Baby Bronchiolitis & RSV: Symptoms & Care | Parenting Hub
Bronchiolitis (often from RSV) causes wheezy, fast breathing in babies. Here's what to watch and when to seek care.
Bronchiolitis is a viral lung infection most common in babies under 12 months. Watch breathing and feeding closely.
What to expect
Starts like a cold for 1–3 days, then a wheezy or rattly cough, fast breathing and reduced feeding. Symptoms peak around days 3–5 and improve over 7–10 days. Cough can linger for weeks.
Care at home
Most babies recover at home.
- Smaller, more frequent feeds
- Saline drops and gentle suction before feeds
- Upright cuddles and rest
- Paracetamol for fever (over 1 month) if needed
When to seek urgent care
Bronchiolitis can worsen quickly in young babies. Don't wait if breathing is fast or laboured, baby can't feed, has fewer wet nappies or is pale or drowsy.
When to seek help
- Under 3 months with any breathing trouble
- Fast breathing, sucking in at ribs/neck, head bobbing
- Pauses in breathing (apnoea)
- Feeding less than half normal, fewer wet nappies
- Pale, blue or grey skin/lips
Common questions
Do antibiotics help?
No — bronchiolitis is viral. Care is supportive: oxygen and feeding support if hospital admission is needed.