baby (if possible), keeping your baby warm, and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet.

13. How Hot Is Too Hot for a Baby's Fever?

Between 0 and 3 months, a temperature of 100.4°F or 38°C is too hot and requires emergency attention. For babies between 3 and 6 months old, a 102°F or 38.89°C fever must be treated at the Emergency Room immediately. At 6 months or older, 103°F or 39.4°C is dangerous.

Early on, fevers can be a sign of infection. Since newborn immune systems are so delicate, an infection can be devastating to the body; hence, the trip to the ER (source).

A little one between 3 and 6 months old is not quite out of the woods with a fever. At this age, the immune system is far more capable but may still struggle with prolonged illness or several symptoms piling up.

At six months old and later, fever plus symptoms are the cause for concern. For instance, if your child displays the following, you likely don't need to visit the ER before 103°F or 39.4°C (source):

• alertness

• smiling

• interest in playing

• drinking well

• normal skin color

• looking totally normal when the temperature comes down
  
  

How Can I Regulate My Newborn's Temperature Without Medicine?

Regardless of your confidence in bringing down your newborn's fever, you should inform your pediatrician or go to the ER if it is a "hot" fever for your baby's age (as described above). You can manage slight fever cases at home.

Slight fevers in newborns are often the result of overdressing or being wrapped in a blanket because newborns cannot regulate their body temperature well on their own yet.

So, if your newborn pops a slight fever (under 100.4°F or 38°C), determine whether it is due to that adorable sweater onesie or polyester blanket.

In cases where the fever appears on its own, your baby's body may be trying to fight something off. Expect fussiness, frustrated eating, difficulty sleeping, sleeping long and hard, redness, or sweating.

You can try any of the following to regulate your newborn's temperature at home:

• skin-to-skin contact

• napping on you without a blanket

• giving a lukewarm sponge bath

• dressing in light clothing

• cooling the room a couple of degrees

• keeping hydrated with frequent feedings

If the fever does not break or worsens, contact your pediatrician.

14. What Types of Baby Poop Should Concern Me?

A poopy diaper is a fantastic indicator of how your little one is doing inside. As you've probably noticed already, there are many types of baby poop, and not all of them are concerning.

Here is a chart to help you discern poopy diapers and know when to call your pediatrician (source):

Poop Type	Description	Concern Rating
Meconium	Black tar-like poop that appears for the first days after birth	Normal
Breastfed	Mustard yellow, green, or brown color with a seedy or pasty texture that smells slightly sweet	Normal
Formula	Yellow or brown with a peanut butter consistency that stinks	Normal
Green	Dark green poop of any consistency that happens after receiving an iron supplement.	Normal
Speckled	Black blood specks from ingesting blood from cracked and bleeding nipples or from irritation in the gut	Medium
Runny	Green, yellow, or brown runny poop that could lead to dehydration if it continues	Concerning
Hard	Hard, pebble-like baby poop from constipation or a sensitivity to milk or soy	Concerning
Red Blood	Red poop or red streaks from an allergy, infection, or certain foods or medications the mother consumed	Concerning
Mucus	Slimy, greenish streaks or strings in your baby's poop that could signal an infection	Concerning
White	Chalky white poop signaling that your baby isn't digesting food due to a lack of bile	Concerning

15. When Can My Baby Go Back to Daycare After Being Sick?

Ideally, your newborn will not go to daycare until three months old for the sake of having a stronger immune system. When illness inevitably strikes, and your baby recovers, you can return to daycare 24 hours after the fever has broken, as long as other concerning symptoms have passed.

If your baby has any of the following, please skip the daycare and seek instructions for treatment from your pediatrician, as they could be symptoms of a contagious virus (source):

• a fever

• weakness or tiredness

• diarrhea

• vomiting

• wheezing or shortness of breath

• a rattly cough

• yellow or green eye drainage

• a persistent rash

• pain in the ears, head, or throat

Your little one can return to daycare once you get the pediatrician's all-clear.

If you are on the fence about putting your little one into daycare, read Should I Go Back to Work After Having My Baby? Ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer. But weighing the obvious pros and cons can help you make the best decision for your family.

In a Nutshell

One of the scariest responsibilities of a parent is determining whether your little one simply has the sniffles or something that is about to get worse. Thankfully, you'll get the hang of identifying when your baby needs to rest or see a pediatrician fairly soon.

Just don't overreact or take chances--newborns are delicate, but they will typically give you plenty of signs to judge the next best step. Stay observant and stay healthy!