Your toddler's tucked in bed, and you're settling in on the couch for a night of Netflix. Then, from out of nowhere, your child's peaceful sleep suddenly turns into loud, raucous coughs. You drop the remote and go to her side to comfort her, but now your quiet night is disrupted with a worrying thought: Does my child have a mild cold or is something more serious going on?| What to Expect
You can probably tell just by looking at your little one if she has a stuffy nose or even a fever. But it can be harder to spot a sore throat, especially since your baby or young toddler can’t describe how she’s feeling.| What to Expect
Babies younger than 1 year old are most at risk for serious complications from whooping cough, a highly contagious but preventable bacterial disease that attacks the lungs and respiratory system.| What to Expect
Few things are scarier than a sick child, especially one with a burning fever. But bear in mind that keeping your own cool is the best approach in this situation as not all toddler fevers are cause for great concern. Trusted SourceKidsHealth From NemoursFeversSee All Sources [1] Remember, a fever is simply the body's signal that an infection has settled in and your tot's immune system is doing its darndest to fight it off.| What to Expect
If your baby or toddler is sick with another cold or virus and needs more than the usual cuddles, fluids and rest, medication may be in order. But before you head to the drugstore, you'll want to make sure you're getting medicine that's safe for your little one and know the right doses to dole out.| What to Expect
If your tot never seems to stop sniffling and coughing, you're not alone: Many healthy children catch between eight and 10 colds or other viral infections in the first two years of life, and their symptoms can last for up to 10 days or longer, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).| What to Expect
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is such a common virus that nearly all adults and young children are affected by it sooner or later.| What to Expect
Children's flu (short for "influenza") is the same virus as the grown-up variety, but the flu doesn't affect babies and toddlers in the same way as it does adults.| What to Expect
There's a reason colds are called "common": Many healthy children have eight to 10 colds and other viral infections in the first two years of life, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Trusted SourceAmerican Academy of PediatricsChildren and ColdsSee All Sources [1]| What to Expect
If your toddler is sneezing with a runny nose and itchy eyes after a fun day of playing outside, he may already be suffering from seasonal allergies, which can start at almost any age (though they're rare in a baby's first year of life).| What to Expect
Your baby's stuffy or runny nose is definitely not fun, but it's rarely a sign of anything serious. While it’s tricky to prevent or stop those sniffles — which can make your little one fussy and sleepless — there are things you can do to help alleviate her discomfort. And knowing what’s causing her runny or stuffy nose can make it easier to treat.| What to Expect
