Risk factors

A few factors put babies at higher risk of a common cold.

• Immature immune systems. Babies are, by nature, at risk of common colds because they haven't yet been exposed to or developed resistance to most of the viruses that cause them.
• Exposure to other children. Spending time with other children, who don't always wash their hands or cover their coughs and sneezes, can increase your baby's risk of catching a cold. Exposure to anyone with a cold can increase the risk of getting a cold.
• Time of year. Colds are more common from fall to late spring, but your baby can get a cold at any time.