COVID-19 Symptoms in Baby or Toddler
Medically reviewed by Dr. Michael Okonkwo, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Neonatologist
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
If your baby has been diagnosed with or you suspect covid-19 symptoms in baby or toddler, here is what the evidence says.
The short answer
Most babies and toddlers who get COVID-19 have mild symptoms similar to a cold: fever, runny nose, cough, and fussiness. Some children have no symptoms at all. While children generally fare better than adults with COVID, babies under 1 year and children with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for severe illness. COVID vaccination is recommended for children 6 months and older. If your child tests positive for COVID and has mild symptoms, supportive care at home (fluids, rest, fever management) is usually sufficient. Watch for warning signs of a rare but serious complication called MIS-C (Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children), which can develop 2-6 weeks after infection.
Key takeaways
- Most babies and toddlers who get COVID-19 have mild symptoms similar to a cold: fever, runny nose, cough, and fussiness. Some children have no symptoms at all. While children generally fare better than adults with COVID, babies under 1 year and children with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for severe illness. COVID vaccination is recommended for children 6 months and older. If your child tests positive for COVID and has mild symptoms, supportive care at home (fluids, rest, fever management) is usually sufficient. Watch for warning signs of a rare but serious complication called MIS-C (Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children), which can develop 2-6 weeks after infection.
- Usually normal when: Mild cold symptoms (runny nose, low fever, mild cough) that improve over a week
- Call your doctor if: Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or chest retractions
“Fever itself is not an illness — rather, it is a sign or symptom that the body is fighting an infection. Fever stimulates certain defenses, such as the white blood cells, which attack and destroy invading bacteria.”
Thousands of parents search for this exact thing. You are not alone.
What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC guidelines, most babies and toddlers who get COVID-19 have mild symptoms similar to a cold: fever, runny nose, cough, and fussiness. Some children have no symptoms at all. While children generally fare better than adults with COVID, babies under 1 year and children with underlying health conditions are at higher risk for severe illness. COVID vaccination is recommended for children 6 months and older. If your child tests positive for COVID and has mild symptoms, supportive care at home (fluids, rest, fever management) is usually sufficient. Watch for warning signs of a rare but serious complication called MIS-C (Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children), which can develop 2-6 weeks after infection. At 0-12 months, babies with COVID-19 may have: fever, cough, nasal congestion, poor feeding, fussiness, and sleepiness. Babies under 6 months are at the highest risk for severe COVID among children. If your baby under 3 months has a fever of 100.4 degrees F or higher, seek immediate medical care regardless of the suspected cause. For babies 3-12 months with confirmed COVID, monitor closely for breathing difficulty, dehydration, and persistent high fever. Contact your pediatrician for guidance. COVID vaccination is available starting at 6 months. It is generally considered normal when mild cold symptoms (runny nose, low fever, mild cough) that improve over a week. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or chest retractions.
Normal vs. Concerning
When to Seek Immediate Care
- Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or chest retractions
- Any fever in a baby under 3 months
- Signs of dehydration: no wet diapers for 6+ hours, no tears, dry mouth
- Your child is lethargic or difficult to wake
- Bluish lips or face
- New confusion or inability to stay alert
- Symptoms of MIS-C 2-6 weeks after COVID: persistent high fever, severe abdominal pain, rash, red eyes, swelling - go to the ER immediately
By Age
What to expect by age
0-12 months
Babies with COVID-19 may have: fever, cough, nasal congestion, poor feeding, fussiness, and sleepiness. Babies under 6 months are at the highest risk for severe COVID among children. If your baby under 3 months has a fever of 100.4 degrees F or higher, seek immediate medical care regardless of the suspected cause. For babies 3-12 months with confirmed COVID, monitor closely for breathing difficulty, dehydration, and persistent high fever. Contact your pediatrician for guidance. COVID vaccination is available starting at 6 months.
1-3 years
Toddlers with COVID typically show cold-like symptoms: fever, runny nose, cough, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. Most recover within 1-2 weeks. Treatment is supportive: fluids, rest, acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever, and honey (for children over 1) for cough. Keep your child home from daycare until fever-free for 24 hours without medication and symptoms are improving. Watch for MIS-C symptoms 2-6 weeks after COVID: persistent fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, rash, red eyes, swollen hands/feet, or your child appearing very ill. MIS-C is rare but requires urgent medical care.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed covid-19 symptoms in baby or toddler and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby or toddler has tested positive for COVID and you want guidance.
- Mention if symptoms are lasting longer than 2 weeks.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Mild cold symptoms (runny nose, low fever, mild cough) that improve over a week
- Reduced appetite for a few days during illness
- Mild fatigue lasting a few days after fever resolves
- Your baby or toddler has tested positive for COVID and you want guidance
- Symptoms are lasting longer than 2 weeks
- Your child has an underlying health condition and has COVID
- You have questions about COVID vaccination for your child
- Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or chest retractions
- Any fever in a baby under 3 months
- Signs of dehydration: no wet diapers for 6+ hours, no tears, dry mouth
- Your child is lethargic or difficult to wake
- Bluish lips or face
- New confusion or inability to stay alert
- Symptoms of MIS-C 2-6 weeks after COVID: persistent high fever, severe abdominal pain, rash, red eyes, swelling - go to the ER immediately
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice covid-19 symptoms in baby or toddler — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that mild cold symptoms (runny nose, low fever, mild cough) that improve over a week — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 0-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Follow any care instructions from your pediatrician. Keep a written log of symptoms to bring to appointments.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or chest retractions.
