Common Illnesses
Croup (Barking Cough)
Croup is viral infection causing swelling around voice box and windpipe. Symptoms: Distinctive barking cough (sounds like seal), hoarse voice, stridor (high-pitched squeaking when breathing in), trouble breathing (worse at night).
Most common in fall/winter. Typically lasts 3-7 days. Starts with cold symptoms, then barking cough develops on day 2-3. Worse at night. Scary but usually mild.
Caused by parainfluenza virus. Most common in babies 6 months to 3 years.
What to Do
- Stay calm - your anxiety makes baby more anxious (which worsens breathing)
- Hold baby upright - sitting up helps breathing
- Try cool mist: Take baby outside in cool night air for 10-15 minutes
- Or steamy bathroom: Run hot shower and sit with baby in steamy room for 10-15 minutes
- Use cool-mist humidifier in baby's room while sleeping
- Offer fluids frequently to prevent dehydration
- Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever/discomfort
- Doctor may prescribe: Steroid (dexamethasone) to reduce swelling - very effective
- DO NOT give cough medicine - doesn't help croup and can be dangerous
- Watch breathing closely - count breaths per minute (normal: 30-60 for babies)
- Croup is contagious - keep home from daycare until fever-free for 24 hours
When to call a doctor
Call 911 if baby has severe difficulty breathing, blue/gray lips or skin, drooling or can't swallow, appears very ill or lethargic, or makes stridor sound when resting (not just crying). Call doctor for guidance if you suspect croup.