Why Is My Baby Coughing? 8 Possible Causes and When to Worry

Caring for a baby with a wet or dry cough? Listen for wheezing, hacking, or barking first, then read on to find out what's normal and when it's time to worry.

Your baby will cough quite a bit in their first several months of life—and for good reason. Coughs are the body's way of protecting itself. They help keep the airways clear, ridding the throat of phlegm, postnasal drip (nasal mucus that drips down the back of the throat), or a lodged piece of food, explains Howard Balbi, M.D., director of pediatric infectious diseases at Nassau County Medical Center in East Meadow, New York.

But here's where things get tricky: A baby's cough can mean many different things, and it's not as if you can ask them what's wrong. Sometimes it's hard to know if you should call your doctor for advice, make an appointment, or head straight to the emergency room.

Wondering what to do for a baby with a cough? We compiled this guide to help you differentiate a wait-and-see cough from one that demands immediate medical attention. The next time you're dealing with newborn or baby cough, stay calm, listen carefully to the sound, and follow the directions below.

Types of Baby Coughs

If your baby has a cough, it's important to break down the details for proper diagnosis and treatment. There are two kinds of coughs that a baby might have: a dry cough or wet cough.