Recognize common cold symptoms

A common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Common colds in adults and babies are similar, with the cold virus occurring primarily in the nose and throat. During the infection, the baby or toddler’s inflamed nasal tissue will likely result in nasal congestion and a runny nose.

Babies and toddlers are particularly at risk for common colds because they do not have a fully developed immune system. In fact, the Mayo Clinic notes that babies often have up to seven common colds in their first year of life. Many viruses that an adult’s immune system could fight off easily will, unfortunately, result in a common cold in a baby or toddler.