You should worry about your baby’s cough and seek medical advice or care if you observe any of the following signs:
- Cough onset within the first few weeks of life.
- Cough with fever lasting more than 5 days.
- Cough lasting for 8 weeks or more.
- Cough that worsens by the third week.
- Difficulty breathing or labored breathing.
- Night sweats, weight loss, or coughing up blood.
- Wet or dry hacking cough without wheezing or fast breathing.
- Persistent coughing spells or nonstop coughing.
- Lips or face turning bluish, especially during coughing.
- Wheezing or a harsh sound when breathing in (stridor).
- Very fast breathing.
- Dehydration signs such as very dry mouth, no tears when crying, or no urine for more than 8 hours.
- Milk intake less than half of normal.
- Fever higher than 104°F (40°C) or fever lasting more than 3 days.
- Baby looking or acting very sick.
- Cough causing vomiting 3 or more times.
- Runny nose lasting more than 10 to 14 days.
- Cough accompanied by wheezing or a "barking" cough which might indicate croup or bronchiolitis.
- Blue lips or face, excessive drooling, or trouble swallowing saliva.
- If your baby is less than 6 months old and has a cough.
- If your baby has trouble breathing (struggling for every breath, wheezing, or noisy breathing).
- If your baby is unresponsive, stops breathing, or has a life-threatening emergency.
If any of these symptoms occur, especially difficulty breathing or if the cough is severe, seek medical care immediately. For mild coughs without these worrying signs, watch closely and consult your pediatrician if the cough persists beyond 10 days or worsens. Also, certain infections like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, or COVID-19, can cause serious cough symptoms in babies and may require urgent medical attention. In general, babies under 3 months with cough should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare provider.
