# When should I worry about my baby's cough? | Clever Mum > Most coughs are minor and viral. Get urgent help (call 999 or go to A&E) if your baby is struggling to breathe, grunting, has blue lips, or their tummy is * [ Home ](/) * › [ Mum Answers ](/answers) * › When should I worry about my baby's cough? Health & Safety # When should I worry about my baby's cough? Quick answer — When should I worry about my baby's cough? Most coughs are minor and viral. Get urgent help (call 999 or go to A&E) if your baby is struggling to breathe, grunting, has blue lips, or their tummy is sucking in under the ribs with each breath. Call 111 or your GP the same day for a fever with a cough in a baby under 3 months, a barking cough with a hoarse voice (croup), or a cough that won't settle after a few days. ## The signs that mean act immediately Call 999 or go straight to A&E if your baby: is working hard to breathe (fast breathing, grunting, or the skin between/under the ribs pulling in with each breath), has blue or grey lips or tongue, goes floppy or unresponsive, or pauses breathing. These are emergency signs regardless of what's causing the cough. ## The signs that need same-day advice * Fever with a cough in a baby **under 3 months** — always get this checked the same day * A barking, seal-like cough with a hoarse voice or noisy breathing when they breathe in (croup) — common, usually manageable at home, but worth a same-day call to confirm * A cough that's getting worse rather than better after a few days, or lasts more than 3 weeks * Your baby is feeding poorly, unusually drowsy, or you're simply worried — trust that instinct ## What's usually fine to manage at home A mild, dry or wet cough alongside a runny nose and otherwise normal feeding, breathing and behaviour is typically a straightforward viral cold — keep them upright-ish when feeding, offer plenty of fluids, and let it run its course. Most children under 5 have several coughs and colds a year; it's not usually a sign anything is wrong. ## More Health & Safety questions * [What temperature is a fever in a baby?](/answers/baby-temperature-fever/) * [Are cheap baby products from Amazon or eBay marketplace sellers safe?](/answers/are-cheap-amazon-baby-products-safe/) * [Is it safe to use a self-feeding bottle prop or hands-free feeding pillow?](/answers/are-self-feeding-bottle-props-safe/) * [Are baby sleep pillows safe for a newborn or under-12-months?](/answers/are-baby-sleep-pillows-safe/) * [How do I know my car seat is fitted correctly?](/answers/how-check-car-seat-fitted/) [Browse every question we answer →](/answers/) Health answers describe NHS guidance and are not medical advice — for anything urgent, call 111 (or 999 in an emergency). Spotted something out of date? Email [editors@clevermum.co.uk](mailto:editors@clevermum.co.uk).