Common Illness · 5 min read · Updated 28 September 2026
Key points
- Most colds are viral and get better in 7 to 10 days.
- Antibiotics do not help colds.
- Saline nose drops and fluids ease a blocked nose.
- Never give honey to a baby under 1 year.
See a doctor now if you notice
- Fast breathing or chest pulling in with each breath
- Grunting, or blue or grey lips
- Wheezing that does not settle
- Too breathless to feed or talk
- A baby under 3 months with a cough and fever
Home care for a cough and cold
Keep your child comfortable while the infection runs its course.
- Saline nose drops before feeds and sleep
- Plenty of fluids; keep breastfeeding
- Rest, and keep the child away from smoke
- Honey can soothe a cough in children over 1 year
What is wheezing?
Wheezing is a whistling sound when breathing out, caused by narrowed airways. In babies it is often due to bronchiolitis, a viral chest infection. In older children, repeated wheezing may point to asthma.
Nebulisation delivers medicine straight to the airways as a mist. The doctor decides which medicine is needed after examining your child.
Coughing at night or in sleep
Many coughs sound worse at night. When a child lies down, mucus from the nose drips to the back of the throat and triggers coughing. This is common with colds and usually eases as the cold clears.
Keep babies sleeping flat on their back with no pillow — do not prop them up. For older children, fluids and saline nose drops before bed can help.
A night cough that keeps coming back, lasts for weeks, or comes with wheezing should be checked, as it can be a sign of asthma or another problem.
When to worry about a cough
See a doctor the same day if your child's breathing looks hard work, or if the cough comes in long bouts that end in a whoop, vomiting or a colour change. A cough that has not improved after about 3 weeks also needs a check-up.
Questions parents ask
Are cough syrups safe for young children?
Many cough and cold medicines are not recommended for young children. Ask the doctor before giving any.
Does my child need a nebuliser at home?
Only if the doctor advises it. Many children need nebulisation only during an episode.
Why does my child cough more at night?
Lying down lets mucus from the nose drip to the back of the throat, which triggers coughing. It usually eases as the cold clears. A night cough that lasts for weeks or comes with wheezing should be checked by a doctor.
How long does a cough last after a cold?
A cough after a cold can linger for 2 to 3 weeks while the airways settle. If it lasts longer, is getting worse, or your child is breathless, see a doctor.
This guide is general health information for parents. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a visit to your child's doctor. If you are worried, call us — we are open 24 hours for emergencies.
How we can help
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