A Parent's Guide to Caring for Newborn Illnesses: Tips for First-Time

Newborn Illnesses: A Practical Guide for First-Time Parents

By Sunlovekids

Once upon a time, your adorable baby was safe and snug in the warmth of your womb, protected from the outside world. But not long after your little one made their grand entrance, you likely realized just how challenging it is to shield a newborn from everyday dangers—especially germs, viruses, and infections. So, what’s a loving parent to do?

Many first-time parents are surprised at how easily newborns can get sick. With their tiny, developing immune systems, even a mild virus can feel overwhelming. At Sunlovekids, we understand the stress that comes with caring for a sick infant, and we’re here to help.

Having navigated this journey myself, I’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked questions about newborn illness care, so you can feel better prepared and more empowered.

Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional. Always consult your pediatrician before following any advice. The information here is linked to trusted sources so you can dig deeper.

1. What Are the Most Common Illnesses in Newborns?

Newborns are especially vulnerable to illness because their immune systems don’t fully develop until around 3 months of age. Many infections that are mild for adults can be serious for babies.(source)

Here are some of the most common newborn illnesses and infections:

The common cold (rhinovirus)
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
Influenza (the flu)
Pneumonia
Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease
Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Whooping cough
Otitis media (ear infections)
Bronchitis
Bronchiolitis

Treatment will depend on whether the illness is caused by a virus or bacteria, your baby's age, and the severity of symptoms. Always consult your pediatrician for a safe and appropriate treatment plan.

Tip from Sunlovekids: Stay informed about your baby’s vaccination schedule. Many illnesses can be prevented or made milder through routine immunization. Read our guide: Your Baby’s Vaccination Schedule: What Every Parent Should Know.

2. Is It Just a Runny Nose or Something More Serious?

This is one of the most frequent questions parents ask—and rightly so. While a runny nose can be harmless, if it’s paired with fever, labored breathing, or diarrhea, it's time to call your doctor.(source)

Seek emergency care if your newborn has any of these symptoms:

Diarrhea (3 or more episodes in 24 hours)
Fever (over 100.4°F / 38°C for babies 1–3 months)
Rattling in the chest
Poor appetite or refusal to feed
Fewer than 3 dirty diapers or 8 wet diapers in 24 hours
Vomiting and trouble keeping food down
Skin rashes that spread or don’t fade
Wheezing or noisy breathing
Sucking in at the chest or neck (labored breathing)

Because newborns can’t fight off infections as easily as older kids, symptoms can escalate quickly. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to be safe and get checked.

3. What Medical Tools Should I Have at Home?

You don’t need a hospital’s worth of supplies, but a few baby first aid kit essentials can go a long way in easing your worries.

Sunlovekids' Suggested Must-Haves for Baby Illness Care at Home:

Stethoscope: Useful for detecting wheezing or chest congestion during respiratory illnesses.
Saline spray + Nose bulb or NoseFrida: A lifesaver for clearing mucus.
Baby pulse oximeter: Helpful in monitoring oxygen levels during illnesses like RSV or bronchiolitis.
Diaper rash cream & Aquaphor: Essential for soothing skin irritation.
Fragrance-free soap: Reduces the chance of skin sensitivity.

4. Can Newborns Take Antibiotics?

Yes, but only under a doctor’s guidance. Newborns can be prescribed antibiotics if they have a bacterial infection. The most commonly used options are amoxicillin and gentamicin, but again, your pediatrician will determine the best treatment.

While antibiotics aren’t ideal unless necessary, treating a bacterial infection early is crucial to prevent complications.

4. Can a Newborn Have Over-the-Counter Medicine?

No—never give a newborn over-the-counter (OTC) medicine without first getting your pediatrician’s approval. Most OTC medicines are not approved for infants and can cause dangerous side effects. Even toddlers under the age of two should only receive medication under a doctor’s guidance.

At Sunlovekids, we always advocate for safe medicine for newborns, which starts with professional advice. For babies under two, medication must be dosed precisely based on weight and age, not guesswork. Your pediatrician can provide a dosage chart for the most common infant medications, like acetaminophen (Tylenol).

Parent Tip: During your baby's first wellness visit, ask your doctor for recommended fever-reducing options, including infant Tylenol dosage for mild fevers below 100.4°F. If your baby is under 3 months old and has a fever above that, head to the Emergency Room immediately.

Never give your baby a portion of adult medicine or aspirin, as it can lead to life-threatening complications like Reye’s Syndrome.

Also, avoid cough and cold medications entirely for babies. These liquid medicines often contain multiple active ingredients and are not rated as safe for infants under two.

If your pediatrician prescribes medication, always use the included measuring syringe or cup. Kitchen spoons are not reliable—measurements can vary wildly, leading to potential overdoses (source).

