Whether you're a first-time parent or you've been here before, nothing quite prepares you for your little one’s first cold. And as the cooler weather begins and we head into the colder months, those sniffles can become all too familiar. Unfortunately, it doesn’t make it any easier when your child is hit with their first dose of daycare germs or a post-park runny nose.
At Little SOHLS, we know life doesn’t slow down with the seasons—there are still puddles to stomp in, parks to visit, and milestones to reach. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Penny Blunden—Paediatric Nurse, mum, and founder of Sick Happens—to bring you helpful, reassuring tips for navigating your little explorer’s first cold with a bit more confidence and calm.
Ahh, winter. The season of cute beanies, Michelin-man-style onesies, and… illness. So. Much. Illness.
If you’re heading into your little one’s first cold and flu season, welcome. You’ve officially entered the rite of passage every parent navigates – the first real encounter with a runny nose that just won’t quit, a relentless cough that only seems to happen between the hours of 8pm and 7am, and the moment you realise your child’s immune system is still very much under construction.
So, what should I expect?
Children, especially in their first few years, are basically tiny germ magnets. Their immune system is in its “training phase” (we’re talking beginner-level immunity here), so they’re more susceptible to every cough and sniffle going around. And yes, they will get sick more often than adults. That’s biology, not failure.
In a typical winter, you can expect to meet a few key symptoms and germs. Common symptoms? Fevers, coughs, snotty noses and general irritability. The usual suspects behind those? RSV, influenza, rhinovirus, parainfluenza… and the list goes on. And on. Forever.
But here’s the thing: it’s not up to you to diagnose your child. That’s way too much pressure to place on yourself. Your job is to assess what’s happening so you know when you can safely wait it out, and when it’s time to get some backup. Work smarter, not harder.
Can kids really get sick "just from being cold?"
Let’s clear this one up, because I hear it all the time. No, kids don’t get sick just from being out in cold weather. Illness comes from viruses, not cool breezes. That said, cold, dry air can make little airways more irritable and more vulnerable if a virus is already lurking. So while going for long walks outside in winter isn’t a guaranteed ticket to catching a cold, it’s still smart to keep them warm, dry, and layered.
Prep before the sniffles hit
Like most things in parenting, a little prep goes a long way. Heading into winter, think about stocking up on the essentials: saline spray, a reliable thermometer, paracetamol or ibuprofen (always check the dosage for age and weight), a humidifier, and plenty of fluids (formula and breastmilk absolutely count!).
Vaccinations – including the annual flu shot – are one of the most effective ways to support your child’s developing immune system. And don’t underestimate the power of sleep, sunshine and good hydration. It’s all about giving their little bodies the best fighting chance.
But when should you actually worry?
Look, a runny nose isn’t a medical emergency. But a blocked nose that’s stopping your baby from drinking or breathing comfortably? That needs help.
Here are some common red flags of winter illness in babies:
● Trouble breathing (think sucking in at the ribs or noisy breathing)
● Coughing that makes your child go pale or blue around the lips
● Coughing that leads to pauses in breathing
● Refusing all fluids
● Persistent vomiting with signs of dehydration
And if your gut says, “something’s not right,” even if the symptoms seem mild — that’s valid. Instincts are part of your parenting toolkit too.
If I could tell every parent one thing…
Don’t panic over the first cold. Or the second. Or the tenth. It’s not a sign you’re doing something wrong — it’s a sign their immune system is learning. That’s its job.
Your job? Keep them comfortable, hydrated, and monitor for red flags. Save yourself the mental load of trying to come up with a diagnosis all by yourself, when instead you could be assessing their symptoms and keeping them comfortable.
Hang in there. The late night coughing and never-ending snotty noses will end — and when you feel like you are drowning, Sick Happens is here to remind you’re doing a fab job, and you’re not alone.
Why I started Sick Happens
Honestly? Because I’ve been there too. I’m a paediatric nurse, yes, but I’m also a mum who’s panicked at 3am, Googled symptoms I knew I shouldn’t, and held my breath while watching a rash spread before my eyes.
I created Sick Happens because I saw how often parents were blamed, shamed, or just left in the dark when it came to childhood illness. First aid is for the emergencies — but Sick Happens is for the everyday illnesses. Because although you’re not supposed to know everything, you should feel supported, confident, and calm when your child gets sick — because (spoiler alert): they will. A lot.
If you're ever lying awake, holding your sweaty little koala thinking, “Is this normal? Should I call someone? Should I wait it out?” — the Sick Happens course is your BFF. Press play on any of the on-demand videos to learn what’s normal, what’s not, and how to confidently care for your sick child at home (without spiralling down the Google rabbit hole).
It’s like having a paediatric nurse in your pocket — minus the hospital lighting and those harsh, plastic chairs. Check out www.sickhappens.com.au for more information.
Article By Penny Blunden – Paediatric Nurse, Mum, and Founder of Sick Happens