Related Conditions
Cold vs. Flu in Baby - How to Tell the Difference
Colds and flu are both respiratory illnesses but are caused by different viruses and differ in severity. A cold comes on gradually with runny nose, sneezing, and mild cough. The flu hits suddenly with high fever, body aches, extreme fatigue, and a dry cough. Babies and children under 5 are at higher risk for flu complications. The flu can be treated with antiviral medication (like oseltamivir/Tamiflu) if started within 48 hours of symptom onset, which is why early evaluation is important. The best prevention is the annual flu vaccine, recommended for all children 6 months and older.
baby first cold
Baby Has a High Fever Over 104 Degrees F
A fever above 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) in a baby or toddler can be alarming, but the height of the fever alone does not necessarily indicate a more serious illness. Many common childhood viral infections (like roseola) can cause high fevers. What matters more than the number is how your child looks and behaves. A child with a 104 degree F fever who is still alert, making eye contact, and drinking fluids is less concerning than a child with a 102 degree F fever who is limp and unresponsive. However, fevers above 104 degrees F should always be discussed with your pediatrician.
baby cough types
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is covid-19 symptoms in baby or toddler normal?
When should I call the doctor about covid-19 symptoms in baby or toddler?
When is covid-19 symptoms in baby or toddler normal?
What causes covid-19 symptoms in baby or toddler?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about covid-19 symptoms in baby or toddler?
Is covid-19 symptoms in baby or toddler normal at 0-12 months?
Is covid-19 symptoms in baby or toddler normal at 1-3 years?
Should I go to the ER for covid-19 symptoms in baby or toddler?
Does covid-19 symptoms in baby or toddler go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss COVID-19 Symptoms in Baby or Toddler.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed covid-19 symptoms in baby or toddler and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby or toddler has tested positive for COVID and you want guidance.
- Mention if symptoms are lasting longer than 2 weeks.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your baby or toddler has tested positive for COVID and you want guidance
- Symptoms are lasting longer than 2 weeks
- Your child has an underlying health condition and has COVID
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or chest retractions
- Any fever in a baby under 3 months
- Signs of dehydration: no wet diapers for 6+ hours, no tears, dry mouth
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of covid-19 symptoms in baby or toddler are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, or chest retractions.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Medical Concerns
Cold vs. Flu in Baby - How to Tell the Difference
Colds and flu are both respiratory illnesses but are caused by different viruses and differ in severity. A cold comes on gradually with runny nose, sneezing, and mild cough. The flu hits suddenly with high fever, body aches, extreme fatigue, and a dry cough. Babies and children under 5 are at higher risk for flu complications. The flu can be treated with antiviral medication (like oseltamivir/Tamiflu) if started within 48 hours of symptom onset, which is why early evaluation is important. The best prevention is the annual flu vaccine, recommended for all children 6 months and older.
Baby Has a High Fever Over 104 Degrees F
A fever above 104 degrees F (40 degrees C) in a baby or toddler can be alarming, but the height of the fever alone does not necessarily indicate a more serious illness. Many common childhood viral infections (like roseola) can cause high fevers. What matters more than the number is how your child looks and behaves. A child with a 104 degree F fever who is still alert, making eye contact, and drinking fluids is less concerning than a child with a 102 degree F fever who is limp and unresponsive. However, fevers above 104 degrees F should always be discussed with your pediatrician.
My Baby's Head Shape Looks Abnormal
Many babies develop temporary head shape irregularities that are completely normal. A cone-shaped head from vaginal delivery reshapes within days. Mild positional flattening (plagiocephaly) from sleeping on the back is very common and usually improves with repositioning and tummy time. However, head shape changes involving ridges, a persistently bulging fontanelle, or rapid head growth changes should be evaluated to rule out craniosynostosis.
Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) in Babies
Achondroplasia is the most common form of short-limbed dwarfism, affecting about 1 in 15,000 to 40,000 births. It is caused by a mutation in the FGFR3 gene and is usually apparent at birth with characteristic features including short limbs, a larger head, and a prominent forehead. Intelligence is normal. With monitoring for specific complications and supportive care, children with achondroplasia lead full, active, and independent lives.
Adenoid Hypertrophy and Breathing
Adenoids are lymphoid tissue located behind the nose that help fight infection in young children. When adenoids become enlarged (adenoid hypertrophy), they can block the nasal airway, causing chronic mouth breathing, snoring, nasal speech, and sleep-disordered breathing. Enlarged adenoids are most common between ages 2-7 and are a leading cause of obstructive sleep apnea in young children. Treatment ranges from watchful waiting and nasal steroids to surgical removal (adenoidectomy) if breathing or sleep is significantly affected.
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) in Babies
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a genetic disorder affecting about 1 in 17,000 newborns, caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene on the X chromosome. It primarily affects boys and impairs the breakdown of very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), which accumulate and damage the myelin sheath in the brain and the adrenal glands. The most severe form, cerebral ALD, typically affects boys between ages 4-10 with rapid neurological decline. Newborn screening now enables early detection, and hematopoietic stem cell transplant or gene therapy performed before significant brain involvement can be life-saving.