5. What Are Some Home Remedies That Can Help My Newborn Cough Less?

With long wait times and rising healthcare costs, many parents are turning to natural baby care tips and safe home remedies for baby cough relief.

Here are a few gentle, pediatrician-approved techniques that can help:

Steam Therapy: Sit in a steamy bathroom with the shower running. The warm mist helps loosen mucus and clear congestion.
Saline Spray + NoseFrida/Nasal Bulb: Use saline spray to loosen mucus, then gently suction it out. Yes, it’s a little gross—but so effective.
Chest Physiotherapy: If your baby has an upper respiratory illness, ask your doctor about chest percussion techniques. With a soft cupped hand (never on bare skin), gentle rhythmic tapping can help loosen mucus so your baby can cough it up more easily.

Always do this technique between feedings, not immediately after, and never over the spine.

Which Home Remedies Should I Avoid Giving My Newborn?

Not all remedies that work for older kids are safe for infants.

No Honey: While honey is excellent for older children with coughs, babies under 12 months must never be given honey. It can contain Clostridium botulinum, which may lead to infantile botulism—a potentially life-threatening condition.

No Herbal Teas, Juice, or Water: Though tempting, these liquids aren’t safe for newborns. Babies need nutrient-dense breastmilk or formula exclusively in the first few months. Juice is full of sugar, teas lack proven safety, and water fills their tiny tummies without providing any nutrition.

6. Is It Dangerous to Lay My Newborn on Her Back If She Has Mucus?

Yes, lying flat can make newborn congestion worse. Many parents notice their baby’s breathing gets noisy or labored when laid down with a stuffy nose or cough.

Try This Instead:

Hold your baby upright in your arms or in a reclined position on your chest to promote easier breathing and reduce coughing. Your touch helps regulate their body temperature and heart rate, too.
If baby is sleeping in a crib or bassinet, place a rolled towel under the mattress or slightly elevate the crib legs to create a gentle incline. This helps prevent mucus from pooling in the throat.(source)

Never use pillows or loose blankets under your baby’s head, as these increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

7. How Can I Help My Sick Baby Sleep?

Sleep is one of the most healing gifts you can offer your baby—especially when they’re unwell. At Sunlovekids, we know how exhausting it can be to care for a sick newborn, especially when baby sleep during illness becomes elusive. Here are gentle, research-backed ways to help your little one (and maybe even yourself) get a bit more rest.

Create a calming sleep environment:

Keep the room quiet and dim, using blackout curtains and turning off bright phone screens nearby.
A cool-mist humidifier helps prevent dry air from worsening your baby’s congestion.
Skip essential oils or scented products—their effects on newborns aren’t fully understood and may irritate your baby’s sensitive nose and lungs.

Soothe your baby with gentle contact:

Rocking, cuddling, or softly patting your baby can help them feel safe enough to drift off.
If your baby is congested, know that shifting positions may momentarily trigger coughing as mucus shifts.

Try an upright sleep hold:

Holding your baby upright in a comfy chair throughout the night can be a lifesaver for relieving baby congestion—just remember, it’s okay to take turns with a partner or nap in shifts to protect your own health, too.

Clear nasal passages before bed:

Although fussy, using saline spray and suction before bedtime helps clear out mucus, making breathing easier.
A warm bath and a calming feed can round out your bedtime routine for a sick baby, encouraging sleep and comfort.

8. Does Breastmilk Help My Baby Fight Illnesses?

Absolutely—breastmilk is your baby’s first defense against illness. It contains a powerful mix of nutrients, antibodies, probiotics, fats, and proteins that work with your baby’s developing immune system to fight off viruses and infections (source).

At Sunlovekids, we encourage moms to think of breastmilk as a custom-made medicine—tailored to your baby’s specific needs. In fact, breastmilk changes composition in response to your baby’s condition and age (source). It’s no wonder breastfed babies tend to have fewer ear, lung, and digestive infections (source).

Are There Foods I Should Avoid While Breastfeeding a Sick Baby?

In general, your breastmilk reflects your diet, so eating a variety of whole foods—vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains—will naturally create nutrient-rich milk.

There’s a myth that foods like broccoli, spicy dishes, or dairy make babies gassy. There’s little scientific proof to support this unless you notice a specific reaction, like bloating or irritability, after certain meals (source).

So what should you avoid?

Unpleasant flavors. When your baby’s feeling under the weather, harsh or bitter flavors from certain foods may bother their already sensitive system.
Overly processed or sugary foods. These don’t nourish your body or milk the way fresh, whole foods do.

The bottom line: A balanced diet = better breastmilk = a stronger, more resilient baby.

