How to Treat a Baby's Runny Nose

Along these lines, croup is another potential illness that can cause concern. It is also known as a “barking” cough because of its raspy sound, similar to a seal’s bark. Your child may also make a high-pitched, squeaky noise when they breathe.

Croup may begin with similar symptoms to a cold or flu, such as a stuffy nose, runny nose, or fever, but the barking cough appears as the voice box and windpipe become irritated or swollen. If you suspect that your child has croup, it’s important to visit a pediatrician or health care provider, where they may suggest a chest X-ray depending on its severity and response to treatment.

What Do Different Snot Colors Mean in a Baby's Runny Nose?

It can be alarming to see thick yellow or green snot hanging from your baby's nose. What does it mean, exactly?

“Mucus can be clear, yellow, or green,” says Dr. Segura. “The presence of immune cells that fight infections typically alters the mucus color.” She explains that the initial appearance of mucus is part of your child’s inflammatory response from the body to help clear a virus from the nose and sinuses. “After two to three days, the body's immune cells fight back, changing the mucus to white, yellow, or green,” she adds. 

Although alarming, Dr. Wawrin explains that contrary to popular belief, green mucus does not always indicate a bacterial infection. “Pediatricians look more at a child's overarching set of symptoms and physical exam when deciding whether a child is sick with a virus or bacteria,” she says. “If your child has a lot of green mucus, it is still a good idea for him to get a check-up, but it