RSV & Bronchiolitis in Babies: Signs & When to Act | Parenting Hub
RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in babies. Early signs to watch, what worsening looks like, and when to seek urgent care.
RSV usually feels like a cold for older kids and adults, but in babies under 12 months it can cause bronchiolitis — and needs careful watching for breathing changes.
What it is
Bronchiolitis is inflammation of the small airways in the lungs, most often caused by RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). It's very common in babies under 12 months, especially in autumn and winter.
It usually starts like a cold and worsens around days 3–5 before slowly improving over 7–10 days.
Signs
Early symptoms can look like any cold; watch for breathing changes.
- Runny or blocked nose and cough at first
- Mild fever
- Fast, noisy or wheezy breathing
- Working hard to breathe — ribs and tummy sucking in, head bobbing
- Difficulty feeding (too breathless to suck)
- Fewer wet nappies
- Pauses in breathing in very young babies
What helps at home
There's no specific treatment — care is supportive.
- Smaller, more frequent feeds
- Saline nose drops and bulb suction before feeds
- Upright cuddles to help breathing
- Paracetamol over 1 month for fever or discomfort
- Plenty of rest and skin-to-skin
What does NOT help
Australian guidance is clear on this — these don't work for bronchiolitis.
- Antibiotics (it's viral)
- Cough or cold medicines
- Routine inhalers or nebulisers
- Steam treatments
When to see a doctor
See your GP the same day if your baby is feeding less than half normal, looking tired, or breathing faster than usual.
When to seek urgent care
Call 000 or go to ED if your baby has: severe breathing difficulty, ribs sucking in, blueness around lips, pauses in breathing, very few wet nappies, or is floppy or hard to rouse.
When to seek help
- Working hard to breathe — chest/tummy sucking in, head bobbing
- Blueness around lips or tongue
- Pauses in breathing longer than 20 seconds
- Feeding less than half normal
- Drowsy, floppy or unresponsive
- Under 3 months with any breathing change
Common questions
How long does bronchiolitis last?
Usually 7–10 days, worst around days 3–5. Cough can linger for 2–3 weeks.
Can my baby catch RSV again?
Yes — reinfection is common, but it's usually milder. RSV immunisation is available for some babies; ask your GP.