Signs your baby has a sore or red throat and what to do

​Can a baby get a sore throat? The answer is: yes, they can. Babies can get a sore or red neck, but they can’t tell you that it hurts. And since the signs and symptoms of a red or sore throat in a baby are similar to those of a cold teething, it is difficult to decipher why it happens. The cause of a sore throat can be infections such as bacterial, viral or fungal infections, as well as internal or external irritants.¹

In the United States, there are 7.3 million outpatient doctor visits each year for a sore or red throat in children.¹ That’s a lot of sore throat! The most important thing to know about your baby’s sore throat is when to call your doctor.

The symptoms of a sore throat in babies or young children can vary depending on the cause. You may notice that your baby is more restless, has difficulty swallowing, is drooling more than usual, has changes in eating or drinking behavior, or has a hoarse or raspy cry. The confusing thing for parents is that these signs and symptoms can be similar to other common baby problems like cold, teething, allergies, etc. Here is a list of the most common signs to look out for:^1.2

• irritability: Babies with a sore throat may be fussy and more difficult to comfort.
• difficulties swallowing: Your baby may have difficulty swallowing, which may cause them to drool or spit up more.
• Cough: A persistent cough, especially if it sounds hoarse or dry, may indicate (or lead to) a sore throat.
• Refuse food: Babies with sore throats may be reluctant to eat or drink due to pain.
• Fever: A mild fever may accompany a sore throat, so it may be helpful to monitor the progress of the fever.
• Behavioral changes: Your baby may be more tired or have trouble sleeping due to discomfort.
• Redness in the throat: Obvious redness in the back of the throat or red spots on the roof of the mouth may indicate illness.

A sore or red throat is a common illness in children, most often caused by a virus such as a cold. Babies can have an average of up to seven colds in their first year, especially if they have older siblings or are visiting a cold one day care center. This is due to their constantly growing and changing immune system, which is completely new and learning to work more efficiently.^3.4 Most sore throats are caused by a viral illness, so the sore throat usually goes away on its own without medical attention. Here are some common viruses that can cause a sore throat in a baby:²

• A cold
• flu (influenza)
• Croup or croup cough (a childhood virus characterized by a hard, barking cough)

Infections caused by bacteria can also be the cause of a sore throat. Streptococcus is the most common bacterial infection that causes sore throats in children, particularly group A streptococcus.² However, strep throat is rare in children under 3 years of age.⁴ Other causes of a sore throat in babies or small children can include:²

• Allergies: Seasonal allergies or allergies to pet hair, mold, dust, pollen, etc. can cause postnasal drip, which can irritate and inflame the throat. This is uncommon in infants, but may become more common as babies enter toddlerhood.
• dryness: Dry indoor air can make your throat raw and scratchy. This is often the case in winter when the heating system in your home is in frequent use.
• Irritants: This refers to outdoor and indoor air pollution, including tobacco smoke or air particles from burning fossil fuels and common household chemicals.
• Tight spaces: Viral and bacterial infections spread quickly wherever people gather, be it in daycare centers, classrooms, offices or airplanes.

Yes. Strep throat can occur in babies, but it is rare in children under three years of age.⁴ Strep throat, particularly group A strep, is the most common bacteria that can cause strep throat in children.² It is important for parents to know the signs of a sore throat in their baby.

Humidifiers are a great way to help with a sore throat. They add moisture to the air, helping to keep mucous membranes moist, and they can help thin mucus. A baby’s sore throat is often related to mucus draining from the throat. In this case, a humidifier could be just the right strategy. In addition to humidifiers, here is a list of other treatments that can help soothe your baby’s sore throat:^4.5

• Nasal suction: This helps clear loose congestion and mucus from the nose. Salt drops help loosen the mucus.
• Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding babies sometimes want to breastfeed more often if they are feeling unwell. This calms the baby and provides him with the necessary fluids and nutrition.
• Frozen liquids (for older infants): It is important that your baby continues to get enough fluids. Frozen popsicles or Pedialyte pops are great. Younger infants can use frozen formula or breast milk in the form of a homemade popsicle.
• Over-the-counter painkillers: This helps with pain and swelling in the throat. Consult your doctor for a recommendation on the medicine to use and the dose to use.
• Much liquid: It is important that your baby gets enough fluids during his sore throat.

If you are unsure which treatment is best for your baby, ask your doctor for advice.

Children and babies often experience a reddening or sore throat. Usually the cause is a virus such as a cold, which generally goes away on its own within about seven to ten days.⁷ But what if the sore throat seems worse than usual or isn’t getting better? Here are some everyday situations that mean it’s time to call the doctor:

• Your baby seems to be having trouble breathing or his breathing seems different.
• Your baby has difficulty swallowing, especially if he or she is drooling more than usual.
• Your baby appears to have a stiff neck.
• Your baby has a fever (45°C or higher) that does not go away with acetaminophen or ibuprofen or increases again after a brief decrease.
• Your baby is refusing to feed or is drinking much less than normal.
• The pain seems severe and her crying is getting worse.
• Your baby develops a rash (unless… Diaper rash).
• Your baby is so sleepy that he has a hard time waking up or staying awake.
• Your baby starts vomiting or has been around someone (especially a family member) who has strep throat.

In general, it is not recommended to give children special medications for sore throats. Sometimes your pediatrician will recommend certain comfort medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (only for children over 6 months old).⁶ You should ask your pediatrician for advice about over-the-counter medications.

Here are some tips for dealing with your baby’s sore or red throat:

• Hold your child’s head up so that the mucus can drain out of the nose.
• Wash your hands frequently to avoid mutual transmission of germs. (Alcohol-based hand sanitizer are also suitable for this.)
• Disinfect (at least once daily) frequently touched areas from the whole family, such as doorknobs, toilet handles, faucet handles, mobile phones, TV remote controls, etc.
• Do not share drinking cups or utensils with others. Do not clean the baby’s dummy by putting it in your mouth, otherwise you might catch the same disease.
• Give your baby small amounts of fluids if they have difficulty swallowing, or make homemade popsicles Breast milk or formula.
• Monitor their temperatureand if the temperature reaches 101 degrees Fahrenheit for more than three days in a row, call your provider to make them aware.
• Use saline nose drops to clear a stuffy nose and remove it with a bulb syringe or suction device. Also use a Cool mist humidifier to add moisture to the air.

​Sore or red throat is a common symptom in babies, usually due to a viral illness or an irritant in the air indoors or outdoors. Most sore throats go away within seven to 10 days without medication or home remedies. If the baby experiences further symptoms of illness or does not seem to be improving, contact your doctor. And when your baby is fully recovered, you can enjoy his sweet smile and laughter again!