9. Should I Keep Other Kids and Adults Away From My Sick Baby?

Yes—minimizing germ exposure is key to protecting your baby, even if they’re already ill.

If another child or adult in the household is sick, they should:

Avoid direct contact with your baby
Wash hands thoroughly before handling anything baby-related
Keep faces away from baby’s face—babies are particularly susceptible to airborne droplets
Change into clean clothes and avoid cuddling while sick

Even if your baby already has a virus, added exposure to new pathogens can lead to secondary infections, which are harder to treat in newborns.

For more tips on keeping your baby healthy at home, check out our guide: Keeping Your Baby Healthy: Tips for Protecting Your Baby's Health.

10. What Is the Best Way to Take My Baby's Temperature?

When it comes to checking your baby's temperature accurately, pediatricians—and even emergency rooms—agree: the rectal method is the gold standard. While it might seem uncomfortable, it gives the most reliable reading for newborns.

If you’d prefer a less invasive option, temporal artery thermometers (used on the forehead) offer a solid middle ground. They’re not quite as precise as rectal readings, but far more accurate than armpit (axillary) thermometers and less stressful for your baby.

At Sunlovekids, we recommend:

Start with a forehead or armpit thermometer if your baby seems fussy or warm.
Switch to a rectal thermometer if those readings suggest a fever.

If your baby is under 3 months and their temperature exceeds 100.4°F (38°C)—even just once—call your pediatrician or visit the ER right away.

11. How Do I Keep My Baby Hydrated While Sick?

Newborns are delicate, and when they’re sick, keeping your baby hydrated becomes your top priority. Illness, fever, and congestion can all interfere with feeding, which may lead to dangerous baby dehydration if not addressed early.

Here’s how to make sure your little one stays nourished:

Offer smaller, more frequent feedings

If your baby is congested or feverish, they may tire easily. Try feeding every hour for just a few minutes to keep hydration levels up without overwhelming them.

Use a slower bottle nipple

If bottle-feeding, opt for a slow-flow nipple so your baby can better coordinate breathing and swallowing while sick.

Watch diaper output

The best sign your baby is staying hydrated? 6–8 wet diapers per day (after your milk has come in, if breastfeeding).

Fewer than 4 diapers in 24 hours? Offer more feedings and call your pediatrician.
Fewer than 3 diapers? Seek medical help immediately.

Skin turgor test

Gently press on your baby’s arm, leg, or belly and count how long it takes for the color to return. More than 3 seconds? That could be a sign of dehydration in your newborn.

At Sunlovekids, we’re all about keeping babies happy, healthy, and hydrated through every sniffle and sneeze.

12. Does Cold Weather Make My Baby More Likely to Get Sick?

It’s a common belief, but no—cold weather itself doesn’t cause illness. However, it does make your baby more vulnerable to viruses. Here's why:

In cold temps, blood vessels narrow to retain heat, which may limit immune response.
Families tend to stay indoors more, creating close quarters for germs to spread.
Dry air in winter irritates nasal passages, making it easier for viruses to take hold.

That’s why flu, RSV, rhinovirus, and even COVID-19 tend to spike from October to May in the U.S. These viruses can lead to bronchiolitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia—serious conditions in infants.

Here's how to protect your baby during cold seasons:

Limit unnecessary outings, especially in crowded indoor spaces
Wash hands before every feeding and baby interaction
Breastfeed if possible to strengthen baby’s immunity
Keep your baby warm, but not overheated
Stick to a nutrient-rich diet for you (if breastfeeding)

Whether it’s warm or cold outside, Sunlovekids is here to help you keep your baby safe, strong, and snuggled.

13. How Hot Is Too Hot for a Baby's Fever?

Knowing how hot is too hot for a baby can be the difference between peace of mind and a trip to the emergency room. A newborn’s immune system is still developing, so even a low-grade fever may be cause for concern.(source)

Here’s a quick baby fever temperature chart by age:

0 to 3 months: A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher = Call your pediatrician or go to the ER immediately.
3 to 6 months: A fever of 102°F (38.9°C) or higher should be evaluated at the ER.
6 months and up: A fever of 103°F (39.4°C) becomes concerning, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.

Even though your little one may look okay, any fever in the first three months is potentially serious due to the high risk of infection. At this stage, newborns can’t fight off bacteria and viruses the way older children can (source).

Pro Tip: Once your baby is over 6 months, a fever is less concerning if they are:

Alert and responsive
Smiling and playful
Feeding well
Maintaining a healthy skin color
Looking well once the fever drops

Still unsure? Always check in with your pediatrician, especially if you’re worried or symptoms seem to be piling up.

How Can I Regulate My Newborn's Temperature Without Medicine?

For mild fevers or slight temperature rises, especially under 100.4°F (38°C), you may be able to bring your baby's temperature down at home—no medicine required.

