Baby Pneumonia: Warning Signs & Treatment | Parenting Hub
Pneumonia in babies can develop after a cold. Fast breathing, fever and poor feeding are the key warning signs.
Pneumonia is a chest infection that needs prompt medical care. Fast or laboured breathing with fever is the headline sign.
What to watch for
Often starts as a cold that gets worse rather than better. Fever, fast breathing, sucking in at the ribs, wet or barking cough, poor feeding, lethargy.
What to do
See your GP urgently or go to the emergency department, especially in babies under 12 months. Treatment is antibiotics (for bacterial pneumonia), oxygen and feeding support if needed.
When to seek help
- Any fever under 3 months
- Fast or laboured breathing, sucking in at ribs/neck
- Grunting with breaths, head bobbing
- Pale, blue or grey skin/lips
- Drowsy, floppy or feeding very poorly
Common questions
Can it be prevented?
On-time vaccinations (pneumococcal, whooping cough, Hib, flu) significantly reduce the risk.