Common Health Problems in Toddlers and How to Help

When a child takes their first steps, everything changes. A toddler is a child between 1 and 3 years old. Toddlers walk, climb and explore every corner of the house. They touch everything and often put their hands in their mouths. They also start spending more time around other kids at playdates and child care. So it can feel like your toddler is always catching something.

The good news is that vaccines and good hygiene have made many serious childhood diseases rare. Most toddler illnesses are mild and get better on their own. Here are the most common ones, what to look for and when to call the doctor.

Common health problems in toddlers

Colds

Colds are very common in young children. The CDC says a cold is caused by a virus and usually lasts less than a week. Signs include a runny or stuffy nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat and sometimes a low fever. Children get more colds than adults.

Rest and fluids are usually enough. The CDC says antibiotics don't work against viruses and won't help a cold. Be careful with cough and cold medicines. The FDA says children under 2 should not get any cough and cold product with a decongestant or antihistamine because of serious side effects. Most of these products are labeled "do not use in children under 4 years of age." Never give a child medicine made for adults. If your child has a fever, ask their doctor which fever medicine (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) and what dose is right for their age and weight. Learn more in our post on respiratory tract infections in children.

Ear infections

Ear infections often follow a cold. A toddler may pull at their ear, be fussy or have trouble sleeping. Read our post on ear infections in children to learn the signs and when to see the doctor.

Croup

Croup is swelling of the voice box and windpipe. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says it often starts like a cold and then turns into a "barky cough." Your child's voice may sound hoarse. They may make a harsh sound when breathing in, called stridor. Croup is most common between 3 months and 5 years of age, and in fall and winter. The AAP says stridor while your child is resting can be a sign of more severe croup. If your child is struggling to breathe, get medical help right away.

Vomiting and diarrhea

Stomach bugs are common because toddlers put their hands in their mouths. The AAP says mild diarrhea often goes away in a couple of days on its own. The biggest worry is dehydration. An oral rehydration solution (ORS), like Pedialyte, can help your child stay hydrated. Call the doctor if your child shows signs of dehydration, such as fewer wet diapers, a dry mouth or no tears. Read more in our post on vomiting in toddlers.

Urinary tract (bladder) infections

Bladder infections are more common in girls. Your child may pee more often, cry when peeing, be fussy or have a fever. A doctor needs to test the urine, and the infection is usually treated with antibiotics. Learn the signs in our post on urinary tract infections in children.

Allergies

As toddlers explore more, they may react to things like dust mites, pets, pollen, insect stings or foods. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology says the most common food allergies in children are eggs, milk and peanuts. Signs of an allergy can include hives, itching, sneezing, a runny nose or an upset stomach. If your child has trouble breathing or swelling of the face or lips after eating, call 911 right away.

Asthma

Asthma and allergies often run in families. The AAP says symptoms that are worse at night are often a warning sign of asthma. A cough may be the first, and sometimes the only, symptom. Other signs include wheezing (a high whistling sound when breathing) and trouble breathing. Not every child who wheezes has asthma, so talk to your child's doctor if you notice these signs.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is much less common today thanks to the vaccine. The CDC says chickenpox cases have dropped by over 97% since the vaccine program began in the United States. The main sign is an itchy rash that turns into blisters and then scabs. It usually lasts 4 to 7 days. A child can spread it from 1 to 2 days before the rash starts until all the blisters have crusted over, so keep your child home until then. The CDC recommends 2 doses of the vaccine: the first at 12 to 15 months and the second at 4 to 6 years.

Tips for keeping your toddler healthy

Keep up with vaccines

Make sure your child gets their shots on time. Vaccines protect against serious diseases like measles, mumps, whooping cough and chickenpox. If shots make your child nervous, read our tips on how to comfort your baby during shots.

Wash hands often

The CDC says handwashing with soap is one of the best ways to stay healthy. It helps stop the spread of colds and stomach bugs. Wash your child's hands before eating, after using the toilet or changing diapers and after blowing their nose. The CDC says to scrub for 20 seconds. If soap and water are not handy, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Be careful with medicines

Only give medicines that are made for children, and follow the label or your doctor's advice. Many cough and cold products have more than one drug in them, which can lead to an accidental overdose, says the FDA. Always read the Drug Facts label. Ask your child's doctor before giving herbal remedies or supplements too.

Keep smoke away from your child

The CDC says secondhand smoke can cause ear infections, respiratory infections and asthma attacks in children. Children whose parents smoke around them get more ear infections. Never allow smoking in your home or car.

Make your home safe

Keep floors clean in the areas where your toddler plays. Store cleaning products and medicines up high and locked away. Toddlers fall a lot, so read our tips on fall prevention in toddlers too.

Know when to call the doctor

Trust your gut. If your child seems very sick, is hard to wake, has trouble breathing or you are worried, call the doctor. Read our post on when to call a doctor to learn the red flags.

Songs for healthy habits

Songs can make healthy habits easier. In The Bath Song, a little penguin who didn't want a bath learns to wash with soap and a sponge, from hands and feet to belly and face. When your child feels sick, Going to the Doctor reminds them, "If you feel sick please go," and walks them through a checkup. And in Doctor Song, the doctor uses a stethoscope, checks a sore throat and says, "You should rest today and soon you'll feel ok." Find more animated kids songs on our music page.

Questions Parents Ask About Toddler Health

Why does my toddler get sick so often?

Toddlers touch everything, put their hands in their mouths and spend more time around other kids. The CDC says children get more colds than adults. Most of these illnesses are mild.

Does my toddler need antibiotics for a cold?

No. The CDC says colds are caused by viruses, and antibiotics don't work against viruses.

Can I give my toddler cough medicine?

The FDA says children under 2 should not get cough and cold products with a decongestant or antihistamine. Most of these products say not to use them in children under 4. Ask your child's doctor first.

What does croup sound like?

The AAP says croup causes a "barky cough," a hoarse voice and sometimes a harsh sound when breathing in, called stridor.

How long is chickenpox contagious?

The CDC says from 1 to 2 days before the rash starts until all the blisters have crusted over.

How long should my child wash their hands?

The CDC says to scrub with soap for 20 seconds. Humming a short song can help kids wash long enough.

When should I call the doctor?

Call if your child has trouble breathing, signs of dehydration, a fever that worries you or seems very sick. Call 911 for severe trouble breathing or swelling of the face or lips.

This post is for general information only. It is not medical advice. If you have questions about your child's health, please talk to your child's doctor.