Скачать или смотреть Top 5 Baby Illnesses You Need to Know About Croup | What is Croup in Baby by Dr. Poonam Sambhaji

As a pediatrician, here are essential care guidelines for your baby during the treatment of croup. Croup is a viral infection that affects the upper airway, leading to a distinctive barking cough. The focus during treatment is on ensuring comfort and monitoring for any signs of worsening.

General Care Instructions for a Baby with Croup

1. Rest and Comfort

Keep your baby calm and rested. Crying or agitation can worsen the cough or lead to difficulty breathing.

Avoid exposing the baby to cold air or smoke, as these can aggravate symptoms.

2. Fluid Intake

Keeping your baby hydrated is crucial, as dehydration can worsen the symptoms. Offer frequent fluids to prevent throat dryness and maintain hydration. Suitable fluids include:


For younger infants (below 6 months):

Continue exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding. Offer feeds more frequently if possible.

For older infants (above 6 months):

Breast milk or formula.

Warm water or lukewarm sips to soothe the throat.

Diluted fruit juices (without sugar).

Homemade soups or broths (light vegetable or chicken broth).

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) if your baby shows signs of dehydration, such as less frequent urination or dry lips.

3. Red Flag Signs (Emergency Symptoms)

While most cases of croup are mild and can be managed at home, it is important to monitor for red flag signs that require immediate medical attention. Return to the OPD or seek urgent care if you notice any of the following:

Stridor (a high-pitched sound when your baby breathes in) that persists, especially at rest.

Severe difficulty in breathing (nostrils flaring, chest sinking in with breaths, or using abdominal muscles to breathe).

Bluish tint around lips, face, or nails.

Excessive drooling or difficulty swallowing.

Lethargy or extreme irritability.

The baby’s barking cough worsens or does not improve over a few days.

Dehydration signs (dry mouth, no tears when crying, fewer wet diapers).

4. Fluid Preparations

Encourage your child to take small sips of warm fluids, especially during the day. Here are some easy fluid preparations that you can try:

Warm soups: Light chicken soup or clear vegetable broth can help soothe the throat.

Diluted fruit juices: Apple or pear juice diluted with water is gentle on the throat.

Honey-based drinks (for babies over 12 months): Mix a spoon of honey with warm water. Honey is soothing and can help relieve coughing.

Warm lemon water (for older babies): Can be soothing for throat irritation.

5. Instructions for Returning to the OPD for doctor revisit:

Plan to return to the OPD for follow-up if your baby’s symptoms don’t improve within 3-5 days or if you notice worsening cough, fever, or new symptoms.

Follow up as advised for a review of treatment and to assess overall recovery.

If prescribed, complete the course of medications such as steroids (to reduce airway inflammation) or nebulizers, as instructed by your doctor.

Make sure to maintain a calm, supportive environment for your baby. Timely fluids, rest, and monitoring for worsening symptoms will ensure a smooth recovery.




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Important Note:

The content provided here is intended for informational purposes. Consult a pediatrician for any health concerns or before making any treatment decisions.