Remember, your baby’s internal thermostat isn’t great yet. Even overdressing or swaddling too warmly can lead to a spike in body temperature.

Try these gentle fever-reducing strategies:

Dress your baby in light, breathable clothing
Give a lukewarm sponge bath (never cold)
Lower the room temperature slightly
Practice skin-to-skin contact for natural regulation
Keep your baby hydrated with frequent feedings
Let your baby nap on your chest without a blanket

Pay attention to signs like sweating, flushed skin, or long stretches of hard sleep—your baby may be trying to fight off a mild infection naturally.

But if the fever persists, worsens, or is near the danger range for your baby’s age, seek medical help immediately. Trust your instincts—you know your baby best.

14. What Types of Baby Poop Should Concern Me?

Yes, we’re talking—because baby poop is one of the best windows into your newborn’s health. If you're changing a lot of diapers lately (and we know you are), it helps to know what’s normal and what might require a call to your pediatrician.

Here’s your ultimate baby poop color chart with descriptions, causes, and a “concern level” to help you quickly figure out if what you’re seeing is healthy or a red flag.

Poop Type	Color & Texture	What It Means	Concern Level
Meconium	Thick, sticky, black or tar-like	Your baby’s first poop, made of amniotic fluid and cells	Normal
Breastfed Poop	Mustard yellow, green, or brown; seedy, pasty, sweet-smelling	Totally normal for breastfed babies	Normal
Formula Poop	Yellow or light brown; thicker, like peanut butter; stronger smell	Expected with formula-fed babies	Normal
Green Poop	Dark green, any consistency	Often caused by iron supplements or minor diet changes	Normal
Speckled Poop	Black dots or blood specks	Could be swallowed blood (from cracked nipples or gut irritation)	Medium — call your doctor if it persists
Runny Poop	Loose, watery; yellow, green, or brown	Possible diarrhea—watch for dehydration signs	Concerning
Hard Poop	Pebble-like or dry clumps	Often from constipation or milk/soy intolerance	Concerning
Red Blood in Poop	Bright red streaks or red-tinged	Could indicate allergy, infection, or irritation	Concerning
Mucus Poop	Slimy, jelly-like, greenish streaks	May signal inflammation or infection	Concerning
White or Chalky Poop	Pale, clay-colored, chalky	May signal liver or bile duct issues	URGENT — call your doctor immediately

When Should I Worry About My Baby's Poop?

Here are a few rules of thumb:

If the poop is suddenly very different from usual, and your baby seems fussy, tired, or won’t eat—call your pediatrician.
Blood, white, or mucus-laden stool should always be discussed with a doctor.
Persistent diarrhea or constipation can quickly lead to dehydration or malnutrition in newborns.

Pro Tip: Take a photo of the diaper and share it with your pediatrician—it’s super helpful for remote consultations.

15. When Can My Baby Go Back to Daycare After Being Sick?

It’s never easy deciding when your baby is ready to return to daycare after being sick—especially if you’re still watching for lingering symptoms or juggling your own schedule. The general rule of thumb? Wait at least 24 hours after your baby’s fever has broken—without the help of fever-reducing medication—and make sure all other major symptoms have passed.

Minimum Age for Daycare

For health and immune protection, it’s recommended to delay daycare until your baby is at least 3 months old. A newborn's immune system is still developing, and early exposure to daycare germs could increase their chances of getting sick frequently.

When NOT to Send Your Baby Back to Daycare

If your little one is still showing any of the following symptoms, it’s best to keep them home and consult your pediatrician first. These may signal a contagious illness that could affect other babies in daycare:

Fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C)
Weakness, excessive sleepiness, or low energy
Vomiting or diarrhea
Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Persistent, rattling cough
Yellow or green eye discharge (possible conjunctivitis)
Unexplained or spreading rash
Complaints or signs of earache, sore throat, or headache

Your pediatrician will let you know when it’s safe for your baby to return to daycare. Many centers also require a doctor’s note to ensure your baby is no longer contagious.

Not Sure Yet? That’s Okay!

Still on the fence about putting your baby in daycare at all? You’re not alone. It’s a personal decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. You might want to check out our article Should I Go Back to Work After Having My Baby? for a breakdown of the pros and cons to help guide your choice.

In a Nutshell

Taking care of a sick baby can be tough—especially when you’re trying to figure out if those sniffles are just a passing cold or something more serious. Trust your instincts, consult your pediatrician when in doubt, and don’t be afraid to keep your baby home an extra day for rest.

Your baby’s health and comfort come first, and with time, you’ll grow more confident in recognizing when they’re truly feeling better and ready to head back to daycare.

A Parent's Guide to Caring for Newborn Illnesses: Tips for First-Time Moms and Dads