Baby and Toddler Infections

Baby and toddler infections are common. Most are caused by viruses (so called viral infections) and most involve the upper respiratory tract (the common cold is the prime example) which are known as viral upper respiratory tract infections. However, some infections are caused by bacteria and will require antibiotics for treatment.

Some infections are serious and require urgent attention. To read about signs of serious illness in your infant or toddler, click here.

To read about general information relating to fever and its treatment in infants and toddlers, click here.

This page gives links to pages on common infections in babies and toddlers.

The following list of infections is in alphabetical order:

• Bronchiolitis - a viral respiratory tract infection due to RSV seen in babies

• Chicken-pox - infectious disease caused by varicella zoster infection

• Cold sores - itchy blisters around the mouth usually

• Common cold - coughs and colds are upper respiratory tract infections and very common in toddlers

• Croup - a viral infection causing noisy breathing

• Ear infections - common in toddlers causing transient hearing loss and ear pain

• Fifth disease - gives fever and a slapped cheek appearance

• Gastroenteritis - a viral infection causing diarrhea and/or vomiting

• Hand, foot and mouth disease - causes blisters in the mouth and on the palms of the hands

• Impetigo - a skin infection usually involving the face

• Influenza - a severe viral infection occasionally causing epidemics.
• Meningitis - a serious infection involving the covering of the brain

• Pneumonia - an infection of the lungs

• Tonsillitis - causing a sore throat

• Urinary Tract Infection - an infection in the urine which can be difficult to diagnose in young children who are not toilet trained