Runny Nose and Sneezing

Runny nose can be identified as streaming mucous (or slime) from your baby’s nose. A baby’s immune system is immature, which makes them more vulnerable to illness. For some babies, it may seem like they have a constant runny nose, however this is perfectly normal and may just be the result of a baby having a back-to-back cold viral infection.

Sneezing is a natural reflex mechanism used to clear airborne substances and congestion from the respiratory and nasal passages. It is very common in babies and not usually something to cause concern.

Runny Nose and Sneezing & CMPA

Why does my baby have a runny nose and sneezing?

Your baby may have:
a food allergy, e.g. Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA)
an illness of the upper airways such as a cold virus
inhaled dry air or irritants, such as cigarette smoke and dust

Could it be Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy?

Runny nose and sneezing are common symptoms for babies with CMPA. A runny nose in your baby can appear as soon as 30 minutes after feeding. However, babies with CMPA usually experience more than just one symptom and these symptoms can be very different from one baby to the next. Therefore it is always best to discuss it with your baby’s healthcare provider. They will look at the symptoms in detail and often use a symptom scoring system to decide if it is related to CMPA.

What to Do Next?

If you are worried that your baby has symptoms related to cow's milk, you should seek advice from your healthcare provider. Whilst you are preparing to visit your healthcare provider, it can be a good idea to record your baby's symptoms over a few days before the visit.